When you're getting ready to apply for a Schengen visa, one of the important steps is paying the Schengen visa fee. This fee also called the visa application fee, is something you will only get back if your application is accepted, so it's important to get it right. You can pay this fee in person at the embassy or consulate, or sometimes online or at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
You have a few options for payment, like using a debit or credit card or paying with cash. Just double-check what the specific embassy or consulate you're applying through accepts. Getting this step sorted out will help smooth your visa application process.
Schengen Visa Fees For Indian Passport Holders:
Indian passport holders planning a trip to the Schengen Area have to to know about the Schengen visa cost. It's important to know that the Schengen visa fees are set by all the Schengen countries together. The main fee is listed in Euros, but when you pay, it's usually in the local currency. Because of this, the cost of the Schengen visa can vary due to changes in exchange rates.
Additionally, the fees can differ based on factors like the age of the applicant and their status. Below is a table outlining these variations:
| Category | Fees (in Euros) |
| Adult (13 years of age and above) | 80 |
| Children (6-12 years of age) | 40 |
| Children (<6 years of age) | Free |
| Nationals of Georgia, Kosovo, Russia, Ukraine | 35 |
It should be noted that any changes to these fees must be agreed upon by all Schengen members. So, unless there has been a change, the fees remain unchanged.
An important change happened in January 2020, however: the Schengen visa fee rose by 33%. Accordingly, adult fees are now 80 Euros, and other categories' fees have also been adjusted.
Schengen Visa Fees for multiple entry
A multiple-entry Schengen visa costs the same as a short-stay visa, currently €80 or (around $90 USD). While a multiple-entry visa allows you to visit the Schengen zone multiple times during the visa's validity period (which is usually one, three, or five years), you may only stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days at a time. By choosing a visa with multiple entries, you get more flexibility without paying extra.
Additional fees may apply depending on which country you are applying through. If you are visiting a Schengen country, you can find more information on the website of the embassy or consulate.
Who Are Exempt From Schengen Visa Cost In India?
The Schengen visa fees are exempt for the following Indians.
- Children below 6 years of age
- Diplomatic, official, or service passport holders travelling for official purposes to Europe
- A family member belonging to an EU/EEA national
- Researchers travel to Schengen countries for scientific research
- Participants from non-profit organisations (aged 25 or younger) who attend conferences, seminars, cultural, sporting, and educational events sponsored by the non-profit organisation.
- In the case of school pupils, students, and postgraduates, along with their teachers, visiting or staying with them in order to study or receive educational training.
VFS Fees For Schengen Visa
Service Fees:
- VFS service fee is 22 EUR per visa applicant.
- This amount is payable in local currency at the conversion rate set by the French authorities. This rate varies to take into account exchange rate fluctuations.
- In local currency, this amount is approximately 1971 INR. A convenience fee of INR 150/- is also applicable.
- Service fees must be paid online.
Visa Fees:
- Visa fees are mentioned on the website FRANCE-VISAS (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/) and on the visa application form, along with the required documents.
- It is necessary to pay visa fees at the VFS centre in local currency.
- You can pay with a debit card, credit card, UPI, or cash.
Please note: At the time of booking an appointment for a Schengen visa, the German Consulate General in Mumbai has introduced the pre-payment of the VFS service charge.
VFS will only refund your fee in certain situations if you cancel your slot. Read more about the refund policy at VFS
Can Schengen Visa Fees be refunded?
No, Schengen visa fees are generally not refundable if your Schengen visa application is denied.
There are two possible exceptions:
- It is possible for some countries to refund excess fees.
- There may be a possibility of getting the service fee refunded by the company assisting you. Only if you cancel before they begin processing your application.
If your visa is denied, travel insurance with visa rejection coverage might help you recover some of your costs. The rule is usually only applicable in certain circumstances.