The official Schengen visa fee is the same across all Schengen countries: €90 for adults since the increase on 11 June 2024. But the amount you actually pay is higher, because every visa centre adds a service fee and the file itself needs documents that cost money, such as insurance. This guide brings together the full cost, explains who is exempt from the fee, and what happens to your money if your application is refused.
Official Schengen visa fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults and children aged 12 and over | €90 |
| Children aged 6 to under 12 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
The fee is the same for single and multiple entry, for tourism, business and family visits, and it does not increase if you are granted a 5-year visa. It is paid in local currency, riyals or pounds, at an exchange rate set and updated periodically by each embassy, so the local amount may differ slightly between embassies.
Visa centre service fees
VFS, TLS and BLS add a mandatory service fee to every application. It varies by country and centre, is not refunded after a refusal, and is usually not covered by a visa fee exemption. There are also optional services such as text messages, passport delivery to your home and premium lounges. These services do not affect the embassy’s decision, so only pay for them if you really need them. Check the current service fee on the website of the centre where you will apply.
The full cost of a Schengen visa file
These are the items you will pay for before your appointment as an adult applicant:
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | €90 for an adult |
| Visa centre service fee | Depends on the centre and country |
| Travel insurance with €30,000 cover | Depends on trip length and age |
| Flight reservation | Instead of buying a ticket before the decision |
| Hotel booking | Instead of paying for your stay upfront |
| Travel itinerary | Depends on the embassy and trip |
Our current prices are on the services page. The biggest saving on your file doesn’t come from the fees, but from not buying a flight ticket or paying for a hotel stay before your visa is issued. Reservations are enough for most embassies, and you don’t lose the price of a ticket if the decision is delayed or your application is refused.
Who is exempt from the visa fee?
The EU Visa Code exempts specific groups, including:
- Children under 6.
- Pupils, students and accompanying teachers on organised school or educational trips.
- Researchers travelling for scientific research.
- Representatives of some non-profit organisations aged 25 or under attending specific events.
Embassies may also exempt other groups at their discretion. The exemption covers the visa fee only, and usually not the centre’s service fee.
Are fees refunded if the application is refused?
No. The visa fee pays for processing the application and is not refunded whatever the decision, and neither is the centre’s fee. If you submit a new application after a refusal, you pay the fees again. That is why the best way to save money is a complete, consistent file the first time, with the documents listed in our guide to Schengen visa requirements.
Save the cost of tickets and hotels until your visa is issued: order your reservations and Schengen insurance from Travelosca with matching dates.
Frequently asked questions
Does a multiple-entry visa cost more than a regular one?
No. The fee is €90 regardless of the number of entries or the validity period.
Do fees differ between Schengen countries?
The official fees are the same, but service centre fees and the amount in local currency differ slightly.
How much does the visa cost for a family of four?
For two parents and two children aged 8 and 4: 90 + 90 + 45 + 0 = €225 in visa fees, plus the centre fee for each applicant in most cases.
Can I pay by card?
Most centres accept cards or online prepayment; check the instructions of the centre where you apply.
Sources
- European Commission – Visa policy
- EU Visa Code 810/2009 – Article 16 (fees and exemptions)
- Websites of the VFS, TLS and BLS centres in Saudi Arabia and Egypt
