Planning a European holiday in 2026? Before you book flights to Paris, Rome or the Swiss Alps, there is one number every traveller wants to get right — the Schengen visa fee for Indians. The good news is that the cost is fixed by European law, so it is the same whether you apply through Germany, France, Italy or any other Schengen country. The not-so-good news is that the embassy fee is only part of the story: VFS Global service charges, optional add-ons and travel insurance all add to your final bill.
This guide breaks down the complete Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2026 — the standard €90 application charge, who pays less (or nothing), what VFS Global charges on top, and how much you should realistically budget in Indian rupees. Let’s get your costs sorted before you apply.
Do Indians have to pay a Schengen visa fee?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries for tourism, and a visa application fee is payable for almost every applicant. India is not on the EU’s visa-free list, so there is no way around the application charge — but the amount is standardised.
The Schengen visa fee for Indians is set under Article 16 of the EU Visa Code. That means a tourist applying in Delhi pays exactly the same embassy fee as one applying in Mumbai, Chennai or Kochi. What changes from city to city is the service fee charged by the outsourcing partner (usually VFS Global), not the visa fee itself.
Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2026: the standard cost
For 2026, the standard Schengen visa fee is €90 for adult applicants. This rate has been in place since June 2024 and has not changed for 2026. The EU reviews the fee roughly every three years, so travellers can expect €90 to hold steady through the year.
Here is the full fee structure that applies to Indian applicants:
| Applicant category | Schengen visa fee (2026) | Approx. in INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children aged 12 and above | €90 | ₹8,300 – ₹8,600 |
| Children aged 6 to 11 years | €45 | ₹4,150 – ₹4,300 |
| Children below 6 years | Free | ₹0 |
| Students, pupils and accompanying teachers on a school trip | Free | ₹0 |
| Researchers travelling for scientific research | Free | ₹0 |
| Applicants aged 25 or under attending non-profit events | Free (case by case) | ₹0 |
| Family members of EU/EEA nationals | Free | ₹0 |
*INR amounts are indicative. The consulate sets the rupee rate periodically using the European Central Bank reference rate — always confirm the exact figure on the VFS Global website before you pay.
A quick note on the rupee amount: you will not see “€90” on your payment receipt. Embassies convert the fee into a fixed INR figure and revise it every few months as exchange rates move. In early 2026 the adult Schengen visa fee for Indians works out to roughly ₹8,300–₹8,600, but treat that as a guide, not a guarantee.
Types of Schengen visa and whether the fee changes
One of the most common questions Indian travellers ask is whether a multiple-entry visa costs more than a single-entry one. It does not. The Schengen visa fee for Indians is the same €90 regardless of how many entries your visa allows or how long it is valid.
- Single-entry visa — lets you enter the Schengen area once. Fee: €90.
- Multiple-entry visa — lets you enter and exit several times within the validity period, which can be 1, 3 or even 5 years. Fee: still €90.
- Transit visa (Type A) — for passengers transiting through a Schengen airport without entering. Fee: €90.
So if you are a frequent traveller, always request a long-validity multiple-entry visa — you get far more value for the same money. For a deeper look at long-validity options, see our guide to the Schengen multiple-entry visa for Indians.
There is one exception worth knowing: under Article 25a of the Visa Code, the EU can raise the fee to €120 or €160 for nationals of countries that do not cooperate on readmission. This does not apply to India — Indian travellers pay the standard €90.
VFS Global service fee — the cost on top of the visa fee
Almost every Schengen country in India outsources visa intake to VFS Global (a few use BLS International or TLScontact). These centres charge a separate service fee for accepting your application, collecting biometrics and couriering your passport back.
EU rules cap this service fee at 50% of the visa fee — so it can never legally exceed €45. In practice, the VFS Global service fee for a Schengen visa in India usually falls in the ₹1,800–₹2,500 range, depending on the country and centre. This charge is payable even if your visa fee is waived (for example, for researchers), unless the consulate accepts applications directly.
On top of the basic service fee, VFS Global offers optional paid services:
- Premium Lounge — faster, more comfortable processing at the centre (around ₹1,500–₹3,000).
- Courier / mail-back delivery — passport delivered to your home instead of a second visit (around ₹400–₹800).
- SMS updates — status alerts on your phone (around ₹150–₹300).
- Photo and photocopy services — handy if you arrive unprepared (₹150–₹400).
- Form-filling assistance — help completing your application (around ₹500–₹800).
These add-ons are completely optional. You can submit a perfectly valid application paying only the visa fee plus the basic service fee. For a detailed city-wise breakdown, read our dedicated guide to VFS Schengen visa fees in India.
Total cost: what a Schengen visa really costs an Indian traveller in 2026
Let’s add it all up. Here is a realistic budget for one adult tourist applying for a Schengen visa from India in 2026:
| Cost component | Approx. amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa fee (€90) | ₹8,300 – ₹8,600 |
| VFS Global service fee | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 |
| Travel medical insurance (min. €30,000 cover) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Optional add-ons (courier, SMS, premium lounge) | ₹0 – ₹3,500 |
| Realistic total per adult | ₹11,000 – ₹17,000 |
Excludes flight tickets, hotel bookings and document costs such as bank statements or translations.
For a family of four (two adults, two children aged 8 and 10), the visa and service fees alone would come to roughly ₹35,000–₹40,000. Building this into your trip budget early prevents nasty surprises at the application centre.
