Non-European Union citizens applying for a Schengen visa will see an increase in fees starting June 11, 2024. The European Commission announced that visa fees will rise by 12%, with the cost for adults increasing from €80 to €90 and for children aged 6-12 from €40 to €45. This adjustment follows a standard three-year review process and is attributed to inflation in EU member states.
All visa applications submitted on or after this date will be subject to the new fee, the commission said on its website.
The Schengen visa provides access to 26 EU countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, but does not include travel to Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria. The commission stated that despite the fee hike, the new rates remain lower than visa costs for other major destinations such as the US (€185), the UK (€134), and Australia (€117).
In addition to the fee increase, the EU has authorised external service providers assisting with visa applications to raise their fees from €40 to €45. The cost for visa extensions will remain unchanged at €30. The EU is also considering further fee increases for countries that do not cooperate with the return of their citizens expelled from the Schengen zone, with potential rises from €120 to €135 and €160 to €180.
This fee adjustment comes as Europe remains a top destination for many, including Nigerian youths seeking better opportunities due to stifling economic situations.
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