Bike, Car, Travel & Home Insurance Online - Royal Sundaram

Schengen Visa Fees from India

Understanding Schengen Visa fees is integral to planning your European journey as an Indian traveller. Knowledge about the fee structure, including applicant categories, optional services, and associated exemptions, is essential for a seamless visa application process.

Obtaining a Schengen Visa is essential for Indian travellers aspiring to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Schengen Area in Europe. In this guide, we are deep diving into the specifics of Schengen Visa fees, providing a detailed breakdown based on applicant categories, optional services, and more. By the end of this guide, you have the knowledge you need about Schengen visa costs to plan your European adventure.

Understanding Schengen visa price from India

The Schengen Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and age of the applicant. Here are the general fee categories:

Adults (Ages 12 and Above)

  • If you are 12 or older, the standard Schengen Visa fee is approximately ₹6,800.
  • However, slight variations for specific categories such as cultural, sports, or film crew members might exist.
  • Therefore, it's crucial to double-check the precise fee applicable to your category.

Children (Ages 6-11)

  • Children aged between 6 and 11 usually enjoy a reduced Schengen visa cost.
  • This reduced fee is typically around ₹3,400, acknowledging the reduced travel requirements and expenses associated with younger applicants.

Children Under 6

  • Children below 6 years old are usually exempt from Schengen visa fees.
  • This exemption recognises the minimal administrative involvement for very young travellers, making it easier for families to plan their trips.

Students and Research Scholars

  • If you're a student or a research scholar trying to pursue higher education or research, Schengen visa fees vary more than average.
  • Depending on the primary purpose of your visit, you may be eligible for a reduced Schengen Visa fee or even a total exemption.
  • This concession is to foster academic pursuits and collaborative research endeavours.

Certain nationalities

  • Some nationals of specific countries have fee exemptions or reductions based on bilateral agreements.
  • These agreements aim to facilitate smoother cross-border travel for citizens of the involved nations.

Visa fee waivers

  • There's another category of applicants, which includes close family members of EU/EEA nationals and members of official delegations.
  • These applicants may qualify for a visa fee waiver. This exemption recognises the unique circumstances and relationships that warrant special consideration.

  • Besides the visa fee, there's often an additional service fee charged by VFS Global. VFS Global is the official visa processing partner for many Schengen countries.
  • This service fee varies depending on the specific country you're applying to.
  • It's advisable to check with the respective VFS Global office or their website for the exact amount.
  • This additional fee is in place to ensure streamlined processing and provide administrative support throughout the visa application process.

Optional services

  • Several Schengen countries go the extra mile to offer optional services to visa applicants.
  • These services are designed to enhance convenience and comfort during the application process.
  • Examples of optional services include premium lounge access, expedited processing, or even courier services for the return of passports.
  • However, it's important to note that these optional services often come with additional fees.
  • When planning your visa application process, it's advisable to consider these services, weighing the benefits they offer against the associated costs.

By being well-informed about the Schengen Visa cost, you can start your European adventure with confidence and ease. To understand the categories under which the Schengen Visa cost varies, read above and click here know more about how to secure your trip as well.