Schengen visa gets expensive for Indians as VFS hikes service charges

Schengen visa applications just became more expensive for Indians, as VFS Global has increased its service charges, putting a bigger dent in your Europe trip budget. The revision comes at a time when more Indians are choosing Europe for summer and year‑end trips.

The private agency handling visa applications for most European countries increased its service fee last month — the first hike since 2023. While a Schengen visa still costs roughly Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 for adults, VFS charges an additional mandatory service fee.

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The updated fees vary by country: Germany now charges Rs 1,933, Switzerland Rs 2,690, Portugal Rs 3,111, France Rs 2,234, and Austria Rs 2,274. Users also have the option to pay extra for services like courier delivery, SMS updates, and premium lounge access, with charges varying by Schengen country.

For example, if you're applying for a Schengen visa to Switzerland, VFS Global offers optional services at additional costs. The Optional Courier Service is priced at Rs 930, while the SMS Service is available for Rs 450. The Premium Lounge Service is offered at Rs 4,600 (excluding Delhi, Kolkata, and Jalandhar). Alternatively, applicants can opt for the Combo Service—which includes SMS updates and courier return—for Rs 1,250.

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VFS Global has confirmed an increase in service charges for Schengen visa applications to Switzerland, but did not clarify if fees for other countries have also increased.

Responding to a query by ET Online, a spokesperson for VFS Global said the last hike in Switzerland visa service fee was in July 2025 as per the new contractual obligations, and the update on the same was published on our Switzerland-in-India website as well.

“Please also note that all fees levied on visa applicants are duly approved by the respective client government. The VFS Global service fee, in particular, is determined by multiple factors, including the scope of the overall engagement, volume of applications expected, resource and infrastructure costs required to fulfil Service Level Agreements, and the robust connectivity and security measures adopted.”

The agency clarified that the service fee varies for each country in line with contractual agreements with the respective government. “All information regarding applicable fees is transparently available on the VFS Global website for applicants to review prior to applying for a visa, and official receipts are issued for every service availed. These charges are designed to ensure applicants receive an enhanced and secure visa application experience.”

The Schengen visa allows entry into 29 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To apply, travellers must submit standard documents, including travel plans, insurance, and financial proof.

With most embassies no longer accepting direct walk-in visa applications, applicants are now required to submit their documents through VFS Global, the authorised visa processing agency. This change has made it unavoidable for travellers to rely on VFS services, meaning that the fees charged by VFS are mandatory and cannot be waived or avoided.

It is important to note that the rupee has weakened sharply over the past decade. In 2015, one euro was Rs 72.12. By 2020, it rose to Rs 84.64, and by 2023, Rs 89.20. In 2024, it crossed Rs 90.55, and in June 2025, it surged past Rs 100 for the first time.