Schengen Visa Fees 2025: Important Increase Confirmed

Schengen Visa Fees 2025 Increase Confirmed

The European Commission has officially confirmed a Schengen Visa fee increase for 2025, marking the first adjustment in years aimed at keeping up with inflation and administrative costs.

If you’re planning to travel to Europe next year, it’s crucial to understand how much the new Schengen Visa will cost, why the fees are rising, and what this means for your travel budget.

This detailed guide covers:

The new Schengen Visa fee structure for 2025
The reasons behind the increase
How the digital visa rollout affects costs
Tips to save money on applications
FAQs about refunds, renewals, and fee exemptions

Let’s explore the facts about the Schengen Visa fee increase in 2025 and what it means for travelers worldwide.

What Is the Schengen Visa Fees 2025 and Why the Fee Matters

The Schengen Visa allows travelers from over 100 non-EU countries to enter and move freely within 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area.

It’s required for short stays (up to 90 days) for purposes such as:

Tourism
Business meetings
Visiting family or friends
Medical treatment or study trips

Each year, millions of travelers apply for Schengen Visas through embassies, consulates, and visa centers. Because of the high volume, even a small fee increase can significantly impact travelers globally.

Schengen Visa Fees 2025 — The New Rates

The European Commission has proposed — and now officially confirmed — an increase of approximately 12.5% in the standard Schengen Visa fees starting early 2025.

New Schengen Visa Fees (Effective 2025):

Visa Type	Old Fee (Before 2025)	New Fee (2025)	% Increase
Adult (Short-Stay Visa Type C)	€80	€90	+12.5%
Children (6–12 years)	€40	€45	+12.5%
Children (under 6 years)	Free	Free	0%
Nationals with Agreements (discounted countries)	€35	€40	+14%

In addition, service fees charged by visa centers (like VFS Global and BLS International) may rise slightly due to digital transition costs.

Why Are Schengen Visa Fees Increasing in 2025?

The EU has cited several reasons behind this confirmed fee adjustment:

1. Inflation Adjustment

The Schengen Visa fee has not increased since 2020. Over time, inflation and higher administrative expenses have made the old fees unsustainable.

2. Digital Visa Transition

With the upcoming Digital Schengen Visa System (DSV) launching in 2025, new infrastructure, technology, and cybersecurity costs require additional funding.

3. Border Security Upgrades

Integration with ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) and EES (Entry/Exit System) demands greater financial support for data management and traveler verification.

4. Staffing and Processing Costs

Embassies and visa centers face rising labor costs, especially after pandemic-era staff reductions.

In short, the fee hike helps the EU cover the digitalization, modernization, and enhanced security of Schengen travel.

Who Will Be Affected by the Schengen Visa Fees 2025 Increase

The increase applies to most travelers from countries requiring a short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C), including citizens of:

India
Pakistan
Philippines
South Africa
Indonesia
Kenya
China
Turkey
And over 100 others

Visa-exempt travelers (e.g., from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) will not be affected, though they’ll soon need to register under ETIAS.

How to Pay the New Schengen Visa Fees 2025

Starting in 2025, the payment process will shift online through the new EU Visa Application Platform.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Bank transfers for official visa centers

Source: Official European Commission — Visa Policy Updates

Tip: Ensure you use only official embassy or authorized visa center websites to avoid fraud or fake visa fee requests.

Digital Schengen Visa System and Fee Implications

The Digital Schengen Visa (DSV) system launching in 2025 will replace the physical sticker with a secure QR-coded digital document.

This new digital format brings convenience but also adds:

Online processing fees for digital verification
Higher cybersecurity expenses (included in the new fee)
Reduced in-person appointment costs

Overall, while the visa fee increases slightly, processing efficiency improves, meaning less waiting time and fewer embassy visits.

Exemptions and Discounts in 2025

Not everyone will pay the full €90. The EU continues to offer fee exemptions and reductions for specific groups.

Exemptions:

Children under 6
Students or researchers attending educational programs
Representatives of non-profits under 25 attending cultural/sporting events
Family members of EU citizens

Discounts:

Citizens from countries with EU visa facilitation agreements (e.g., Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cape Verde) will continue paying reduced rates.

How the Fee Increase Affects Travelers

Let’s look at the broader impact:

Impact Area	Description
Budget	An extra €10–€15 per applicant may not seem high, but for families or frequent travelers, it adds up.
Applications	Slight decline expected in short-term applications, especially for low-income regions.
Processing Efficiency	Expected to improve due to digital tools funded by the fee increase.
Trust & Transparency	Applicants can now track fee breakdowns and payment receipts digitally.

How to Save Money When Applying for a Schengen Visa Fees 2025

Even with higher fees, there are smart ways to reduce your total visa cost.

1. Apply Early

Avoid express or last-minute processing fees by applying 6–12 weeks in advance.

2. Use the Digital Visa System

Digital submissions will cut down on travel and courier costs.

3. Choose Longer Validity Visas

If eligible, apply for a 1-year or 5-year multiple entry visa — it’s cheaper over time than applying multiple times.

4. Track Embassy Promotions

Some EU consulates temporarily reduce fees during bilateral programs or events.

Reaction from Travelers and Industry Experts

Travel agencies, frequent flyers, and tour operators have mixed reactions to the fee hike.

Positive Views:

Improved security and faster digital processing.
Easier renewals and less paperwork.

Concerns:

Higher fees could discourage budget travelers from non-EU countries.
Developing nations may face reduced Schengen tourism numbers in early 2025.

However, most experts agree that the digital shift and increased transparency make the new fees justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the Schengen Visa fee increase take effect?
A: The new fee structure will officially apply from March 2025, though some embassies may adjust earlier.

Q2: How much is the new Schengen Visa fee for adults?
A: The adult fee rises from €80 to €90 per application.

Q3: Will ETIAS fees also increase?
A: No. The ETIAS authorization remains €7 and is separate from visa fees.

Q4: Will the Schengen fee increase affect multiple-entry visas?
A: Yes. All visa categories (single, double, multiple) will have the same €90 base fee.

Q5: Can I still apply at my local embassy?
A: Yes, but digital applications via the EU Visa Portal will be encouraged and become standard in late 2025.

Agent Advise: Schengen Visa Fee Increase 2025 — What It Means for You

The Schengen Visa Fees 2025 update marks a new era in Europe’s border and visa management system. While the €10 increase may affect short-term budgets, it supports faster, more secure, and fully digital travel processing.

If you’re planning to visit Europe in 2025:
Budget slightly higher for your visa.
Use the Digital Visa Portal for a smoother process.
Stay updated via official EU sources.

The Schengen Visa system is evolving — and this fee adjustment is a step toward a modern, transparent, and traveler-friendly Europe.