Schengen Visa Price from the UK: How Much Does It Cost?

Planning a trip to Europe? Knowing the Schengen visa price from the UK can help you understand the costs before starting your application. The official visa fee is only part of the total cost, as visa centre charges and optional services may also apply. At Holidays Experts, we always advise checking the total amount before you start, as it may include the official Schengen visa fee plus any applicable service or application centre charges.

This guide breaks down the cost of a Schengen visa from the UK, what the fee covers, and what additional charges you may need to consider.

What Is the Schengen Visa Price?

The Schengen visa price is the official fee you pay to the consulate or embassy to process your visa application. This fee is set by the EU. It covers the cost of checking your documents, reviewing your eligibility, and issuing the visa if you are approved. It does not include separate charges from visa application centres, which many applicants also need to pay.

Keep in mind that paying the fee does not guarantee approval. The fee covers the processing of your application, not the outcome.

How Much Is a Schengen Visa?

The standard Schengen visa fee varies by age group. Here is a simple breakdown of the current fee structure:

Applicant Type	Standard Fee
Adults (12 years and above)	€90
Children aged 6 to under 12	€45
Children under 6	Free

These figures apply to the standard Type C short stay visa, which covers most tourism, family visit, and business trip applications. Some nationalities may be eligible for reduced fees or exemptions under specific bilateral agreements, so it is worth checking your individual circumstances before applying.

Role of Age Groups in the Schengen Visa Fee

• Adults: Must pay the full fee, currently €90
• Children aged 6 to under 12: Receive a reduced fee, roughly 50% of the standard rate
• Children (under 6 years): Exempt from the fee entirely
  

What Does a Schengen Visa Cost from the UK?

If you are applying from the UK, it helps to understand that your total cost is made up of a few separate parts, not just the visa fee itself:

• Official Schengen visa fee — the standard embassy fee based on age, generally €90 for adults
•  Visa application centre or service fee — an additional charge may apply when your application is submitted through a visa service provider such as VFS Global or TLScontact. This fee is separate from the official Schengen visa fee. 
• Optional courier or add-on services — for returning your passport by courier instead of collecting in person, or other optional extras
• Travel agent or visa consultant charges — if you choose to use a professional service, such as Holidays Experts, for guidance and support with your application

Because these charges vary by provider and location, it is a good idea to check the exact costs listed by your chosen application centre before booking your appointment.

Common Schengen Visa Cost Mistakes to Avoid 

• Applying for the wrong visa type
• Assuming you’re exempt without confirming eligibility
• Overlooking service centre charges when budgeting

Avoiding these mistakes helps protect your travel budget.

Is the Schengen Visa Fee the Same Across All Countries? 

The standard Schengen visa fee is harmonised across the Schengen Area, although certain applicants may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions. Additional service charges can vary depending on the visa application centre and provider.

What Other Schengen Visa Costs May Apply?

Beyond the official visa fee, applicants often need to budget for a few extra expenses. These typically include:

• Visa application centre service charges
• Courier fees for document or passport return
• Photograph or printing costs for your application
• Travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements
• Optional professional or consultancy assistance if you choose extra support

These costs sit separately from the official Schengen visa fee, so it is worth adding them into your overall travel budget rather than assuming the embassy fee is the only expense involved.

Is the Schengen Visa Fee Refundable?

The Schengen visa fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. The fee covers the processing of your application rather than guaranteeing visa approval.

Schengen Visa Processing Time: How Long Does It Take? 

Processing time can vary depending on the consulate, time of year, and how complete your application is. Applicants are generally advised to apply well ahead of their travel date, since busy periods like summer can slow things down. Check your consulate’s current guidance closer to your application date. This gives you the most accurate timeline.

The normal processing time for a Schengen visa application is 15 calendar days. In some cases, processing can take up to 45 days if further examination or additional documents are required.

Schengen Visa Requirements for UK Applicants

While the main focus of this guide is cost, it helps to know the general documents most applicants need to prepare, including:

• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• A completed and signed application form
• A detailed travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation for your stay
• Travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support your trip
• Proof of your UK residence or immigration status where applicable

Since requirements can vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, it is always worth checking our Schengen Visa Document Checklist for the latest guidance before submitting your application.

Schengen Visa vs UK Visa: What’s the Difference?

A Schengen visa and a UK visa are entirely separate documents that serve different purposes. A Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area countries according to the conditions of that specific visa, such as the 90-day limit within 180 days. It does not grant any right to enter or stay in the United Kingdom.

Similarly, a UK visa only permits entry into the UK and does not allow travel across the Schengen Area. If your trip involves both regions, you will need to check the separate requirements for each.

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