Today marks a significant change for travelers to Europe. As of June 11, 2024, the cost of obtaining a short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) has risen by 12 percent. This increase impacts all visitors to the Schengen Area, a region that encompasses 27 European countries.
New Schengen Visa Fees
According to the European Commission, the new fees for a short-stay Schengen visa have been adjusted to 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6 to 11. These changes were confirmed in a press release by the Republic of Slovenia on May 20, 2024. The increased costs reflect the European Commission’s decision to adjust visa fees globally.
The Schengen visa allows travelers to move freely across member countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa type is popular among tourists, business travelers, and those visiting friends or family across Europe.
The 12 percent fee increase is intended to address the rising administrative costs associated with processing these visas. The European Commission periodically reviews and adjusts these fees to ensure they cover the cost of visa issuance while remaining accessible to travelers.
Starting today, anyone planning to visit Schengen countries must budget for the higher visa fees. This adjustment could particularly affect families and frequent travelers, as the cumulative cost will be higher.
Travel agencies and tour operators are advising clients to be aware of the new fees and plan accordingly. Many are updating their service packages to reflect the increased visa expenses.
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