Schengen Visa Fee and Application Costs
Introduction:
The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to move freely between 26 European countries including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. In this article, we will discuss the Schengen visa fees and application costs that travelers should be aware of before applying for the Schengen visa.
Schengen Visa Fees:
Schengen visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the age of the traveler. The following is a breakdown of the Schengen visa fees by age group and visa type:
– Adults (18 and above):
The Schengen visa fee for adults is €80. This fee is applicable for short-stay visas which are valid for up to 90 days per six-month period.
– Children (between 6 and 17 years):
The Schengen visa fee for children between 6 and 17 years is €40. Like adults, this fee is applicable for short-stay visas which are valid for up to 90 days per six-month period.
– Children (under 6 years):
The Schengen visa is free of charge for children under 6 years.
Application Costs:
In addition to the Schengen visa fee, there are also application costs that travelers should be aware of. The following is a breakdown of the Schengen visa application costs:
– Service fees:
Travelers may be required to pay service fees to the visa application center where they are submitting their application. These fees vary depending on the center and the services provided. For example, travelers who choose to submit their application through a premium service center may have to pay higher service fees.
– Travel insurance:
One of the Schengen visa requirements is to have travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies. The cost of travel insurance varies depending on the provider and the coverage selected.
– Courier fees:
If travelers choose to have their passport and visa documents returned to them through courier service, they may have to pay additional fees.
FAQs:
Q: Is the Schengen visa fee refundable if my visa application is rejected?
A: No, the Schengen visa fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is rejected.
Q: Can I pay the Schengen visa fee in other currencies?
A: No, the Schengen visa fee can only be paid in euros.
Q: Are there any other costs involved in the Schengen visa application process?
A: Yes, travelers may have to pay service fees, travel insurance fees, and courier fees depending on their individual circumstances.
Q: Can I apply for a Schengen visa online?
A: No, Schengen visa applications have to be submitted in person at a visa application center or through an approved visa agency.
Conclusion:
The Schengen visa fees and application costs can add up quickly, especially for families traveling to Europe. It is important for travelers to budget accordingly and be aware of the costs involved before submitting their application. By understanding the costs involved, travelers can avoid any surprises and enjoy a stress-free trip to Europe.