Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Schengen Visas Get Costlier: VFS Hikes Fees For Indian Travelers
Getting a Schengen visa, which lets you visit many European countries, now costs more for people in India.
The company that helps with visa applications, VFS Global, has raised its fees.
While the visa itself costs about the same, VFS adds extra charges.
These charges are different for each country.
Switzerland has the biggest increase.
Also, because the value of the Indian rupee has decreased compared to the Euro, everything is more expensive.
To get a visa, you have to go through VFS Global, so you have to pay these extra fees.
VFS Global has increased service charges for Schengen visa applications for Indian travelers.
The fee hike is the first since 2023, affecting countries popular with Indian tourists.
Service charges vary by country, with Switzerland experiencing the steepest increase.
The base visa fee remains around Rs 8,000-10,000, but service fees are added.
The weakening rupee further increases the overall cost for applicants.
- Who
- VFS Global, Indian travelers, and Schengen area countries.
- What
- VFS Global increased service charges for Schengen visa applications.
- When
- The increase began recently, the first hike since 2023.
- Where
- The increased fees affect Schengen visa applications for Indian travelers.
- Why
- The increase is due to new contractual obligations. The weakening rupee against the Euro also contributes to increased costs.
Applicants
VFS Global
Increased Costs
Applicants
Face higher travel expenses.
VFS Global
N/A
- Countries Affected
- Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Austria
- Base Visa Fee
- Rs 8,000 - 10,000
- Switzerland Service Fee
- Rs 2,690
- Germany Service Fee
- Rs 1,933
- Portugal Service Fee
- Rs 3,111
- France Service Fee
- Rs 2,234
- Austria Service Fee
- Rs 2,274