Schengen Visa Fee: How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding the visa fees is crucial when planning a trip to the Schengen countries. The Schengen member states set the Schengen visa fees, which apply to applicants from non-Schengen countries. These fees contribute to the administrative costs associated with processing visa applications. You must pay the visa fees after you apply for your Schengen visa for Indians.

What Are The Schengen Visa Fees?

The Schengen visa fee for Indian nationals stays the same, regardless of the validity of your visa. Here is a guide on the visa fees for a Schengen visa:

• Standard Visa Fee: The standard Schengen visa fee for adults is €80 (approximately INR 7258).

• Children aged 6 to 12: For children that fall into the age bracket, the fee is reduced to €40 (approximately INR 3629). Children under 6 are exempt from paying the visa fee.

• Reduced Fees: Certain categories, such as students, researchers, and close family members of EU citizens, may benefit from reduced or waived visa fees. In some cases, retirees or pensioners may also be eligible for reduced fees.

Note that the exchange rate calculates the visa fees in INR. The visa fees in INR can fluctuate as the exchange rate does.

Schengen Visa Fee Exemption For Indians

In addition to children under 6, the following Indian visa applicants are also exempt from paying the Schengen visa fee:

• Indian holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports travelling to Europe for official purposes.

• A family member of an EU/EEA national.

• Indian researchers travelling for scientific research.

Can Extra Charges Be Added To The Schengen Visa Fees?

Yes, there can. If you use a private visa application agency or visa service like Atlys that Atlys offers. You will pay more than the standard visa fee. However, you’ll get your money’s worth. This is because if you apply through Atlys, they’ll schedule your Schengen visa appointment and submit your documents at the Embassy or Consulate.

Travel insurance meeting Schengen requirements also adds additional costs to the visa fee. This ensures you have coverage for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen situations.

How Can I Pay My Schengen Visa Fee From India?

You must pay for your visa once you’re at the Embassy. Visa fees are payable in the local currency equivalent at the time of the application. The payment methods include cash, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers.

Will I Get A Refund If My Schengen Visa Gets Rejected?

No, you won’t. The Schengen visa fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected or withdrawn. However, reduced fees paid by certain categories might be partially or fully refunded if the visa is not granted.

Check out our blog on the common rejection reasons for the Schengen visa to avoid your visa being rejected!

Tips For Planning For The Schengen Visa Expenses

Here are a few tips to help you plan for the expenses that come with the Schengen visa:

• Budgeting: Factor in visa application fees and potential additional costs when creating your travel budget. Allocate funds not just for visa fees but also for associated expenses.

• Service Charges: Research and understand any service fees charged by your country's visa application centre or agency. This helps in planning for these charges and avoiding surprises later.

• Insurance Coverage: Prioritise getting good travel insurance meeting Schengen standards. Calculate the insurance cost and include it in your overall budget planning.

• Financial Preparation: Ensure you have enough funds to cover the visa application fees and the expenses associated with the visa application process.

• Contingency Planning: Keep a buffer amount in your budget for unforeseen circumstances or additional expenses that might arise during the visa application procedure.

Conclusion

Understanding the Schengen visa fee structure and associated costs is essential for anyone planning to visit the Schengen Area. Knowing the fees, possible exemptions, payment methods, and additional expenses allows applicants to plan their travel budgets more effectively, ensuring a smoother visa application process.

Government Sources

Atlys strives to provide readers with up-to-date and accurate information. This is why we only use government websites as sources for our blog posts.

• European Commission

Even though we provide the most up-to-date information, visa fees can change anytime. This is why we always urge our readers to check the government website before applying.