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Europe Visa Check

Schengen Visa Cost

Fees and exemptions explained

Quick Facts

A Schengen Visa costs €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 are free. Some nationalities have reduced fees through bilateral agreements.

Adult Fee €80
Child 6-11 €40
Under 6 Free
Service Fee Varies
€80
Adult visa fee
€40
Children 6-12
Free
Under 6

Visa Fee Breakdown

👤
Adults €80 Ages 12 and over
👧
Children €40 Ages 6-11
👶
Young children Free Under 6 years old
🚫
Fee type Non-refundable Even if denied

About the Visa Fee

The €80 Schengen visa fee is set by EU regulation and applies uniformly across all Schengen countries. This fee covers the processing of your application but does not guarantee approval.

Important: The visa fee is non-refundable. If your application is denied, you will not get your money back. This is why it's crucial to submit a complete, well-documented application.

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Service center fee: VFS Global and TLS Contact charge ~€20-35 on top of the visa fee for their services
  • Courier/delivery: €15-30 if you want your passport delivered instead of collecting it
  • Travel insurance: €15-50 for the required €30,000 coverage policy
  • Photos: €5-15 for passport-style photos meeting Schengen requirements
  • Document translations: Varies, can be €20-50+ per document
  • Notarization: If required for certain documents

Schengen Visa vs ETIAS vs UK ETA

Feature Type Cost
Schengen Visa Embassy application €80 (adults)
ETIAS Online authorization €20 (adults)
UK ETA Online authorization £10

Fee is Non-Refundable

The visa fee is collected when you submit your application and is not refunded if your visa is denied. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, regardless of the outcome. Make sure your application is complete before paying.

Fee Exemptions and Reductions

Some applicants may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions:

  • Children under 6: Free visa
  • Children 6-12: Reduced fee of €40
  • Students/researchers: Some countries waive fees for educational travel
  • Diplomatic/official passports: Often exempt
  • EU family members: May be exempt (with residence card)
  • Certain nationalities: Bilateral agreements may reduce fees for specific countries

Payment Methods

Payment methods accepted vary by location:

  • Embassy/consulate: Usually cash (exact amount) or card
  • VFS Global/TLS Contact: Card, cash, or sometimes online payment

Check with your specific application location for accepted payment methods. Some only accept local currency; others accept Euros.

Related Guides

How to Apply

Step-by-step application guide

Requirements

Who needs a Schengen visa

Documents Needed

Complete checklist

Cost FAQs

Will I get a refund if my visa is denied?
No. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, not the visa itself. This applies even if you withdraw your application after submission.
Is the fee the same at all embassies?
The visa fee itself (€80) is standardized across all Schengen countries. However, service center fees (VFS, TLS) and additional charges may vary. Always check the total cost at your specific application location.
Can I pay online?
This depends on the embassy or service center. Some VFS Global locations allow online payment when booking your appointment. Traditional embassies usually require payment at the time of submission.
What currency should I pay in?
This varies by location. Embassies in Europe typically accept Euros. In other countries, they may accept local currency or Euros. Service centers often have more payment flexibility. Check beforehand.
Are there any free Schengen visas?
Yes, for children under 6 and sometimes for diplomatic passport holders, students, or applicants from countries with special fee waiver agreements. EU family members with residence cards may also be exempt.

Related Information

ETIAS Cost Schengen Area Guide UK ETA Travel Insurance

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