EU Prepares Major Overhaul of Schengen Visa Rules and Fees

The European Commission has outlined potential reforms to the Schengen Visa Code, including the feasibility of introducing an additional charge on top of the existing visa fee.

This proposed charge, whose amount is not yet specified, would be collected at a European level to support the common visa policy. New provisions also aim to facilitate legitimate business travel by allowing for common lists of verified companies, whose employees could benefit from faster processing and priority appointments. Conversely, the reforms seek to grant the EU greater flexibility to suspend or restrict certain visa applications in response to political or security deteriorations in non-EU countries.

A legislative proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2027, following a call for evidence published in September 2026. The current standard visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11. This comprehensive review also intends to adapt the Visa Code for the upcoming digital Schengen visa system.