Non-European citizens traveling to one of the 26 Schengen zone countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa. If you are one of them, certainly you wonder: how much does the visa cost? Is the visa fee expensive? What are the visa fees I have to pay?
Today we will answer those questions and help you understand what fees you have to pay while applying for the visa, we will show you the currency difference and prepare you for the trip!
Who has to pay Schengen visa fees?
Everyone who would like to enter for a short-term stay in any of the Schengen zone countries has to pay the visa fees in order to apply for a visa unless you come from one of the visa-exempt countries.
Visa-exempt nationals are able to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days until late 2022, without having to obtain travel authorization. However, after 2022 travel rules in the Schengen zone might change. It is supposed to happen when the ETIAS for Europe visa waiver implementation will be completed. The ETIAS electronic travel authorization will be mandatory for all visa waiver nationalities to travel to all of the 26 Schengen countries.
How much does the Schengen Visa cost?
Every applicant has to pay the fee for a Schengen visa which is non-refundable and mandatory. Even if the visa is denied there’s no refund.
The visa costs depend on the type of visa, the age of the applicant, and some other expectations. The Schengen visa fee can be paid in the designated consulate/embassy via cash, debit or credit card. The Schengen visa application costs include the visa fees payable at the corresponding embassy/consulate when applying.
Here are the prices of the Schengen Visa fees in two currencies:
| Schengen Visa category | Fee in EUR | Fee in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 80€ | 90$ |
| Child (6-12 years old) | 40€ | 45$ |
| Child younger than 6 years old | Free | Free |
| Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports traveling for official purposes | Free | Free |
| Family member of a EU/EEA national | Free | Free |
| Pupils, students and accompanying teachers during a school trip | Free | Free |
| Researchers traveling to perform scientific research | Free | Free |
| Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. | 35€ | 39$ |
Take into account that the USD value is subject to change, cause euro fees are static and unchangeable until the Schengen members decide otherwise.
However, there are some categories exempt from paying this amount, like participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, sports, conferences, cultural or educational events, organized by non-profit organizations.
Where do I pay for the Schengen visa fee?
For a Schengen visa (whether single, double, or multiple-entry) you can apply only through application via a European embassy or consulate. Applicants are required to pay the Schengen visa fees in person while submitting their applications at the chosen diplomatic office.
When I have to apply for the visa?
Applicants used to submit an application a maximum of 3 months before their journey, it has been extended to 6 months and no later than 15 days before entering the Schengen country.
