EU discusses another increase in Schengen visa fees

Schengen visa fees could rise again. A recent document from the Council of the European Union shows that the relevant Council working group on visas will address a possible increase in visa fees. A discussion paper on a visa fees increase to support the EU Common Visa Policy was explicitly published on September 4, 2026, for the meeting on September 14, 2026.

No decision has yet been made regarding a specific fee increase. However, the issue is officially on the European agenda. For applicants, this could mean that travel to the Schengen Area will become more expensive in the future.

Why is the EU discussing higher visa fees?

Schengen visas are largely issued according to common European rules. The EU Visa Code forms the basis for this . This means that largely uniform rules apply to short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The relevant Council working group is now considering a possible further fee increase. The discussion paper, published on September 4, 2026, is explicitly titled " Discussion paper on a visa fees increase to support the EU Common Visa Policy ". The meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026 .

The specific amount under discussion and whether an increase will actually be implemented is not yet publicly available. Applicants should therefore treat reports of already approved new fees with caution.

Are higher Schengen visa fees a major problem for applicants?

In our legal practice, the actual visa fee is often not the decisive cost factor in a visa application process. Compared to the costs that can arise for legal advice or even court proceedings in complicated cases, the actual Schengen visa fees are usually of rather minor importance.

However, this does not mean that an increase would be irrelevant for every applicant. Particularly for families or applicants from countries with significantly lower income levels, even comparatively small additional costs can have a significant impact.

However, from our point of view, the relationship between fees and the service offered is much more problematic.

Are higher fees justified given long processing times?

From a legal perspective, the discussion can certainly be viewed critically. Applicants at German diplomatic missions abroad sometimes experience long processing times, limited accessibility, and difficulties in scheduling appointments. Therefore, anyone who charges fees for a government service, or even increases them, must also be prepared to answer the question of what quality and speed applicants can expect in return.

Against this background, further fee demands may well be perceived as inappropriate.

On the other hand, a functioning visa infrastructure requires considerable financial and human resources. If additional revenue is indeed used to expand processing capacity, improve IT systems, and expedite procedures, then increased funding for the common European visa policy could certainly be worthwhile.

From our perspective, the decisive factor would therefore be less the absolute amount of a possible increase than the question of whether additional revenue actually leads to a better functioning of the visa system.

When could the new fees come into effect?

It is too early to speak of a decided increase. The council document initially indicates that an increase is to be discussed.

The relevant council working group on visas will address the issue on September 14, 2026. Only further political and, if necessary, legal developments will show whether this will actually lead to a change in fees.

VISAGUARD will monitor further developments.