Documents you need before paying the Schengen visa fee
The fee is non-refundable once your application is examined, so make sure your file is complete before you pay. Here is the core checklist:
- ✅ Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, with 2 blank pages
- ✅ Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- ✅ Two recent passport-size photos meeting Schengen specifications
- ✅ Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
- ✅ Hotel bookings or invitation letter for your entire stay
- ✅ Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across the Schengen area
- ✅ Bank statements for the last 6 months and latest salary slips or ITR
- ✅ Cover letter explaining your travel plans and itinerary
- ✅ Proof of employment, leave letter or business registration
For the complete, country-specific list, see our Schengen visa documents required for Indians guide.
How to apply and pay the Schengen visa fee step by step
- Choose the right country. Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most days, or your first point of entry if the stay is split evenly.
- Book an appointment. Schedule a slot on the VFS Global or relevant service provider website. You can apply up to 6 months before travel and should apply at least 15 working days in advance.
- Fill the application form. Complete it online or on paper, then print and sign it.
- Gather your documents. Use the checklist above and arrange everything in the order the consulate specifies.
- Visit the centre. Submit your file, give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and pay the Schengen visa fee for Indians plus the VFS service fee.
- Pay and collect your receipt. Payment is accepted in INR by cash or card at the centre. Keep the receipt — you need it to track your application.
- Track and collect. Follow your application online and collect your passport, or have it couriered to you.
Need a walkthrough with screenshots? Our step-by-step Schengen visa guide for Indians covers the full process.
Is the Schengen visa fee refundable?
Generally, no. The Schengen visa fee for Indians is non-refundable once your application has been examined — even if your visa is refused. This is set out in Article 16 of the Visa Code.
There are only two situations where you get your money back: if you applied at the wrong consulate (one not competent to handle your case), or if your application was declared inadmissible on submission because it was incomplete. In every other case, including a standard refusal, the fee is not returned. That is exactly why preparing a strong, complete file matters so much.
Processing time after you pay
Once you have paid the fee and submitted biometrics, the standard processing time is 15 calendar days. During peak summer season this can extend to 30–45 days, so apply early. Paying for premium or priority services speeds up your centre visit, but it cannot force the consulate to decide faster. For realistic timelines, see our Schengen visa processing time guide.
Common reasons Schengen visa applications get rejected
Since the fee is lost on rejection, it pays to avoid these frequent mistakes:
- Insufficient funds — bank balance too low for the planned trip duration.
- Weak travel itinerary — unclear or inconsistent flight and hotel bookings.
- Inadequate travel insurance — coverage below €30,000 or not valid Schengen-wide.
- Doubtful intention to return — no strong ties to India such as a job, family or property.
- Incomplete documents — missing salary slips, ITR or cover letter.
- Wrong embassy — applying to a country other than your main destination.
Our detailed guide on Schengen visa rejection reasons for Indians explains how to fix each of these before you apply.
Tips to get the most value from your Schengen visa fee
- Apply for a multiple-entry visa. Same €90, far more flexibility — especially if you travel often.
- Skip add-ons you don’t need. SMS alerts and premium lounges are convenient but optional.
- Apply early in the year. Off-season applications face shorter queues and fewer delays.
- Double-check the consulate’s INR rate. Confirm the exact rupee fee on the VFS website on the day you pay.
- Build a strong file the first time. A rejection means paying the whole fee again.
- Keep every receipt. You will need them to track your application and for future visa history.
Apply for your Schengen visa with confidence
The Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2026 is straightforward once you see the full picture: a fixed €90 embassy charge, a VFS service fee of around ₹1,800–₹2,500, and a few optional extras you can skip. Budget ₹11,000–₹17,000 per adult and you will be well prepared.
Want expert help building a strong application so that fee is money well spent? Apply Now with VisaForTrip and our team will handle your Schengen visa end to end — or chat with a visa expert on WhatsApp for a free assessment. You can also start with our complete Schengen visa guide for Indians.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The standard Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2026 is €90 for adults and children aged 12 and above, which works out to roughly ₹8,300–₹8,600. Children aged 6–11 pay €45, and children under 6 are exempt.
Does a multiple-entry Schengen visa cost more than a single-entry visa?
No. The Schengen visa fee is €90 regardless of whether you apply for a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa, and regardless of the visa’s validity period. A long-validity multiple-entry visa offers much better value for the same fee.
How much does VFS Global charge on top of the Schengen visa fee?
VFS Global charges a separate service fee, usually around ₹1,800–₹2,500 in India depending on the country and centre. EU rules cap this at 50% of the visa fee. Optional services like courier delivery, SMS updates and premium lounge access cost extra.
Is the Schengen visa fee refundable if my visa is rejected?
No. The Schengen visa fee is non-refundable once your application has been examined, even if the visa is refused. It is only refunded if you applied at the wrong consulate or your application was declared inadmissible on submission.
How do I pay the Schengen visa fee from India?
You pay the fee in Indian rupees at the VFS Global or relevant visa application centre when you submit your application, by cash or card. The consulate converts €90 into a fixed INR amount that is revised periodically.
Are children charged the full Schengen visa fee?
No. Children under 6 years are exempt from the fee entirely. Children aged 6 to 11 pay a reduced fee of €45. Children aged 12 and above pay the full €90, the same as adults.
Has the Schengen visa fee increased for 2026?
No. The Schengen visa fee remains €90 for adults in 2026. The current rate has been in place since June 2024, and the EU reviews the fee approximately every three years, so no change is expected during 2026.