Planning a European holiday or business trip that needs a visa? The visa fee is only part of the cost. Service fees, insurance and documents add up.
As of October 2026, the standard Schengen visa fee is 90 euros for adults. Children aged 6 to under 12 pay 45 euros, and children under 6 pay nothing. Here is the full picture.
Short on time? Here is the quick answer.
Your question
The short answer
Adult fee?
90 euros.
Child, 6 to under 12?
45 euros.
Under 6?
Free.
Insurance?
At least 30,000 euros of cover.
Visa Fees
Applicant
Fee
Adult, 12 and over
90 euros
Child, 6 to under 12
45 euros
Child under 6
Free
Some groups such as students on study trips
Often waived
Some nationalities pay lower fees under special agreements with the EU. Check your embassy’s fee page.
Other Costs
Cost
Typical range
Visa centre service fee
Varies by country and centre
Travel medical insurance
Varies; minimum 30,000 euros cover
Document translation
Varies
Courier or premium services
Optional
Free or Upcoming Systems
System
Cost
Status
Entry/Exit System
Free
Fully operational since 10 April 2026
ETIAS
20 euros, when launched
Not running; no launch date
Where to Apply
At the country of your main destination.
If equal, where you enter first.
Apply up to six months before travel.
Apply at least 15 days before travel.
Budget Example
Family of three
Visa fees
Two adults
180 euros
One child aged 8
45 euros
Total before service fees
225 euros
Who Pays Less or Nothing
Some groups pay no visa fee. These usually include children under six, school pupils and teachers on study trips, researchers travelling for scientific research, and some family members of EU citizens. Some nationalities also pay a lower fee under agreements with the EU.
Service fees at visa centres are separate. They pay for the centre that collects your documents and biometrics. Optional extras, such as premium lounges or courier delivery, are not required.
Group
Usual fee
Child under 6
Free
Pupils on school trips
Often free
Researchers
Often free
Some EU citizen family members
Often free
Words You Will See
New to these terms? Here is what they mean in plain English.
Word
What it means
Short stay visa
A visa for up to 90 days in 180
Main destination
Where you spend most of your trip
Service fee
A fee for the visa centre
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo
Keep your payment receipts and appointment confirmation with your documents. If your visa is refused, the visa fee is usually not refunded, so make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
This reflects the Schengen fee rules as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.
The Honest Summary
Budget 90 euros per adult, plus service fees and insurance. Apply to the right country and in good time.
Key takeaways
A Schengen visa costs 90 euros for adults.
Children aged 6 to under 12 pay 45 euros and under 6 pay nothing.
Visa centres usually add a service fee.
You need travel medical insurance of at least 30,000 euros.
Learn Schengen visa processes
World Visa Academy trains professionals on Schengen visa rules and applications.
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