Starting June 11, 2024, the European Union (EU) will implement increased fees for Schengen visa applications. The application fee for adult non-EU citizens, including those from African countries, will rise from €80 to €90. For children aged between six and 12 years, the fee will be €45 .
The European Commission announced this change, noting, “All visa applications submitted on or after this date will be subject to the new fee.” This adjustment reflects the EU’s effort to streamline and improve the visa processing system .
The Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to visit any of the 27 Schengen member countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period . This area includes countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Spain .
The increase comes as Europe remains a primary destination for many, particularly young Nigerians, seeking better opportunities abroad . Recent statistics from the EU show a significant rise in visa applications post-pandemic, with 10.3 million applications in 2023, marking a 37% increase from 2022 .
