Schengen Visa Cost from India 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown

How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost from India in 2026? (Quick Answer)

Two mandatory payments define the cost of every Schengen visa application from India: the consular fee set by European Union regulation, and the service charge levied by VFS Global India at the time of submission. As of 11 June 2024, the consular fee for a Schengen visa stands at EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged six to eleven. At the current EUR/INR rate of approximately 109.68 as of mid-2026, EUR 90 converts to roughly INR 9,871. On top of that, VFS Global's compulsory service fee for Schengen visa submissions in India now runs between INR 1,933 and INR 3,111 depending on the destination mission.

Add in mandatory Schengen travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover), two passport photographs, and courier charges for passport return, and the realistic all-in budget for a single adult applicant ranges from approximately INR 13,000 to INR 17,000. The exact figure depends on the destination country, the VFS center, optional services selected, and the EUR/INR rate on payment day. Every component is broken down in the sections below.

Applicants who prefer end-to-end assisted service — document preparation, appointment booking, and expert form review — can use Visarun.ai's all-inclusive packages for popular Schengen destinations, which start at USD 169 per person and include the government fee and VFS charge in the total.

Schengen Visa Consular Fee (the fixed component)

The consular fee is the same across all 29 Schengen states. Whether you apply at the German consulate, the French visa application center, or the Greek embassy in India, the amount is identical — it is set by the European Commission under the Schengen Visa Code and cannot be altered by individual missions or processing agencies.

Since 11 June 2024, the fee for a Schengen visa has been increased to EUR 90, or EUR 45 for children from the age of six years and below the age of 12 years, in accordance with Article 16 of the Visa Code. Children under the age of six are exempt entirely and receive the visa at no charge. This was the first fee revision since 2020 and represented a 12.5 percent increase on the previous EUR 80 adult rate.

The full fee structure for Indian applicants in 2026:

• Adults aged 12 and above — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870 at current exchange rates)
• Children aged 6 to 11 — EUR 45 (approximately INR 4,935)
• Children under 6 — no charge
• Airport transit visa, where required — EUR 90 for most nationalities including Indian

The INR amount you pay on the day of your appointment may differ slightly from the estimates above. Embassies publish their own consular exchange rate — usually updated weekly or fortnightly — rather than applying the live interbank mid-market rate. At the current mid-market rate of approximately INR 109.68 per euro , EUR 90 works out to approximately INR 9,871. In practice, consular exchange rates tend to run a few rupees per euro above the market rate, so the actual INR debit at submission is often closer to INR 10,000–10,200 for the adult fee. Confirm the rate published on the relevant embassy or VFS website shortly before your appointment.

This fee is non-refundable under EU law. A rejected application, a visa granted for fewer days than requested, or a withdrawn application after submission — none of these circumstances entitles the applicant to a refund of the consular component. This is not a VFS policy; it is a binding provision of the Schengen Visa Code.

VFS Global India Service Charges

VFS Global operates Schengen visa application centers in India on behalf of most European embassies. Submitting your application through a VFS center adds a mandatory service charge collected in addition to the consular fee. Unlike the consular fee, which is uniform across all Schengen states, the VFS service charge is set country by country and can vary meaningfully between destinations.

On 9 November 2025, VFS Global raised its compulsory service fee for Schengen visa submissions in India, pushing the total cost of a standard tourist or business visa for Indians to well over INR 12,000 once optional services are included. Before this revision, the service charge for most popular Schengen destinations sat in the range of INR 1,500–1,722. The post-revision range across all Schengen missions is approximately:

• Germany — INR 1,722 per Visarun.ai's published data; post-November 2025 rate approximately INR 1,806–1,933 per current VFS schedules — verify on visa.vfsglobal.com before your appointment
• France — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Italy — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Spain — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Greece — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Netherlands — approximately INR 1,750–2,200
• Portugal — approximately INR 3,111 (among the highest for a popular Schengen destination)
• Slovakia — approximately INR 402 (the lowest Schengen service charge available in India)

VFS service charges are subject to periodic revision. The INR equivalent for any fee linked to euros also shifts with currency movements. Check the official VFS Global India website for the fee specific to your destination before booking an appointment, as the figures above reflect information available as of mid-2026 and may change.

