Schengen Visa Fees 2026: Country-by-Country Cost Breakdown for Indians
The Schengen visa fee is €90 (approx. ₹8,000–₹8,500) for every adult applicant, no matter which country you apply through—that part is standard.
But here’s what most people in Gurgaon don’t realize: the actual cost of a Schengen visa from India typically ranges between ₹11,000–₹16,000 per person. This variation comes from visa application center service charges, which differ depending on the country you apply to.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we help you understand the complete cost breakdown including embassy fees, VFS service charges, travel insurance, and other hidden extras—so there are no surprises.
Since all these fees are non-refundable (even in case of rejection), applying correctly the first time is crucial. That’s where our expert guidance makes the difference—ensuring your documentation, itinerary, and application are handled the right way from day one.
The Standard Schengen Visa Fee (Same for All Countries)
| Application Category | Embassy Visa Fee (€) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+ years) | €90 | ₹8,000 – ₹8,500 |
| Children (6–11 years) | €45 | ₹4,000 – ₹4,300 |
| Children below 6 years | Free | Free |
Key Factor:
- This is the standard embassy fee, same for all Schengen countries.
- Service charges, insurance, and other costs are additional.
- Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected.
What You'll Actually Pay: Visa Lounge All-In Pricing vs Traditional Visa Center
This is where the country-by-country difference really matters and where choosing the right visa partner in Gurgaon can save you both money and hassle.
Traditional visa application centers often start with a base service fee, but then add multiple extras: SMS updates (₹100–₹200), courier return (₹500–₹1,000), form-filling assistance (₹1,000–₹1,500), premium lounge access (₹3,000–₹5,000), and priority appointments (₹2,500–₹5,000). What looks like a simple ₹2,400 fee can quickly rise to ₹4,000–₹8,000 or more.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we keep things clear and transparent. You get a complete breakdown upfront covering documentation support, application guidance, and essential services—so there are no last-minute surprises at the center.
Our goal is simple: make your Schengen visa process smooth, predictable, and cost-efficient, with expert support at every step.
Why Visa Lounge Is More Cost-Effective Than Traditional Visa Centres
The initial price at a traditional visa application center may look lower but that’s before all the add-ons quietly increase your total cost.
At most centers, you end up paying separately for everything: base service fee + SMS tracking + courier return + form-filling assistance + photos + photocopies + premium lounge (to avoid long waiting hours) + priority appointment (when slots are limited). By the time you add the essentials, most applicants spend ₹4,000–₹6,000 extra on top of the embassy fee plus the cost of taking time off work for an in-person visit.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we simplify this entire process. Instead of paying for multiple add-ons, you get end-to-end visa support in one place including expert document verification, application assistance, appointment guidance, and coordination for submission and passport handling. Everything is explained upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
And here’s the part most people overlook: the cost of rejection. Schengen visa refusals do happen, and since all fees are non-refundable, even one mistake can cost you ₹11,000–₹16,000.
That’s why at Visa Lounge, we focus heavily on accuracy and pre-checks reviewing your documents, itinerary, and application thoroughly to reduce the chances of rejection. The goal isn’t just to apply it’s to apply correctly the first time and protect your overall investment.
The Real Cost Breakdown: You pay
Additional Costs Beyond Visa Fee & Service Charges
Apart from the embassy fee and visa centre charges, there are a few mandatory expenses every Schengen applicant must consider:
Travel Insurance: ₹300–₹1,500 per week
Schengen visa rules require travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries for your entire trip duration.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we help you choose the right Schengen-compliant insurance plan from trusted providers ensuring it meets embassy requirements without overpaying.
Passport-Size Photographs: ₹100–₹600
You’ll need photos as per strict Schengen specifications (35×45mm, white background, recent within 6 months). Visa centres usually charge ₹300–₹600 for this, while local studios may offer it at a lower cost.
At Visa Lounge, we guide you on exact photo requirements beforehand, helping you avoid rejections or last-minute extra charges at the centre.
Indirect Costs Most Applicants Overlook
Beyond the obvious fees, there are several hidden or indirect costs that many applicants don’t plan for:
Travel to Visa Application Centre
If the nearest center isn’t in your city, you may need to spend on transport, meals, or even a hotel stay.
Flight & Hotel Bookings for Visa Application
Some consulates require confirmed (not dummy) bookings, which means you might need to block refundable flights and hotels in advance.
Bank Statement Charges: ₹200–₹500
Getting 6-month stamped/certified bank statements from your bank can involve additional charges per account.
Document Printing & Photocopying: ₹200–₹500
A complete visa file includes multiple documents printing and photocopying costs can add up quickly.
Lost Work Days
Visa appointments, biometric visits, and possible follow-ups often mean taking time off work, adding to the overall cost.
