The European Commission will introduce a global rise in short-stay Schengen visa fees beginning June 11, 2024. This decision means that the cost of these visas will increase by 12%, affecting passengers planning trips to Europe.

New Fee Structure for Schengen Visas

Adult applicants will now pay €90, up from €80. The cost for children aged six to under twelve will increase from €40 to €45. This change affects visa applications submitted worldwide.

The Schengen visa permits travel to 27 European countries, including major locations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It will affect nationals from South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China who require a Schengen visa for short visits of up to 90 days. 

Cost Breakdown

• Adults: €90 (previously €80)
• Children aged 6-12: €45 (previously €40)

Special Fees for Certain Countries

• Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus: €35
• Cabo Verde: €60

The fee increase is intended to reflect the escalating expenses of processing visas and maintaining Schengen region security. The most recent pricing adjustment occurred in February 2020, when the adult visa fee increased from €60 to €80.

Reasons for the Fee Increase

The European Union attributes the price increase to inflation and the necessity to fund administrative expenditures. These costs include background checks, data processing, and the upkeep of secure entry systems. The decision follows the Commission's three-year review of Schengen visa fees.

The European Commission has also underlined the necessity of adjusting to rising prices and the inflationary climate in member states. Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, provided objective data to assist this price adjustment.

Despite the fee rise, Schengen visa facilitation agreements are unchanged unless specifically included in the Visa Code. These agreements provide explicit provisions for visa fees.

Potential Further Fee Increases

The European Union proposes additional cost increases for nations that do not cooperate effectively on readmission. Visa fees for non-cooperative countries could potentially reach €135.

The rise in Schengen visa fees comes against greater global immigration developments. For example, the United Kingdom has seen an increase in net migration, prompting the government to establish measures to limit immigration levels, particularly for student dependents and income thresholds for overseas workers.

On a worldwide scale, Australia is marking 75 years of embracing immigrants, with roughly 6 million people from 200 countries receiving citizenship since 1949. The government has also extended its refugee and humanitarian programs.

Meanwhile, Japan is creating a new Digital Nomad Visa, which will allow qualifying individuals with a specific salary to stay for six months, in line with numerous other countries that cater to remote workers. Authorities in New Zealand warn against fake employment offers and encourage people to adopt recognized immigration procedures.

FAQS

What caused the UK government to undertake immigration-related measures?

The UK experienced an increase in net migration, prompting policies aimed at regulating immigration numbers, particularly regarding student dependents and income criteria for overseas workers.

Are airlines implementing any new services or initiatives in response to immigration changes?

Airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airways are introducing new services and collaborations to improve passenger experiences as immigration environments evolve.