EU set to increase Schengen Visa fees this June

Earlier this year, the Commission of the European Union (EU) had announced that they would in fact be revising the cost of Schengen visa application fees.

According to Schengenvisa.info, the Commission had suggested that the fee for the visa application increase from €80 (R1 629,60) to €90 (R1 833,30) for adults and from €40 (R814,80) to €45 (R916,65) for children.

In latest news, the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has already announced that third country nationals in need of a Schengen visa be aware that as of 11 June, they would need to fork out more money in order to apply for one.

According to SchengenNews, the Slovenian Ministry stated that visa fees for adults filing a short-term visa application for Slovenia would now be €90, instead of the €80 as it has been so far, and €45, instead of €40, for children between six and 12 years old.

“The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. The increase will apply worldwide as of June 11, 2024. New Schengen visa fees will be €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to below 12 years of age.” the Slovenian Ministry said in their statement.

Although the European Union’s Commission has not actually made any announcements regarding when the increase would take effect throughout the Schengen region, it is expected to publish the change soon.

WHAT ARE SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION FEES AND WHO HAS TO PAY THEM?

According to Schengenvisa.info, all visitors wishing to visit a Schengen area in Europe will need to pay a non-refundable administration fee when applying for their visa, in order for their visa application to be processed.

South African citizens have to pay the fee in South African rands when submitting the visa application at the embassy/consulate of the Schengen country for which they’re applying to visit within South Africa.