Biometric data — fingerprints and a digital facial photograph — is collected at the VFS center as part of the submission process. In India, there is no separate biometric levy charged to the applicant; the biometric enrollment cost is included within the VFS service charge.

Total Cost by Country (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Netherlands)

All six countries below charge the identical EUR 90 consular fee. Differences in total cost arise from VFS service charges, processing timelines, and any country-specific document requirements that may generate additional translation or notarization expenses. Figures below cover mandatory government and VFS components; insurance, photographs, and optional services are addressed in the following sections.

Germany

• Consular fee — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870)
• VFS service charge — INR 1,722 per Visarun.ai's Germany product page
• Total mandatory fees — approximately INR 11,592
• Standard processing — 10–15 business days
• Maximum stay — 90 days within the Schengen Area
• Visarun.ai all-inclusive package — USD 169 (includes document preparation, appointment scheduling, and expert support)

Germany handles the largest volume of Schengen applications from India and operates within a predictable 10–15 business day processing window outside peak season. It is a practical first-choice country for Indian travelers building a Schengen visa history.

France

• Consular fee — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870)
• VFS service charge — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Standard processing — 15–30 business days
• Maximum stay — 90 days
• Visarun.ai all-inclusive package — USD 169

France is among the more efficient Schengen processors for Indian applications, often completing standard tourist cases in 10–15 working days. Allow 30 days during summer and school holiday seasons. The attestation d'accueil (hosting certificate) is required if you are staying with a host — this adds a notarization step for applicants in that category.

Italy

• Consular fee — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870)
• VFS service charge — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Standard processing — 15–30 business days; up to 45 days during peak summer
• Maximum stay — 90 days

Italy receives a very high volume of Indian applications, particularly for summer travel. Apply at least six to eight weeks before your intended departure. Italy sometimes requests more detailed financial documentation than other Schengen countries, so budget for possible certified translation costs if your bank statements or employment letters are not in English.

Spain

• Consular fee — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870)
• VFS service charge — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Standard processing — 15–30 business days
• Maximum stay — 90 days

Spain is a high-demand destination from India. VFS appointment slots fill quickly during peak periods, and four to six weeks' lead time is advisable for off-season applications. For summer travel, apply eight weeks or more in advance.

Greece

• Consular fee — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870)
• VFS service charge — approximately INR 1,933–2,500
• Standard processing — 10–15 business days
• Maximum stay — 90 days
• Visarun.ai all-inclusive package — USD 170

Greece processes applications within 10–15 working days from the Greek embassy in New Delhi. If you submit at a VFS center outside New Delhi, your application travels to the capital before reaching the embassy — factor in an additional five business days for that transit leg. Visarun.ai's Greece package is priced at USD 170 all-in.

Netherlands

• Consular fee — EUR 90 (approximately INR 9,870)
• VFS service charge — approximately INR 1,750–2,200
• Standard processing — 10–15 business days
• Maximum stay — 90 days

The Netherlands is one of the faster Schengen processors from India and is a practical option for first-time Schengen applicants. VFS centers handling Netherlands applications operate in eight Indian cities, giving good geographic coverage.

Mandatory Extras (travel insurance, photos, courier, document translation)

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with a minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover and repatriation benefit is mandatory for every Schengen visa application. The policy must be valid for the entire duration of the trip and cover all Schengen member states. Policies from Indian providers such as Tata AIG, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and Niva Bupa satisfy the requirement when they include a certificate explicitly stating EUR 30,000 medical cover for the Schengen Area.

Tata AIG plans compliant with the EUR 30,000 Schengen requirement start from INR 26 per day in 2026. The Gold plan, which includes higher medical limits and trip cancellation cover, starts from approximately INR 36 per day. For a typical 14-day trip, a basic compliant policy costs approximately INR 400–800. For a 30-day trip, basic plans cost INR 800–1,500; comprehensive plans with trip cancellation and baggage protection typically run INR 2,000–5,000 per trip. Premiums rise significantly for applicants over 60. Insurance cannot be purchased at the VFS center — it must be obtained online before the appointment, and the printed certificate must be included in your document set.

