Schengen Visa Fees: How Much Does It Cost for Indians?

Planning a trip to Europe? For Indian travellers, the Schengen visa fee is a key element of their budget.

In June 2024, the fee was updated, which means it is more important than ever to know the details of what you will be paying and also be aware of other extra costs associated with the application process.

Schengen visa fees typically range from €45 to €90, depending on t visa category. In Indian Rupees, this can vary between approximately ₹4,000 to ₹8,500, subject to current exchange rates and additional service charges by the visa processing center

This in-depth guide goes over all that you need to know about the Schengen visa fee structure, refund policies, and hidden expenses affecting your travel budget.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or planning a family trip, knowing these costs in advance will help you prepare better for your visa application.

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Is the Schengen Visa Fee the Same for Every Country?

Yes, the Schengen visa fee is the same in all member countries for short-stay (Type C) visas. What this means is that if you apply for a visa to go to France, to Germany, to Italy or any other Schengen country, you will pay the same price. The Type C visa, which is issued for tourism, business, or family visit purposes, grants a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.

However, fee amounts can vary with long-stay visas (work permits, study visas) as they are subject to each country’s rules, which may differ from the Schengen-wide standards. Also, some applicant types may be eligible for a reduced fee or exemption, including:

• Students participating in educational programs
• Researchers and academics
• Participants in cultural or sports events
• Children under specific age categories

Schengen Countries List

The Schengen Area is made up of 29 countries which have done away with border controls between them; thus, what you have is free movement once you are in any member state. These countries include:

With one Schengen visa, you may travel anywhere. For travellers who are headed to several different European destinations, it is a very economical choice.

Schengen Visa Fee Table for Indian Passport Holders (Updated June 2024)

In June 2024, the Schengen visa fee went up. The current fee structure for Indian passport holders is as below:

Important notes about the Schengen visa fee:

• Single-entry and multiple-entry visas cost the same.
• Fees are in Euros but are usually paid out in local currency.
• Exchange fluctuation may impact the exact INR amount.
• These apply to short-stay tourist visas.

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Refund Policy

The Schengen visa fee is a non-refundable amount. This is true for all results of your application. If your visa is:

• Rejected by the consulate
• Withdrawn by you during processing
• Incomplete due to missing documents
• Approved or denied

You will not have a return on the visa fee paid. This policy applies in all Schengen states; hence, you must make sure your application is complete and correct before you turn it in.

Double-check your documents before applying, or let Visa2Fly help you get it right the first time. Get in touch with our experts today!

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

Beyond the basic Schengen visa fee, also note that several other charges may apply, which will, in total, increase your application cost:

• Service Fees: VFS Global, which is the embassy’s service partner and other service providers charge a fee which ranges between ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. What this includes is document collection, appointment scheduling and application submission.
• Travel Insurance: For all Schengen visa applications, a comprehensive travel insurance is required, ranging between ₹1,000 to ₹5,00 based on what is covered and which policy you get. Also, the insurance has to cover medical expenses of at least €30,000.
• Document Preparation Costs: Required support documents do add up in certain cases. Issues with flight reservations, hotel bookings, bank statements, and invitation letters may come with extra charges from service providers.
• Currency Exchange Fluctuation: Since the Schengen visa fee is in Euro terms, what you pay in Indian Rupees may vary with the exchange rate fluctuations. Watch out for the up-to-date exchange rates.
• Facilitation Agreements: Some countries have special agreements, reducing visa fees for certain nationalities. Indian passport holders do not see the same reduction and instead pay the standard Schengen visa fee.

Conclusion

Comprehension of the full cost overview of the basic Schengen visa fee should be included, and is key for proper travel budgeting.

Although the standard fee does make it easier to plan, factoring in service charges, insurance, and document preparation, which may add up to as much as ₹10,000, adds to your overall visa expense.

Planning out and choosing which visa is right for your trip will help you avoid extra costs and issues.

Also, check current fees with the relevant consulate or authorised service provider at the start of the process.

Ready to apply for your Schengen visa? At Visa2Fly, we have the expertise to guide you through the process and ensure that your application is fully and accurately filled out from the start.