Your Europe Trip To Get More Expensive: As Schengen Visa Fees in India Increase by 12%
The recent announcement by the European Commission has introduced a significant change for Indian travelers planning to visit Europe. As of June 11, 2024, the Schengen visa fees have seen an increase, impacting the cost of travel for millions. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the new fee structure, its implications, and what it means for you as a traveler.
Understanding the Schengen Visa Fee Increase
The Schengen visa, which permits travel to 29 European countries including France, Greece, Switzerland, Italy, etc. has been subject to a fee revision. The cost for adult applicants has increased from EUR 80 (INR 7,000/- Approx.) to EUR 90 (INR 8,100/- Approx.), marking a 12.5% increase. For children aged 6 to below 12 years, the fee has increased from EUR 40 to EUR 45.
This adjustment is part of a regular assessment conducted every 3 years by the European Commission, taking into account factors such as the Euro area annual inflation rate and the average salary of a civil servant in EU countries.
Reasons Behind the Hike
The reason for increasing the Schengen visa fees is to deal with several issues. Mainly, it’s to balance out the higher costs of living and to pay government workers better. Also, the increased revenue from visa applications is intended to be reinvested into providing more resources, including staff for processing visa applications, thereby potentially decreasing the waiting time for appointments. In short, the fee hike is to make sure everything runs smoothly and fairly for everyone.
How will it impact on Indian Travelers?
For Indian travelers, the Schengen fee hike comes on the heels of a new visa regime introduced in April, which allowed frequent Indian travelers access to multi-year visas valid for up to 5 years. Indian nationals can now receive long-term multi-entry Schengen visas valid for 2 years after obtaining and lawfully using two visas in the previous 3 years.
What Does This Mean for Your Travel Plans?
The increase in Schengen visa fees is likely to affect your travel budget. With the adult visa fee now at EUR 90 (INR 8,100/- Approx), When planning their trips, travelers should think about the increase in costs. But, there’s good news too. The time they have to wait to get a visa might get shorter. This means the Schengen visa process could become quicker and easier for everyone.
How Should you be Preparing for the Change?
To navigate this change effectively, travelers are advised to:
- Update their travel budgets to accommodate the increased visa fees.
- Stay informed about any further changes to the visa policy.
- Consider applying for long-term multi-entry visas if they qualify, to maximize their investment.
Conclusion
The visa fee increase is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of international travel regulations. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can adapt to these changes and continue to explore Europe with ease.
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