The European Union has decided to raise the price of Schengen visas. The decision will come into force on June 11. Find out more about the new prices and how the increase will affect tourists entering Ukraine

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Starting June 11, 2024, prices for Schengen visas will rise slightly. This decision was made by the European Commission on March 14, according to Yevropeiska Pravda. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the EU on May 22.

In a previous article, we reported that Bulgaria and Romania are finally joining the Schengen area. As of March 1, 2024, air and sea border controls between these two countries and other Schengen members will be suspended.

New prices for Schengen visas

Thus, according to a statement in the Official Journal of the EU, the cost of Schengen visas will change as follows:

1. For adults, the price will increase by 10 euros (from 80 to 90 euros);

2. For children from 6 to 12 years old the price will increase by 5 euros (from 40 to 45 euros).

In some cases, the price may reach 135 or 180 euros. This applies to countries to which a special procedure is applied in accordance with Article 25a(2) of the EU Visa Code.

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Reasons for the increase in prices for Schengen visas

The European Commission explains that the main reason for the increase in the cost of a Schengen visa is inflation and changes in the amount of salaries for EU employees. The European Union has the right to review visa prices every 3 years.

The decision will come into force on the 12th day after publication in the Official Journal of the EU, i.e. on June 11. 

How does the EU's decision to raise the price of a Schengen visa affect Ukraine?

Ukrainian citizens are not affected by the price increase, as our country enjoys a visa-free regime with the EU.

Meanwhile travel to Ukraine is difficult to organize due to the lack of air travel. Ukraine has established a visa-free regime with most countries of the world, but citizens of certain countries need to obtain a special transit visa to travel within the Schengen area.

Since there are currently no flights to Ukraine, a Schengen type A visa will not be suitable. You need to apply for a short-term transit visa type C.

You can find out whether you need a visa on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, which provides detailed information on the visa regime with Ukraine. However, the Schengen Agreement provides for a list of third countries whose citizens must obtain a transit visa to travel: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Pakistan.

Thus, first, you need to check the visa regime with Ukraine and the Schengen member states, then obtain a visa to enter Ukraine (if necessary), and only then apply for a transit visa through the Schengen area.

Remember! When planning a trip to Ukraine, first of all, you need to take care of the appropriate insurance policy, because any foreign insurance automatically terminates after crossing the Ukrainian border. In this case, we recommend that you take out insurance specifically covering military risks, which will cover not only standard medical care/treatment/diagnosis, etc. but also accidents and injuries caused by passive or direct military risks.

You can take out such insurance on the Visit Ukraine website. Follow the link and choose an insurance policy with the appropriate coverage and indemnity amount for the required period.

We remind you! In order to obtain an immigration permit to Ukraine, a foreigner must have legal grounds and comply with a certain procedure for processing a document. Read more about who may be denied the service and on what grounds.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit Ukraine

With our health insurance package, you get access to high-quality medical care anytime, anywhere. Our policy covers a wide range of medical services, including medical consultations, hospitalization, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Protect yourself from unexpected events now. Choose a policy on our website and receive an insurance document to your email in just a few minutes.