When does the Schengen visa fee increase take effect?

June 11, 2026. Applications submitted and fee paid before that date pay the old €80 fee. Applications from June 11 onwards pay €90.

Major Schengen Visa Changes in 2026: Full Breakdown — Vughy Blog

ETIAS Update

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — the EU's pre-travel electronic authorization for visa-exempt nationals — has been officially delayed to Q1 2027. Travelers who previously did not need visas for Schengen (and therefore ETIAS would not apply to visa-required nationalities) should note that ETIAS will not affect B2C processes for visa-required nationalities.

New Visa Fee Structure

The EU has revised Schengen visa fees for the first time since 2014:

Adults: €90 (up from €80)
Children (6–12): €45 (up from €40)
Children under 6: Free (unchanged)
The new fee structure takes effect from June 11, 2026

Digital Application System

The EU is piloting a new digital application platform in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Applicants can submit documents digitally without visiting a VAC for certain nationalities. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) must still be submitted in person at a VAC, but this can now be done up to 59 months in advance of travel (previously, biometrics expired after 59 months and had to be renewed).

Impact on Travel Agents

Update all Schengen package prices to reflect the new €90 fee (was €80)
Inform clients about the fee change before June 11 — applications submitted before that date pay €80
The digital pilot can speed up processing for clients in Germany, France, and Netherlands — communicate this advantage
Pre-enroll clients' biometrics now to future-proof their visa applications for years