Schengen Visa Fees Surge: Who’s Exempted?

The European Union has implemented a revised fee structure for Schengen visas, effective Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

This change is aimed at bolstering the efficiency and security of visa processing within the Schengen Area, a zone encompassing 27 European nations. While the standard visa fee for adults has increased from €80 to €90, and the fee for children aged 6-12 has risen from €40 to €45, there are notable exemptions to this increase. Certain groups and nationalities are exempt from the new fee structure, reflecting the European Union's commitment to balancing travel ease with its broader policy objectives.

Citizens from countries with existing visa-facilitation agreements with the European Union will continue to pay the previous fee of €35. These agreements ensure that even with future fee adjustments, visa costs for these nations remain stable. Additionally, holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports are not required to pay the visa fee. The revised guidelines also provide exemptions for travel related to education and training. Pupils, students, postgraduate students, and their accompanying teachers travelling to the Schengen Area for educational purposes are exempt from the visa fee.

Furthermore, representatives under 26 years old participating in non-profit events like seminars, conferences, or cultural activities within the Schengen Area do not need to pay the visa fee. Family members of EU citizens along with citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are exempt from the visa fee regardless of their nationality. Moreover, citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine can enter the European Union visa-free but still require a Schengen visa for travel within the zone.

While the new guidelines aim to streamline the visa process for most visitors, these exemptions remain in place to accommodate specific groups and nationalities. Travellers are highly recommended to consult reliable Schengen visa sources or contact their nearest consulate office to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on visa rules, fees, and exemptions.