Passport Photographs

Two recent passport-size photographs are required: 35mm wide by 45mm tall, color, taken against a plain white or off-white background, not older than six months. Professional studio sets cost approximately INR 100–200 in most Indian cities. Bringing photographs from a studio is strongly advisable; the on-site photo service at VFS centers is priced at approximately INR 600, three to four times the studio cost. Photographs that do not meet specification — incorrect size, colored background, or digital reproductions — are rejected at the counter without refund.

Courier and Passport Return

After the consulate processes your application, the passport is returned through the VFS center. VFS Global offers a combo service combining SMS passport-ready notification and courier return for INR 1,250 at most India centers. The optional Premium Lounge is available at INR 4,600, excluding certain locations. Outside Delhi, passport return by courier is often required rather than optional. Purchasing the SMS and courier combination as a bundle is more cost-effective than buying each component separately.

Document Translation and Notarization

All supporting documents submitted with a Schengen application must be in English. If your bank statements, employment letters, income tax acknowledgements, or other key documents are in a regional Indian language, certified English translation is required. In India, the cost of notarized translation services generally ranges from INR 600 to INR 1,500 per page for common languages such as English, Hindi, and major regional languages. For legal or academic documents requiring full attestation, costs can reach INR 2,000–5,000 per document. Salaried applicants with documents from major Indian banks and large employers are often exempt from this cost, as most standard financial documents are already issued in English.

Total Budget in INR — What to Expect

A realistic all-in estimate for a single adult applying for Germany from a major Indian city, for a 14-day trip:

• Consular fee (EUR 90) — approximately INR 9,870
• VFS service charge — approximately INR 1,722–1,933
• Travel insurance (14 days, basic Schengen plan) — approximately INR 400–800
• Passport photographs (studio) — approximately INR 150
• Courier and SMS combo — INR 1,250
• Total — approximately INR 13,400–14,000

Opting for a comprehensive insurance plan (with trip cancellation) and skipping all other optional VFS services brings the total to approximately INR 14,500–16,000. Adding the premium lounge service (INR 4,600) or form-filling assistance (INR 1,500) increases it further. The range for Italy, Spain, or France with their slightly higher VFS charges shifts the base total up by INR 200–800.

For a family of four — two adults, one child aged nine, and one child aged four — the estimate looks like this:

• Consular fee: two adults at EUR 90 each plus one child at EUR 45 (four-year-old free) — approximately INR 24,675
• VFS service charge: three applicants at approximately INR 1,933 each — approximately INR 5,799
• Travel insurance: four persons, 14 days — approximately INR 1,600–3,200
• Photographs: three sets — approximately INR 450
• Courier for three passports — approximately INR 1,250–2,000
• Total — approximately INR 33,000–36,000

These estimates use conservative mid-range figures. Exchange-rate shifts and periodic revisions to the VFS fee schedule can move the final total by INR 500–2,000 in either direction. Applicants planning travel six or more months ahead should recheck both the EUR/INR rate and the current VFS schedule closer to the submission date, as fees are not locked in at planning time.

Payment Methods and Refund Policy on Rejection

At VFS Global India centers, the consular fee and VFS service charge are collected together at the time of appointment, before the application is forwarded to the embassy. Accepted payment methods at most Schengen VFS centers in India include cash in INR, debit and credit cards, and UPI. Some centers also accept demand drafts. Payment by UPI is available at select locations and is practical for larger family group payments. Confirm accepted methods with your specific city center before visiting, as practices vary slightly by location.

Travel insurance is paid separately — online, directly to an Indian insurer — before the VFS appointment. The printed insurance certificate is submitted as part of the document set, not purchased at the counter.

On the refund policy: the consular fee of EUR 90 is strictly non-refundable under the Schengen Visa Code, regardless of the outcome. A rejected application does not qualify for a consular fee refund. A visa granted for fewer days than requested, or an application withdrawn after submission, similarly attracts no refund. This is a binding EU regulation, not a VFS policy. The VFS service fee is generally non-refundable. If you cancel your appointment less than 48 hours before the scheduled slot, you will likely forfeit this payment. Cancellations made well in advance may be eligible for a VFS service fee refund depending on the destination country — check the terms applicable to your specific mission before booking.

