How much does a Schengen visa cost?

_{^{NAME: Axel Strauss}}
_{^{DATE: June 2024}}

It’s no secret that international travel has been experiencing a lot of changes in recent years. And although travel to, from, and between Europe’s Schengen countries remains relatively easy, it does come at a certain cost. And — if you need to apply for a Schengen visa — that’s literally speaking.

That’s because one of the basic requirements for being granted a Schengen visa is that you pay a mandatory standard fee. That fee, meanwhile, has recently undergone a few changes of its own (heads-up — it hasn’t gotten any cheaper). And while AXA is just the messenger here, below is a general breakdown of the new costs and specifics behind them.

How much is a Schengen visa?
Is the visa fee the same for all Schengen countries?
Are there any additional costs to consider?
Are there any circumstances when the Schengen visa fee can be waived?
How can AXA help?
Everything else you need to know about the Schengen visa

How much is a Schengen visa?

The main body actually responsible for deciding how much a Schengen visa costs is the European Commission. And every three years or so, it tends to revise (and consequently increase) those costs in what it calls an "amendment to the Visa Code.” The last amendment was in January 2020, and it resulted in an increase from €60 to 80€ for adults and from €35 to €40 for kids 6-12yo.

In early 2024, the Commission had assessed the need to revise the visa fee amounts again. And this time around — by a total of 12%.

So as of June 11, 2024, the new standard fees for being granted a Schengen visa are as follows:

€90 for adults;
€45 for children between the ages of six and 12.

The good news? Children under the age of six can still get a Schengen visa for free.

Why have the prices been increased?

Well, there are likely several reasons. But to quote the official sources above, “this calculation is based on the EU-wide inflation rate and salary developments for national civil servants over the past 3 years.”

In other words, the fee hike is an effort to adapt to rising administrative (and other) costs, ensure better resources and conditions for consular and visa-processing service workers, and so on.

Meanwhile, our guess is that the increase will also likely help cover costs associated with certain planned technological advancements by the EU — mainly designed to help streamline the Schengen visa application process (and border controls in general). For example, programs like ETIAS, EES, and even the EU’s eventual plan to bring the whole Schengen visa application process online — although all still very much in the works — will likely all cost the EU a pretty penny.

But, again, we’re just the messenger here — and, outside the official sources, your guess is as good as ours. The one thing that is clear? If you’re hoping for a Schengen visa in the near future, you’ll need to shell out an extra standard 5 to 10 bucks (compared to the former standard fee, that is).

Is the visa fee the same for all Schengen countries?

Fortunately, yes. As of mid-2024, the Schengen visa fee remains standardized across all Schengen countries. So while the individual costs of goods and services may vary from country to country quite significantly, Schengen visa applicants pay the same fee regardless of which Schengen country they apply to — be it France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and so on.

Is the visa fee the same for all Schengen visas?

Not necessarily. That is, the standard fee applies to a short-stay (aka Type C or “tourist”) visa. A Type C visa is the most common type of Schengen visa, and it allows you to visit the Schengen — for up to 90 days within a 180-day period — for tourism, business, and/or family visits.

However, different fees may apply for other types of Schengen visas — such as long-stay visas for work, study, and so on. The reason being that these are generally subject to the specific regulations (and, therefore, fees) of the individual Schengen member state you are applying to.

On the other hand, there may also be exemptions for certain categories of applicants — i.e., students, researchers, participants in cultural, sporting, or educational events, and so on.

Are there any circumstances when the Schengen visa fee can be waived?

Yes, there are certain circumstances under which the Schengen visa fee can be waived. Applicants that may benefit from fee exemptions include — well, again, kids under six years of age, but also certain school pupils, students, and accompanying teachers on school trips.

Additionally, researchers traveling for scientific research purposes and representatives of non-profit organizations (aged 25 or less) participating in seminars, conferences, and/or sports, cultural, or educational events may also have their fees waived.

Further, some countries might offer exemptions based on bilateral agreements for civil workers, diplomats, and so on.

So make sure you do your homework and reach out to the embassy/consulate (and/or visa application center) of your destination country of choice to see how your particular travel reason may benefit you.

PRO-TIP: The EU also has a bunch of helpful info via its Immigration Portal and Migration and Home Affairs websites.

Are there any additional costs to consider?

And keep in mind that — if you’re not exempt — the actual amount you pay when applying for your Schengen visa will likely vary too. In other words, expect to spend a bit more than just the standard fee above.

First off, because individual Schengen countries might impose additional administrative fees and service charges through their consulates, embassies, and/or visa application centers.

Furthermore, costs for obtaining (and/or translating) certain required documents — such as bank statements, employment letters, and so on — can add to your overall expenses.

And, finally, if you’re going to apply for a Schengen visa — you’re going to need travel insurance for Europe (which is mandatory and must cover medical expenses up to €30,000).

How can AXA help?

And that’s where AXA comes in. Because while we don’t necessarily have any say as to what the European Commission decides to charge for your visa, we have been providing Schengen visa applicants the world over with affordable, top-quality Schengen travel insurance for years.

And not only do all our plans — Low-Cost (starting at as little as €22/week), Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet all the requirements for being granted a Schengen visa.
They also offer:

Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
Medical repatriation & transport;
Remote medical consultation — 24 hours a day, wherever you are (known as “Doctor, Please!”);
Up to 180 days of coverage;
No age restrictions.
Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries, including the U.K. (depending on the chosen plan, that is).

Not to mention peace of mind, security, and one less big thing to worry about during your trip. Moreover, unlike the Schengen visa, our plans can be purchased online in a matter of minutes. And the AXA travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide — can then be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too.

So learn more about (and compare) our 3 comprehensive plans and let AXA help bring you one big (and affordable) step closer to being approved for travel to Europe.

Everything else you need to know about the Schengen visa

And, finally — as you may have noticed from all of the above — we know a thing or two about Schengen visas themselves too (aside from the cost increases,of course). And while we can’t necessarily give you one — or make it any cheaper, unfortunately — we’re more than happy to help speed things along in your application process! So here’s a bunch of more stuff we’ve compiled to familiarize you with what exactly you’re paying for:

FAQ

If I cancel my visa application, will my application fee be refunded?

No. Unfortunately, your fee will not be refunded once you have submitted your application.

Will I receive a refund on my travel insurance if I cancel my Schengen Visa application?

Yes! AXA will refund your insurance fees if your visa application is rejected in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide official documentation explaining why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

Will it cost more to obtain a longer-stay Schengen Visa?

Generally speaking, there is little difference — as the fee covers the costs of processing your application. However, longer-stay visa applications to work or study are dealt with at a national level — so the requirements may vary, and your destination country may ask you to pay fees covering additional documentation.

Can I work or study in the Schengen Zone on a tourist visa?

No. While the tourist (or Type C) allows visitors to enter the Schengen for a short business trip, a holiday, and/or to visit family members, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit. AXA can tell you more.

What should I do if my visa is refused?

You can either apply again or appeal. The EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement can tell you more — but the outcome of your appeal will ultimately depend on the individual Schengen country’s authorities.

Get Schengen insurance