Schengen Visa Fees: Why Some Countries Cost More

Traveling to Europe has become significantly more expensive for Indian applicants as Schengen visa fees now vary widely depending on the destination country. While the EU recently increased its standard visa fee to €90 (₹9,100) for adults and €45 (₹4,600) for children, additional service charges levied by VFS Global have pushed the total outlay much higher.

According to the latest fee structure, Indian travelers applying for a Schengen visa to Germany pay around ₹11,033, while the cost rises to ₹11,334 for France, ₹11,790 for Switzerland, and ₹12,211 for Portugal — currently the most expensive. These figures include the mandatory service fees charged by VFS, which differ across consulates.

The service fees alone range from ₹1,933 for Germany to ₹3,111 for Portugal. On top of this, applicants often pay extra for optional add-ons such as courier delivery, SMS updates, or premium lounge access, which can push the total cost beyond ₹14,000 per person.

The hikes come after the EU’s June 2024 fee revision and multiple service charge increases introduced by VFS in 2025. The weaker rupee against the euro has further added to the burden.

Visa experts warn that with over 1.65 lakh Schengen visa applications from India rejected in 2024 — costing Indians an estimated ₹136 crore in lost fees — careful planning and choosing the right consulate have become more important than ever.