Visas will be more expensive. The European Union raises prices

The European Commission has confirmed that the cost of a Schengen visa will increase from June 2024. The blame for this state of affairs is the rising inflation in the European Union countries. How much will tourists pay under the new tariff? The increase is expected to reach up to 12 percent.

Visas will be more expensive

A new price list for the Schengen visa is in force from June 1. This is a visa that allows travelers to enter the Schengen area and stay in the territory of its member states for a short period of time. It is issued to people traveling for tourist purposes or to visit relatives.

The basic fee for a Schengen visa will increase from 80 to 90 euros for adults and from 40 to 45 euros for children. Interestingly, this cost is still considered “relatively low” compared to the cost of a visa in other countries. For example, the visa price list in the UK starts from 134 euros, in the USA from about 185 euros and in Australia from 117 euros.

Schengen countries include EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Romania and Bulgaria for land borders. Although Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are not members of the EU, they are also part of the Schengen Convention.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

Schengen visas are needed for non-EU citizens who do not benefit from the 90-day EU/Schengen permit. This includes South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China.

They are needed for tourism or family visits, but cannot be used for work in 28 European countries. With a Schengen visa, you can visit the country for up to 90 days in any six-month period.

People from countries such as the US, Canada, UK and Australia who are visiting the country for short periods of time do not need to apply for a Schengen visa. This is because they are entitled to 90 days of visa-free travel for every six months.

Why are Schengen visa fees increasing? Every three years, the European Commission evaluates these fees and may increase them based on a list of “objective criteria”. This includes inflation rates and the average salary of a civil servant in the Member States. The new prices were proposed on February 2 after a meeting at which member states supported the revision “with an overwhelming majority.”