EU increases Schengen visa fees by 12% due to inflation

By Phuong Anh June 11, 2024 | 11:45 pm PT

Tourists follow the guidelines to enter the Schengen or non-Schengen visa area at Romania's Henri Coanda airport on March 31, 2024. Photo by AFP

The European Union has increased Schengen visa application fees worldwide by 12% from Tuesday, blaming rising inflation in member states.

The new visa fee costs 90 euros (US$97) for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6-12, according to a statement by the EU.

Despite the hike, the commission said the Schengen visa fees are "relatively low" compared to other countries, noting that visa costs start at $170 in the U.K., around $235 in the U.S., and $149 in Australia.

A Schengen visa allows holders to travel to the 27 member countries for a maximum of 90 days.

According to recent data published by the EU, more than 10.3 million applications for short-stay Schengen visas were received last year, a 37% increase compared to the previous year.