Travel insurance premiums paid to Indian providers may be refundable if the visa is rejected and travel does not take place. Check the refund clause in the policy terms before purchase, as conditions and notification timelines vary by insurer.

Hidden Costs to Anticipate

Several charges are technically optional but can materially inflate the total if you encounter them unprepared at the VFS center:

• Premium lounge access — INR 4,600 per person, excluding Jaipur, Kolkata, and Jalandhar centers. Provides a separate comfortable waiting area with priority counter service. Has no bearing on processing speed or visa outcome.
• Combo service (SMS notification plus courier return) — INR 1,250. Worth selecting as a bundle if you need both; purchasing each component separately costs more.
• On-site photograph service — approximately INR 600. Bring compliant studio photographs (INR 100–200) and this charge does not apply.
• Form-filling assistance — approximately INR 1,500. VFS staff help complete the online application form at the counter. Applicants who prepare forms carefully at home before the appointment can skip this.
• Prime Time appointment slots — an additional fee at select centers for early-morning or evening slots outside standard operating hours. The amount varies by center and country.
• Bank statement attestation — some Indian banks charge INR 500–1,000 for a stamped or certified statement issued within a short turnaround. This applies when standard bank-app printouts are not accepted.
• Document photocopying — VFS requires copies of most documents in addition to originals. Photocopying at the center carries a per-page charge. Bring a complete set of self-made photocopies to avoid this.
• Travel to the VFS center — Schengen VFS centers in India operate in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune. If your nearest center requires intercity travel, factor in transport and possibly accommodation.
• Re-application costs — if a first application is refused and you re-apply, the full EUR 90 consular fee and the VFS service charge are payable again in their entirety on the second submission.

Recent Fee Changes (2025–2026 Updates)

Three developments between mid-2024 and early 2026 have significantly affected the cost and border-crossing experience for Indian Schengen applicants.

As of 11 June 2024, the Schengen visa fee was raised from EUR 80 to EUR 90 for adults and from EUR 40 to EUR 45 for children aged six to below 12 years. This increase of approximately 12.5 percent was the first revision since 2020 and was mandated to fund expanded processing capacity, additional consulate staff, and system infrastructure upgrades across European missions worldwide. The under-six exemption and the reduced fees for certain academic, cultural, and diplomatic categories remained unchanged.

On 9 November 2025, VFS Global raised its compulsory service fee for Schengen visa submissions in India, lifting charges to a range of INR 1,933–3,111 depending on the destination mission. Combined with the 2024 consular fee increase and the gradual depreciation of the rupee against the euro, Indian applicants are now paying roughly 20–25 percent more in total mandatory fees compared to 2023 levels. The November 2025 revision affected all Schengen missions operating through VFS Global India, so applicants who last applied a year or more ago should not rely on remembered fee figures.

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational across all 29 Schengen states on 10 April 2026. EES replaces manual passport stamping with biometric registration — fingerprints and a facial scan — at Schengen external border crossing points for all non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens traveling on a valid Schengen visa. The registration occurs at the border on first entry; no pre-registration or pre-departure fee is required from travelers. Expect somewhat longer processing queues at major Schengen entry airports — Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Madrid Barajas — particularly during the peak summer travel period as border infrastructure and traveler flows fully adapt to the new system.

A point that causes significant confusion online: ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026 , but it applies exclusively to citizens of countries whose nationals can visit the Schengen Area without a visa. Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa and are therefore entirely unaffected by ETIAS. ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026 for over 60 visa-exempt nationalities — this system adds no cost, no registration step, and no additional requirement for Indian applicants who go through the standard Schengen visa process.

FAQ

What is the total Schengen visa cost from India for a single adult in 2026?

The two mandatory components are the EUR 90 consular fee (approximately INR 9,870 at current exchange rates) and the VFS Global service charge of INR 1,722 to INR 3,111 depending on the destination. Adding mandatory travel insurance, passport photographs, and courier service, the realistic all-in figure for Germany, France, Italy, Spain, or Greece sits at approximately INR 13,000–15,000 for a straightforward application. Optional VFS services such as the premium lounge or form-filling assistance can push the total higher. Fees are paid in INR at the VFS center; insurance is purchased separately from an Indian insurer.

Is the Schengen visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?

