Schengen Visa Cost by Country 2026 Complete Fee Breakdown
The total cost of a Schengen visa application is more than just the embassy fee. This page breaks down every cost component official visa fee, VFS service charges, insurance, flight reservation, and hotel so you can budget accurately before you apply.
In this guide
Official Schengen Visa Fee 2026 All 29 Countries
The Schengen visa fee is standardised by EU regulation and is identical across all 29 Schengen member states. It was increased in June 2024 from €80 to €90.
| Applicant | Visa Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (13+) | €90 | Increased from €80 in June 2024 |
| Children aged 6–12 | €45 | Half the adult fee |
| Children under 6 | €0 | Fully exempt |
This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved or refused. The same fee applies to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and every other Schengen country.
VFS Global & TLScontact Service Fees
On top of the €90 embassy fee, most applicants must pay a service fee to VFS Global or TLScontact the outsourced visa application centres that handle biometrics and document collection on behalf of embassies. This fee varies based on where you are applying from.
| Country of Application | Embassy Fee | Service Fee (approx) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | €90 | ₹1,7502,200 | €90 + ~₹2,000 |
| United Kingdom | €90 | £30–38 | €90 + ~£33 |
| USA | €90 | $26–32 | €90 + ~$28 |
| Ireland | €90 | €3–040 | €120–130 |
| Indonesia | €90 | Rp 450,000600,000 | €90 + ~Rp 500k |
| Canada | €90 | CAD 3845 | €90 + ~CAD 40 |
Always verify the exact service fee on the VFS Global or TLScontact website for your specific country and destination embassy fees change periodically and vary by which Schengen country you are applying to.
Mandatory Supporting Document Costs
Three supporting documents are required by every Schengen embassy and come with their own costs:
1. travel insurance (mandatory)
You need a policy covering a minimum of €30,000 medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your trip. Cost depends on trip length and your nationality:
- Short trip (7–10 days): €1–020 typically
- Longer trip (2130 days): €2–045 typically
- Budget option: EKTA Insurance starts from under €1/day for Schengen-compliant cover
Compare plans at Ekta filter by "Schengen" to see only compliant plans.
2. Flight Reservation (on-hold ticket)
You need proof of onward travel, but you should never buy a non-refundable ticket before your visa is approved. Options:
- Free: Hold a ticket directly via the airline's reservation system (most airlines allow 2472 hour holds at no charge)
- Paid service: Flight reservation services charge €1–025 for a verifiable booking reference valid for 5–14 days
See flight reservation for Schengen visa for how to do this correctly.
3. Hotel Booking
You need accommodation proof for each night of your stay. Use free-cancellation bookings on Booking.com or similar you pay nothing until check-in and can cancel for free if your visa is refused. Cost: €0 upfront.
Total Schengen Visa Application Cost Summary
| Cost Component | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy visa fee | €90 | No |
| VFS / TLScontact service fee | €2–040 | No |
| Travel insurance | €1–025 | No |
| Flight reservation | €020 | |
| Hotel booking | €0 (free cancel) | Yes |
| Total (typical) | €120–175 | €90–115 at risk |
The €90–115 at-risk amount is what you lose if your visa is refused. This is why document preparation matters a rejected application costs you this money with nothing to show for it.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Common Questions About Schengen Visa Costs
Is the Schengen visa fee the same for all countries in 2026?
Yes. The standard fee is €90 for adults, set by EU regulation and identical across all 29 Schengen countries. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands all charge €90. It was raised from €80 in June 2024.
Do I get a refund if my Schengen visa is refused?
No. The €90 embassy fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The VFS service fee is also non-refundable in most cases. Travel insurance and flight reservations may or may not be refundable depending on the provider's terms.
Why is the total cost higher than just €90?
The €90 is only the embassy fee. You also pay a VFS/TLScontact service fee (€2–040), travel insurance (€1–025), and optionally a flight reservation service (€020). Hotel bookings are free if you use free-cancellation options. Total realistic cost is €120–175 for a single adult applicant.
Can I avoid paying the VFS service fee?
In some countries, certain embassies still accept direct applications without going through VFS. Check the specific embassy website for your destination country and your city of residence. If a direct application option exists, you can save €2–040 in service charges.
How much bank balance do I need to show?
There is no official fixed amount, but embassies generally expect €70–100 per day of your trip. For a 10-day trip, show at least €700–€1,000 in a consistently maintained account over 3 months. See our bank balance requirement guide for full details.