Schengen visas, which enable visa-free entry into several countries for up to 90 days, are among the most sought-after in the world. But you may ask, How much does a Schengen Visa Cost? It depends on who applies. While children under the age of six are exempt, all other candidates must pay a fee before applying.
The application fee is €40 for children aged 6 to 12, and €80 for adults. Under no circumstances is the fee refundable or transferable.
Countries you can travel to, with Schengen Visa
With Schengen visa you can access all Schengen nations for tourism or business. The countries you can access, include the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Greece, Switzerland, Estonia, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Finland, Sweden, Hungary, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, France, Portugal, Denmark, Slovakia, Norway, Lithuania, Slovenia, Poland, Germany, Malta, and the Czech Republic, are all members of the Schengen Area, to which you can go with the visa.
The price is the same, regardless of which of these nations you intend to visit for a brief visit. It can be paid using a credit or debit card, cash, cheque, or bank order. The right time to pay the money is when you submit your application and supporting documentation(s).
Payment Methods and Currencies
It is usual to pay the visa fee in the currency of the nation where the embassy or consulate is located. The visa fee charged in that currency must be converted to EUR using the European Central Bank’s (ECB) reference rate. The visa fee in the local currency should be determined using the exchange rate at the time of payment.
The allowed payment methods and currencies for a Schengen Visa fee can vary based on the country and specific embassy or consulate where you are applying. In general, the following payment methods are widely accepted:
- Cash. Some embassies or consulates may accept cash payment for the visa fee. However, it is critical to confirm whether cash payments are accepted and whether there are any special requirements or limits.
- Financial/Bank Transfer. Many embassies and consulates provide bank account information so that you can electronically transfer the visa fee. This technique usually needs you to initiate the payment from your bank account using the information given.
- A credit or debit card: Certain embassies and consulates accept credit or debit card payments. This option allows you to make a secure payment using your credit card information.
How Much Does A Schengen Visa Cost in Nigeria?
The amount to budget varies depending on the current currency rate if you are seeking a Schengen visa from Nigeria. The charge, however, varies depending on the applicant’s category and is either €40 or €80.
This translates to an application fee of approximately 32,500 (€40) or 65,000 (€80).
How Much Does A Schengen Visa Cost in the UK?
A charge will almost certainly be required to obtain a Schengen visa from the United Kingdom. The fee for adults is £46.65 (€40), while your children above the age of six will be charged £93.30 (€80).
If you are traveling to the Schengen Area with children under the age of six, you will not be charged any fees to process their visas.
Schengen visas provide visa-free admission to several countries, allowing you to travel and do business without having to apply for multiple visas. However, before asking for one, consider whether your trip requires a Schengen visa and whether you are eligible, so you don’t have to visit multiple embassies and go through the stress of applying for multiple visas.
Also Read: Best way to Travel
Additional Fees and costs you will pay for Schengen Visa
Aside from the Schengen visa fee, the following expenditures may be linked with a Schengen visa application:
Visa processing fees charged by third-party service providers
Many Member States contract with third-party service providers to collect visa applications and accompanying documentation. These providers (visa application centers such as VFS Global, TLS, and others) may charge up to 50% of the Schengen visa cost in processing costs.
Travel Insurance
When applying for a Schengen visa fee, you must have Schengen travel medical insurance that is valid throughout the Member States territories. Schengen travel insurance is reasonably priced. A basic one-week insurance policy costs between €18 and €30. However, it is dependent on how long you intend to remain, e.g., the length of your trip, as well as your age and coverage alternatives.
Language translation services
When applying for a Schengen Visa, all documents must be translated into English or the official language(s) of the Schengen Member State to which you are traveling. Because the translation must be certified by a translation service, you may be charged an additional fee. The cost of translation varies by country.
Messenger or mailing charges
When applying for a Schengen visa, you often leave your passport at the embassy. So, after a decision is reached, the embassy/consulate or visa application facility must return your passport. You must pay the courier or messenger expenses, which vary depending on the country.
Is Obtaining a Schengen Visa Difficult?
Yes, obtaining a Schengen Visa can be difficult because it is one of the most competitive visas. Its processing necessitates extensive documentation. You’ll also have to attend a visa interview and stand out from the crowd.
Recently, 39,189 Nigerians wasted $430,000 due to denied Schengen visa applications. 45.14% of them (86,815 applications) were not granted one.
Algeria, on the other hand, had a rejection percentage of 45.76% out of 392,053 applicants. This equates to 179,404 Algerians turning down Schengen visas.
Is it possible to pay my Schengen Visa fee online?
Yes, you can pay your Schengen Visa cost online in many circumstances. Many Schengen countries have online payment alternatives via their visa application portals or dedicated payment platforms, allowing you to pay the visa fee with credit or debit cards.
However, it is vital to double-check the specific laws and procedures of the country’s embassy or consulate where you want to apply for a Schengen Visa. They will explain how to make the payment and whether online payment is possible in your particular situation.
To guarantee a smooth and effective payment process, you must follow the official guidelines and instructions supplied by the relevant authorities.
DISCLAIMER
This article is only for informational purposes, and no fee or registration is attached to it.