Indian travellers planning to visit Europe in 2025 will face higher visa-related costs due to a significant service fee increase by VFS Global, the agency responsible for processing Schengen visa applications in India. This fee hike adds to the base visa fee charged by European embassies, making European trips costlier for Indian applicants.
What Has Changed : New VFS Global Service Charges
The embassy-set base Schengen visa fee remains largely stable, hovering around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 for adult applicants. However, the VFS Global service fee, which is mandatory for visa processing and cannot be avoided, has been revised upward across several popular Schengen destinations. Here are the updated service fees (in Indian Rupees):
- Germany: ₹1,933
- France: ₹2,234
- Austria: ₹2,274
- Switzerland: ₹2,690 (a 45% increase from the previous charge)
- Portugal: ₹3,111 (the highest among Schengen countries for India)
In addition, applicants may choose optional services such as SMS updates, courier delivery, and premium lounge access, which come with separate additional charges.
Why has VFS Global increased service fee for Schengen Visa ?
VFS Global attributes this hike to multiple factors influenced by contractual agreements with European governments and the need for enhanced security infrastructure at visa application centres across India. Another key reason is the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the Euro, which has increased the rupee-equivalent cost since the fees are denominated in Euros. The fee increases also incorporate the applicable Indian GST of 18%.
How are Indian travellers affected after an increase In Schengen Visa Fee ?
This increase impacts all travellers applying for Schengen visas through VFS Global in India, especially:
- Indian students seeking to study in Europe
- Middle-income travellers and tourists budgeting tightly
- Professionals planning work or business trips
The hike is particularly challenging given the already high demand for Schengen visas from India and the steep costs involved in documentation, travel, and accommodation.
What Does This Mean for Indian Travellers ?
The total cost of obtaining a Schengen visa will now be substantially higher. For example, applying for a Schengen visa to Portugal could now cost upwards of ₹12,000 when factoring in both the embassy fees and VFS service charges. Countries like Greece and Iceland also rank among the more expensive options.
Travellers are strongly advised to:
- Check the latest, country-specific VFS service fees on the official VFS Global website before applying.
- Budget adequately for not just the visa fee but also the increased service charges and optional extras.
- Prepare all documents carefully to avoid delays that could incur additional fees.
Background about The Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa enables short-term travel across 29 European countries with no internal border controls, valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. With Europe remaining one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian tourists, students, and professionals, these new fee structures come at a time when travel demand is high.
