The Schengen visa fee increased to EUR 90 for adults in June 2024. But the fee itself is only part of what a Schengen application actually costs. This breakdown covers every cost layer — official fee, visa center service charge, travel insurance, flight reservation, and the often-overlooked costs that catch first-time applicants by surprise.
This guide applies to any non-European traveler applying for a standard short-stay Schengen visa, regardless of passport nationality.
The official Schengen visa fee
According to the European Commission’s Schengen visa guidance, the current short-stay visa fee is:
| Applicant type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | EUR 90 |
| Children aged 6-12 | EUR 45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
That fee is non-refundable. If your application is refused, the visa fee is still gone.
If your application centre collects in local currency, the exact amount will vary with the exchange rate on the day you pay.
For the official EU guidance, see Applying for a Schengen visa and the Commission news note on the Schengen visa fee increase.
The visa-centre fee
Many applicants pay their visa fee through a service centre such as VFS Global or BLS International, depending on their country of residence and the embassy handling the application. That means there is usually a separate service charge on top of the visa fee.
In practice, many applicants should budget an additional service-centre fee for:
- the visa-centre service fee
- passport return courier service
- SMS notifications or tracking add-ons
- optional photo or copy services
The exact amount depends on the country you apply to and the visa centre you use, so it is worth checking the current fee schedule before your appointment.
Mandatory travel insurance
Schengen applications require travel insurance with at least EUR 30,000 in medical coverage, valid across the Schengen Area and for the full duration of your stay.
For a short trip, the insurance premium is usually one of the most predictable parts of the budget. A rough planning range looks like this:
| Trip length | Common planning range |
|---|---|
| 7-10 days | EUR 25-40 |
| 2-3 weeks | EUR 40-75 |
| Longer or more comprehensive cover | EUR 75+ |
That number can move based on age, destination mix, add-ons, and whether you want cancellation or interruption benefits.
Document costs
Your actual document costs depend on your situation, but these are the common line items:
- bank statement printing or certification
- civil-status certificates or translations if the embassy asks for them
- police clearances if needed for your applicant profile
- photocopies, printing, and scanning
- notarised sponsor documents if you are applying with support from family
For most applicants, it is sensible to budget another EUR 25-60 for these smaller items.
Reservations and itinerary holds
Embassies usually want to see a flight reservation and hotel bookings, but you do not need to gamble on a non-refundable ticket before approval.
Many applicants use:
- cancellable hotel reservations
- temporary flight itineraries for visa filing
- refundable fares only if they already know the trip will proceed
That can add a small service fee, but it is usually much cheaper than losing a full ticket on a refused application.
What a typical Schengen application can cost
Here is a realistic planning range for a single adult applicant:
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa fee | EUR 90 |
| Visa-centre service fee | EUR 15-40 |
| Courier and optional add-ons | EUR 5-15 |
| Schengen travel insurance | EUR 25-40 |
| Documents and copies | EUR 25-60 |
| Temporary reservations or itinerary holds | EUR 10-25 |
| Total planning range | EUR 170-270 |
That is before you even book the actual flight.
What you do not get back if the visa is refused
The visa fee is non-refundable. The visa-centre fee is also usually non-refundable. If you bought non-refundable bookings too early, that is where the painful losses happen.
This is why a clean application matters so much. A refused file can easily cost more than the application fee alone.
If you want to reduce that risk, start with our Schengen visa requirements guide for non-European travelers, then check the Schengen document checklist. If you want a second set of eyes before you submit, our Schengen Blueprint package is built for exactly that.
Does paying more improve your approval chances?
No. Paying more for optional services does not make your application stronger.
What actually improves your chances is:
- complete documents
- consistent dates and purpose
- enough financial proof
- a clear return story
- a clean cover letter
That is why the visa fee should be treated as the start of the application budget, not the whole budget.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay the visa fee in local currency? Usually yes. The amount is calculated using the exchange rate and payment rules applied by your visa centre or consulate.
Is the fee the same for all Schengen countries? Yes, the standard short-stay Schengen fee is the same across the Schengen Area.
Do sponsored applicants still pay the visa fee? Yes. Sponsorship covers your trip costs, not the visa application fee itself.
Should I buy insurance before or after booking my appointment? You should have insurance ready before submission, because it is part of the required file.
Sources: Applying for a Schengen visa, European Commission news note on the Schengen visa fee increase, and published visa-centre fee schedules for service-centre handled applications.
Last updated: April 2026.
