Schengen Visa Fee 2026 from USA: €90 in USD & Real Total Cost
Official fee (€90) set by EU Schengen Visa Code, effective June 2024. VFS Global USA service fees sourced from VFS Global US portal. USD conversion approximate verify current rate before applying. Updated June {YEAR}.
The official Schengen visa fee in 2026 is €90 for adults but that is not what US applicants actually pay. Once VFS Global's service fee and courier charges are added, the real out-of-pocket total is $1–30$1–45 for most adults applying from the United States. This page breaks down every component so your budget is accurate before you book your appointment.
In this guide
- The Official Schengen Visa Fee in 2026
- Real Total Cost for US Applicants in 2026
- VFS Service Fee by Destination Country
- How to Pay at VFS USA
- Fees for Specific Applicant Categories
- Is the Schengen Visa Fee Refundable?
- Total Budget for a Family of Four (Example)
- Other Costs to Budget Alongside the Visa Fee
- Frequently Asked Questions
- People mostly search for…
The Official Schengen Visa Fee in 2026
The embassy fee is fixed by EU regulation and is identical across all 29 Schengen countries. It does not vary by which country you are applying to visit.
| Applicant | Fee (USD) | Official EU Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12 and over) | $97 | €90 |
| Children aged 611 | $49 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free | Free |
The USD figures above are approximate based on current exchange rates. The fee is collected in euros at most US VFS centres the exact dollar amount charged to your card depends on your bank's exchange rate on the day of payment.
Real Total Cost for US Applicants in 2026
The embassy fee is only one part of what you pay. VFS Global the authorised visa application centre for most Schengen countries in the USA charges a separate service fee on top. Here is the full picture:
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy visa fee (adult) | ~$97 | Yes mandatory |
| VFS Global service fee | $32$45 | Yes mandatory |
| Courier return of passport | $25$35 | Optional but recommended |
| Premium lounge / prime-time slot | $30$50 | Optional |
| Passport photo at centre | $10$15 | Only if you need photos on the day |
| Typical total (adult, with courier) | $1–30$1–45 | |
| Minimum if no add-ons | $1–29$1–42 |
VFS Service Fee by Destination Country
The VFS service fee varies slightly depending on which Schengen country you are applying for. The ranges below are based on current VFS pricing for US applicants:
| Destination | VFS Service Fee (USD) | Total Est. (Adult + VFS) |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | ~$35$40 | ~$1–32$1–37 |
| France | ~$35$40 | ~$1–32$1–37 |
| Germany | ~$35$45 | ~$1–32$1–42 |
| Spain | ~$32$40 | ~$1–29$1–37 |
| Greece | ~$32$40 | ~$1–29$1–37 |
| Netherlands | ~$35$45 | ~$1–32$1–42 |
| Portugal | ~$32$40 | ~$1–29$1–37 |
| Switzerland | ~$40$45 | ~$1–37$1–42 |
| Norway | ~$40$45 | ~$1–37$1–42 |
| Denmark / Sweden / Finland | ~$35$45 | ~$1–32$1–42 |
Always confirm the exact VFS service fee on the VFS portal when booking your appointment fees are updated periodically and may differ by US city.
How to Pay at VFS USA
- All VFS centres in the USA are cashless credit or debit card only. No cash is accepted at any US centre.
- The embassy visa fee and VFS service fee are typically paid separately at the centre on your appointment day.
- If you opt for courier return, that fee is also paid at the centre.
- Premium lounge and other add-ons are usually paid online when booking your appointment slot.
- Visa fees charged in euros will be converted at your card's exchange rate on the payment date.
Fees for Specific Applicant Categories
Certain categories of applicants pay reduced or waived embassy fees. The VFS service fee still applies in all cases.
| Category | Embassy Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | $97 (€90) |
| Children aged 611 | $49 (€45) |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Students, pupils, researchers (with supporting docs) | $97 (no reduction for these from USA) |
| Close family members of EU/EEA citizens | Free (requires proof of relationship) |
Is the Schengen Visa Fee Refundable?
No. The €90 embassy fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. If your visa is refused, delayed, or if you withdraw your application, you do not get the fee back. The VFS service fee is also non-refundable.
This makes document preparation critical before you pay. A rejected application means you pay again when you reapply.
Total Budget for a Family of Four (Example)
Planning helps avoid surprises. Here is an example for two adults and two children (one aged 8, one aged 4):
| Applicant | Embassy Fee | VFS Fee | Courier | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 | ~$97 | ~$38 | ~$30 | ~$1–65 |
| Adult 2 | ~$97 | ~$38 | ~$30 | ~$1–65 |
| Child (aged 8) | ~$49 | ~$38 | ~$30 | ~$1–17 |
| Child (aged 4) | Free | ~$38 | ~$30 | ~$68 |
| Family total | ~$2–43 | ~$1–52 | ~$1–20 | ~$5–15 |
Note: VFS service fees may apply per applicant even for children. Confirm on the VFS portal when booking.
Other Costs to Budget Alongside the Visa Fee
The visa fee is just one line item. Most US applicants also need:
- Travel insurance Schengen-compliant policy with $32,000+ minimum medical cover. Budget $30$80 for a 2-week trip depending on age and plan. Compare at Insubuy.
- Flight reservation if using a hold booking service rather than buying tickets upfront, budget $15$25 for a confirmed PNR reservation. Message us for help →
- Hotel bookings refundable bookings via Booking.com count as proof; cancel after approval if plans change.
- Passport photos 35mm × 45mm, white background. Budget $10$15 if you need them taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schengen visa fee in 2026?
€90 for adults (approximately $97) and €45 for children aged 611. Children under 6 are free. This fee applies to all 29 Schengen countries and has been in effect since June 2024.
Did the Schengen visa fee increase in 2026?
No. The last increase was in June 2024 when the adult fee rose from €80 to €90. The fee has remained at €90 through 2025 and 2026 with no further changes announced.
How much does a Schengen visa cost in USD from the USA?
The embassy fee is approximately $97 (€90). VFS Global adds a service fee of $32$45. With optional courier return, most US adults pay $1–30$1–45 total. A family of four typically pays $5–00$5–50 all in.
Is the Schengen visa fee the same for all countries?
Yes the €90 embassy fee is identical for all 29 Schengen countries. It is set by EU regulation. The VFS service fee varies slightly by country and US city ($32$45).
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The €90 embassy fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. The VFS service fee is also non-refundable. This is why document preparation matters a refusal means paying again on reapplication.
How do I pay the visa fee at VFS in the USA?
All VFS Global centres in the USA are cashless credit or debit card only. Fees are paid at the centre on your appointment day. Premium add-ons like lounge access are paid online when booking.