Schengen Visa Fees 2026: The Real Cost Beyond €90

Schengen Visa Fees 2026: What You'll Actually Spend

As of September 2026, the Schengen visa fee for adults is €90 — a figure set by the EU Visa Code and uniform across all 29 Schengen states. It has been €90 since 11 June 2024 (up from €80), and there has been no increase in 2026: the Commission reviews the amount every three years under Article 16(9) of the Visa Code, so the next scheduled review is due in 2027, not this year. Ignore any site quoting a higher "2026" fee. But that number only tells part of the story. Between mandatory service centre charges, document preparation costs, and optional premium services, the real cost of a Schengen visa application typically lands between €150 and €250 per adult. Understanding the full breakdown helps you budget properly and avoid last-minute surprises at the visa application centre.

Standard Fees (Set by the EU Visa Code)

These fees are paid directly to the consulate and are the same whether you're applying for France, Germany, Italy, or any other Schengen country. The fee applies regardless of the number of entries (single, double, or multiple) or duration requested.

Service Centre Fees (VFS Global / TLScontact)

Most Schengen consulates outsource appointment handling to VFS Global or TLScontact. You cannot avoid these fees unless the consulate in your country still accepts direct appointments — which is increasingly rare.

The exact amount varies by country and is set locally in the local currency — in India and Nigeria, for example, VFS charges have typically sat in the €30-40 range. Check your specific centre's fee schedule before budgeting.

Premium / Optional Services at Visa Centres

Hidden Costs Most Applicants Miss

The consulate fee and service charge are just the beginning. Here's what catches people off guard:

Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Schengen visa rules require travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage. Policies typically cost €15-50 for a short trip, but the price depends on your age, trip duration, and country of residence. Buy from a reputable insurer — consulates do reject applications with policies from unknown providers.

Passport Photos

You need two recent biometric photos (35mm x 45mm). Getting these at a photo studio costs €5-15 depending on your country. The visa centre will charge more. Tip: some consulates are strict about the background shade being pure white and the face size ratio — a professional photographer who does visa photos regularly is worth the small extra cost.

Document Translation and Notarization

If your bank statements, employment letters, or property documents aren't in English or the language of the destination country, you'll need certified translations. Budget €15-30 per page. Some consulates also require notarization of specific documents, which adds another €5-20 per document.

Travel to the Visa Centre

This is the one nobody puts on the spreadsheet. If the nearest VFS or TLS centre is in another city, factor in transport, possibly a hotel night, and a day off work. For applicants in countries with only one or two centres, this can add €50-200 to the total cost.

Bank Statement Fees

Most banks charge €5-15 for stamped statements covering the last 3-6 months. Some applicants need statements from multiple accounts.

Missed Work

Appointments are during business hours. If you're salaried, this might not matter. If you're self-employed or hourly, the half-day at the visa centre costs real money.

How to Pay the Visa Fee

Payment methods vary by country and service provider:

At VFS Global Centres:

• Cash (local currency) is accepted at most locations
• Debit/credit cards accepted at many centres, but not all — confirm with your specific centre
• Some centres accept bank drafts or demand drafts
• Online payment during appointment booking is available in select countries

At TLScontact Centres:

• Online card payment during booking (Visa/Mastercard)
• Cash at the centre in some countries
• Bank transfer in select locations

Currency Conversion Tips:

The visa fee is set in euros. If you're paying in local currency, the conversion rate is set by the service centre (usually updated weekly). The rate is typically 1-3% worse than the market rate — this is normal and unavoidable. Don't try to pay in euros unless the centre explicitly allows it.

Fee Waivers and Reduced Fees

Not everyone pays the full €90. The EU Visa Code provides for several exemptions:

Free visa (€0 fee):

• Children under 6 years old
• Diplomats and official passport holders travelling on duty
• School pupils, students, and postgraduate students on educational trips (with a letter from the institution)
• Researchers travelling for scientific research (under specific EU agreements)

Reduced fee (€35):

Citizens of countries with EU Visa Facilitation Agreements pay €35 instead of €90. As of 2026, this includes citizens of several Eastern European and Caucasus nations. Check whether your nationality qualifies — this is not something the visa centre will volunteer.

Bilateral agreements:

Some Schengen countries have bilateral deals with specific nations that reduce or waive fees for certain categories. For example, some countries waive fees for children under 12 (not just under 6). Ask your specific consulate about bilateral arrangements that might apply to your nationality.

Higher fees for a few nationalities: the reverse also exists. Under Article 25a of the Visa Code, the EU can impose a higher fee on nationals of countries it considers uncooperative on readmission. Only a small number of nationalities have been affected; your consulate will state the applicable fee when you book.

Realistic Budget Planning: What a Schengen Visa Actually Costs

Here's an honest total cost estimate for a single adult applicant:

For a family of four (two adults, two children over 6): budget €450-1,200 depending on your country and how much document prep is needed.

What Happens If Your Visa Is Refused?

The €90 consulate fee is non-refundable if your application is refused. This is the part that stings. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, not the cost of the visa itself. Whether you're approved in 48 hours or refused after three weeks, the money is gone.

The same applies to service centre fees — VFS and TLS do not refund their charges for refused applications.

However, you can:

• Appeal the refusal within the timeframe stated in your refusal letter (typically 30-60 days depending on the country). There is generally no additional consulate fee for an appeal, but you may need to pay for new supporting documents.
• Reapply immediately with a strengthened application. You'll pay the full €90 + service fee again. There's no waiting period for reapplication, though applying too quickly without addressing the refusal reasons is generally a waste of money.
• Apply to a different Schengen country if your travel plans are flexible — but you must apply to the country of your main destination or first entry point.

The only scenario where a refund is possible is if you withdraw your application before processing begins, and even then, policies vary by consulate. Check with your specific consulate before assuming you'll get money back.