Schengen Visa Fee Rises to €90 in 2026: What Pakistani Applicants Pay

Planning a trip to Europe? There’s a change to your budget to note. The cost of a Schengen short-stay visa has increased to €90 for adults in 2026. Here’s exactly what’s changed, who it affects, and what it means for applicants from Pakistan.

What has changed

The European Commission has raised the standard Schengen (Type C) short-stay visa fee by around 12%. The adult fee has gone up from €80 to €90, and the fee for children aged 6 to under 12 has risen from €40 to €45. The increase took effect from 11 June 2026.

Who it affects

The new fee applies to all applicants for a standard Schengen visa across the 29 Schengen member and associated states — covering tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment and short cultural or educational trips. For Pakistani travellers, who require a Schengen visa for Europe, this is simply the new base cost of applying.

Why the increase?

The Commission says the rise reflects the growing cost of processing applications — background checks, secure data systems and administration. Visa fees are reviewed periodically, and this is the first increase in a few years. It applies globally, not just to Pakistan.

What it means for Pakistani applicants

Like most fee changes, this is a cost update, not a rule change. The documents, the “genuine visitor” test and the application process all stay the same. The one practical effect is that a European trip now costs a little more — so plan your budget accordingly, especially if you’re applying as a family.

Tips

• Budget €90 per adult, €45 per child
• Add VFS & insurance costs
• Apply to your main destination’s consulate
• Keep your documents strong and complete

Frequently asked questions

Is the fee refundable if refused? No — the visa fee is generally non-refundable, even on refusal, which is why a strong application matters. Do children pay? Under 6 are usually exempt; ages 6–12 pay €45. Does this change the requirements? No, only the cost — the documents and process are unchanged.

With fees rising and refusals common, a well-prepared application is more valuable than ever. If you’d like help getting your Schengen file right, we’re here to guide you.

The full cost of a Schengen trip

The €90 consulate fee is only the starting point. In practice, a Schengen application also involves a VFS Global service charge, mandatory travel insurance (with at least €30,000 medical cover), and the cost of preparing documents, photos and bookings. When you add these together, the real cost is higher than the headline fee — so budget for the complete picture, especially when applying as a family where each member pays their own fee.

• Consulate fee: €90 per adult
• Plus VFS service charge
• Plus travel insurance
• Plus documents & photos

Make every fee count

Because the visa fee is non-refundable — you lose it even if you’re refused — the smartest way to protect your money is to submit the strongest possible application. Schengen consulates are strict on complete, consistent documents: confirmed bookings, valid insurance, clear funds and a genuine purpose. Getting these right first time means you pay the fee once and travel, rather than paying again for a second attempt. In a climate of rising costs, preparation is the best saving of all.