Starting today, June 11, visitors to the Schengen States will encounter an increase in Schengen visa fees. The European Commission has announced a 12 percent rise in the cost of a short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) on an international scale.
According to a press release issued by the Republic of Slovenia on May 20, the European Commission has endorsed a decision to elevate short-stay Schengen visa fees globally by 12 percent, effective from June 11, 2024. As per the decision, the new Schengen visa fees will be set at 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6 to below 12 years old.
This augmentation will be implemented worldwide as of today. The revised fees for adults represent an increase from 80 euros to 90 euros, while children aged between 6 and 12 will now be subject to a fee of 45 euros, up from the previous 40 euros. It’s noteworthy that the visa remains free for applicants under the age of 6.
The adjustment in visa fees follows a review of EU visa costs in December 2023, as mandated by the Schengen Visa Code, conducted every three years. The European Union attributes this increase to inflationary pressures and rising wages for civil workers. It’s pertinent to recall that the fees were previously raised from 60 euros to 80 euros in February 2020, marking a four-year interval.
The decision has triggered discontent, particularly among Turkish citizens, who had been anticipating an EU visa-free agreement. Despite a notable increase in visa applications within the Schengen Area, with over 10.3 million applications in 2023—a 37 percent rise from 2022—the figures still fall short of the record high of 17 million applications observed in 2019.
The Schengen Area encompasses 29 European countries, with 25 being EU member states. Notable participants include Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, among others.
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