People from non-EU countries may soon face a slightly more expensive trip to Europe if new proposals come into force.
The Schengen visa, which allows free movement between the 27 European countries in the Schengen agreement, could soon face a price hike for citizens from non-EU countries.
A proposal from the European Commission would see the cost of a Schengen visa in 2024 increase from around SAR315 to SAR355 (€80 to €90) for adults and from around SAR155 to around SAR175 (€40 to €45) for children.
This fee could be even higher for countries showing ‘insufficient cooperation on readmission’ which is targeted at nations which have accepted the re-entry of people from expelled member states.
For such countries, the proposed fee would rise from around SAR475 to around SAR535 (€120 to €135) for adults and from around SAR630 to around SAR710 (€160 to €180) for children, according to media reports.
A Schengen visa is necessary for citizens travelling to Europe from countries that do not benefit from the EU and Schengen’s ’90-day visa-free rule.
India, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka and South Africa are examples of some countries likely to be impacted.
The good news is that this will not apply to citizens of Saudi as they are allowed to stay in the Schengen area without the need for a visa for up to 90 days.
The European Commission presented the draft of the Schengen Visa fee increase in the first week of February, following support from member states during a December meeting.
The proposal is now open for feedback until Friday March 1 and will allow EU citizens to express their opinions on the suggested changes.
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If the proposal proves to be successful then the new fees could come into force in the next few months so if you’re already planning your European holiday then get your visa sorted now to save a little bit of dosh.
The fee for a Schengen visa extension is likely to remain unchanged at around the SAR115 (€30) mark for anyone looking to prolong their stay in the area.
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