Paying a fee is an obligatory part of the Schengen visa application process. The fee for lodging a Schengen visa application in the United States is EUR 90 (equivalent to USD 96.64).
Since nationals of United States holding a biometric passport do not need to apply for a Schengen visa due to bilateral agreements, they are also exempt from paying the Schegen visa application fee. Americans will be required to pay EUR 7 (equivalent to USD 7.52) to register for ETIAS before travelling to Europe, starting from 2025.
However, residents of United States that need to apply for a Schengen visa, and in specific cases, even some citizens, must pay the required fees.
The Schengen visa fees for US residents vary depending on the applicant as listed below:
| Applicant | Schengen Visa Fee in EUR | Schengen Visa Fee in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 90 | 96.64 |
| Children between 6 and 12 years old | 45 | 48.32 |
| Children under 6 years old | Free | Free |
| US residents holding a passport of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus | 35 | 37.58 |
| US residents holding a passport of Cabo Verde | 67.50 | 72.48 |
* The applicable visa fee in USD (United States dollar) is as per the current exchange rate (as of June 2024). These are the current fees as decided by the Schengen member countries but are liable to change if new decisions regarding the visa fee are made in the future.
Although a Schengen visa won’t be processed without submitting the visa payment, specific categories of applicants are exempted from paying the fee:
The Schengen visa fee can be paid in different forms depending on how the embassy/consulate where you lodge your application operates. Most Schengen embassies in United States will accept payment in only cash, but some may take other forms of payment like credit cards. It’s also important to remember that the fee is payable in United States dollar as per the current exchange rate.
If you’re required to lodge your application via a third party that the Schengen member states have approved, i.e., a visa application centre, you may be required to pay additional charges. These may include service fees, courier charges, and documentation fees. Extra charges differ depending on which visa centre you must submit your application to.
In case your visa application is rejected, or you withdraw your application, the visa fee you paid is non-refundable. This is why it’s important to prepare your application thoroughly to lower the chances of having your visa rejected and going through unnecessary expenses.
There are no specific guidelines as to whether someone else can pay your Schengen visa fee — this will depend on the embassy or consulate of the country where you’re applying for a visa. If you’re required to pay the fee in cash, you can borrow the money from someone else; if you’re paying with a credit card, you may be required to use a card in your name — make sure you contact the embassy or consulate in your area before you apply for your visa.