How Visa Lounge Helps
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we guide you through these hidden costs in advance and help streamline the process so you can save time, reduce unnecessary expenses, and avoid last-minute hassles.
Realistic Total Budget: What to Actually Expect
Here’s a practical breakdown of what a Schengen visa from India typically costs per adult, including all major components:
| Scenario | Estimated Total per Adult |
|---|---|
| Basic (DIY Application) – Embassy fee + standard service charge + insurance + minimal extras | ₹11,000 – ₹13,000 |
| Standard (Most Applicants) – Includes courier, SMS tracking, photos, printing, insurance | ₹13,000 – ₹16,000 |
| Premium (Comfort & Convenience) – Priority appointments, lounge access, travel to centre, higher insurance | ₹16,000 – ₹20,000+ |
| With Visa Lounge (Guided Support) – Complete assistance, document verification, transparent pricing | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 (approx.) |
What This Means
- The “€90 visa fee” is just the starting point your actual cost is always higher.
- Small add-ons and indirect expenses can significantly increase your total.
- Choosing the right guidance can help you avoid unnecessary costs and reduce rejection risk.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we focus on giving you a clear cost estimate upfront, so you can plan your trip budget confidently without hidden surprises later.
Who Is Eligible for Schengen Visa Fee Exemptions?
Some applicants may qualify for a waiver of the €90 (₹8,000–₹8,500) embassy visa fee. However, keep in mind that visa application center.
Categories that may be eligible:
- Children below 6 years
- School, college, or university students travelling for educational purposes (with valid proof)
- Researchers travelling for scientific work under recognized EU programmed
- Representatives of non-profit organizations (aged 25 or below) attending seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events
- Family members of EU/EEA citizens exercising free movement rights
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Applicants travelling for emergency medical treatment (subject to consulate approval)
Important to Know:
Fee exemptions are not automatic. You must submit proper supporting documents—such as admission letters, invitation letters, or proof of participation. The final decision always lies with the consulate at the time of application.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we help you identify if you’re eligible for any fee exemption and ensure your documents are properly prepared to support your case.
Schengen Visa Fees vs Other Popular Destinations from India
If you compare Schengen visa costs with other major travel destinations, you’ll notice a big difference—not just in pricing, but also in the overall application complexity.
| Destination | Embassy Visa Fee | Approx. INR | Estimated Total Cost (incl. extras) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen (Europe) | €90 | ₹8,000–₹8,500 | ₹11,000 – ₹16,000 |
| USA (B1/B2) | $185 (+ new $250 fee) | ₹15,500 – ₹36,500 | ₹18,000 – ₹40,000+ |
| UK (Visitor Visa) | £115+ | ₹12,000 – ₹13,500 | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000+ |
| Dubai (UAE) | AED 350–550 | ₹8,000 – ₹12,500 | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Canada (Visitor Visa) | CAD 100 | ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
Payment Methods Accepted
At visa application centers in India, you can usually pay using multiple convenient methods, including:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard Cash (INR)
- UPI (available at select centers)
- Net Banking (at select centers)
However, the available payment options can vary depending on the country you’re applying to and the specific visa centers. In some cases, embassies may also accept demand drafts or bank transfers for certain visa categories. It’s always best to confirm the accepted payment methods while booking your appointment.
Also, keep in mind that the €90 visa fee is converted into INR using an exchange rate set by the embassy or visa application centre. This rate may differ slightly from the market rate, so the final amount payable in INR is shown at the time of payment.
At Visa Lounge (Gurgaon), we guide you on the exact payment process and accepted methods beforehand—so you’re fully prepared and avoid any last-minute confusion at the centre.
Yes. The embassy visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children (6–12) across all 29 Schengen countries. What varies is the visa application centre service charge, which ranges from approximately ₹400 (Slovakia) to ₹3,125 (Greece) depending on the country.
No. The embassy visa fee and visa application centre service charges are completely non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or rejected. This is why getting your application right on the first attempt is critical. .
The total cost for an adult applicant is typically ₹11,000–₹13,000, including the €90 visa fee (~₹8,550), visa application centers service charges (₹400–₹3,125), and mandatory travel insurance (₹300–₹1,500 per week). Optional add-ons like courier return and premium lounge can push the total higher.
No. The fee is €90 for adults regardless of whether you receive a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. The type of visa issued is decided by the consulate based on your profile and travel history, not by fee.
Based on visa application centre service charges alone, Slovakia (₹400) and Italy (₹570 at some centers) have the lowest additional costs. However, you must apply to the country where you’ll spend the most nights — applying to a cheaper country that isn’t your main destination can result in rejection.
The fee was last increased in June 2024 from €80 to €90. The India-EU Mobility Pact signed in January 2026 includes discussions about potential fee reductions for students and researchers, but these haven’t been implemented yet. No further increase has been announced for 2026.
Top Visa Country
Vietnam
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
Egypt
Indoneisa