The European Union reports an increase in the price of a Schengen visa from June 11, citing inflation as the reason.
However, he notes writes Euronews that Schengen remains one of the most affordable visas. The European Commission confirms that it has already in June, the price of a visa will increase by 12%: from 80 to 90 euros for adults and from 40 to 45 euros for children.
The EC claims that inflation in member countries is to blame for the change in value. Brussels offers some consolation: fees remain “relatively low” compared to the cost of visas to other countries: 134 euros for the UK, 185 euros for the USA, 117 euros for Australia.
Let us remind you that the countries of the Schengen zone include the member states of the European Union, except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Bulgaria and Romania. Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are not members EUhowever they are also included in the Schengen Convention.
A Schengen visa is required for citizens of countries outside the European Union and who are not subject to the 90-day free stay rule in the EU/Schengen area. It is needed for tourism or visiting relatives, and is not suitable for working in the Schengen area. With this visa, you can visit the country for up to 90 days in any six-month period.
Residents of the USA, Canada, UK and Australia who come for a short period of time do not need to apply for a Schengen visa: they are entitled to visa-free entry for 90 days out of every 180. For those who plan to stay for a longer period or come for work, it is necessary to apply for another visa in the country they are interested in.
Every three years, the European Commission evaluates visa rates and may increase them based on a list of “objective criteria.” These include the inflation rate and the average salary of a civil servant in the member countries of the union. She proposed the price increase on February 2 following a December meeting at which member states backed the revision “overwhelmingly”. Brussels gave the go-ahead to increase tariffs for external suppliers as well.
The maximum fee for visa or travel agencies assisting with Schengen visa applications on behalf of Member States is usually half the standard fee. In this regard, they were asked to increase this amount from 40 to 45 euros. And the fee for extending a Schengen visa will not change – it will remain fixed and amount to 30 euros.
The EU is considering further increases in fees for countries that show “insufficient cooperation on readmission issues”, with rates ranging from 135 to 180 euros.
Quick registration of Schengen 2024, including to Greece:
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