No. The consular fee of EUR 90 is non-refundable under EU law, regardless of whether the visa is granted, refused, or withdrawn. The VFS service charge is also non-refundable in most circumstances once the application has been submitted. Travel insurance premiums purchased from Indian insurers may be refunded if the visa is rejected and travel does not take place, but this depends entirely on the insurer's refund policy. Read the refund clause before purchasing the insurance policy.

Which Schengen country has the lowest total application cost for Indians?

Slovakia has the lowest VFS service charge in India at approximately INR 402, making it the most cost-efficient Schengen country by mandatory fee. Among the six popular destinations covered in this article, Germany has one of the lower VFS service charges (INR 1,722 per Visarun.ai's data), while Portugal is among the highest at approximately INR 3,111. All countries charge the same EUR 90 consular fee, so the VFS component is where the meaningful cost difference lies.

Do children have to pay the Schengen visa fee?

Children under the age of six receive the Schengen visa free of charge — the consular fee does not apply. Children aged six to eleven pay EUR 45, approximately INR 4,935 at current rates. Children aged twelve and above pay the full adult fee of EUR 90. The VFS Global service charge is payable for each applicant regardless of age, including children. Insurance premiums for children are typically lower than for adults.

What payment methods does VFS Global India accept for Schengen applications?

Most VFS Schengen centers in India accept cash in INR, debit and credit cards, and UPI at the time of submission. Some centers also accept demand drafts made payable to VFS Global. Travel insurance must be purchased online from a licensed Indian insurer before the appointment and cannot be paid at the VFS counter. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific city center before your visit, as practices vary by location.

Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory and how much does it cost from Indian providers?

Yes, travel insurance covering a minimum of EUR 30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation is a mandatory requirement for every Schengen visa application — the consulate will reject an application that does not include a compliant insurance certificate. Tata AIG's entry-level Schengen plan starts from approximately INR 26 per day for adults. For a 14-day trip, a basic compliant plan typically costs INR 400–800. Comprehensive plans covering trip cancellation, baggage loss, and missed connections cost INR 2,000–5,000 per trip. Premiums increase with the applicant's age, notably for travelers above 60.

How long does Schengen visa processing take from India in 2026?

Processing times vary by destination country and season. Germany and Greece typically process Indian applications in 10–15 business days. France generally processes straightforward tourist cases in 10–15 working days, extending to 30 days in peak periods. Italy and Spain typically take 15–30 business days, with Italy sometimes reaching 45 days during peak summer demand. Apply at least six to eight weeks before travel during peak season (April through September) and four to six weeks for shoulder-season trips. Processing time begins when the consulate receives the complete file from VFS, not on the date of the VFS appointment.

Why do I pay two separate fees — one to the embassy and one to VFS Global?

The consular fee (EUR 90) is paid to the embassy of the Schengen country and covers the cost of processing and adjudicating your visa application. VFS Global is a private company contracted by the embassy to manage the logistics of application center operations — appointment scheduling, biometric enrollment, document collection, and passport dispatch. These are entirely separate entities providing distinct services. VFS plays no role in the visa approval decision, which rests entirely with the consulate. The VFS service charge compensates for the administrative and operational costs of running the application centers in India.

Does ETIAS affect Indian Schengen visa applicants in any way?

No. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system designed for citizens of countries that can visit the Schengen Area without a visa. Indian passport holders are not visa-exempt and therefore fall entirely outside the scope of ETIAS. When ETIAS launches in the final quarter of 2026, Indian applicants will continue going through the same Schengen visa process they use today. No additional registration, no additional fee, and no additional step in the application process applies to Indian nationals as a result of ETIAS.

What does applying through Visarun.ai cost, and what does it include?

Visarun.ai's all-inclusive packages for popular Schengen destinations are priced at USD 169 for Germany and France and USD 170 for Greece. Each package includes document preparation, application form assistance, appointment scheduling, and dedicated guidance throughout the process. The government consular fee and VFS service charge are included in the stated total. For country-specific details and current pricing, visit the Visarun.ai page for each destination. Final approval decisions rest with the consulate; fees and processing timelines are subject to change, so checking the official embassy and VFS Global websites before submitting is always advisable.