VFS Global’s Fee Hike Makes Schengen Visa Costlier for Indian Travellers

New Delhi: Indian travellers heading to Europe will now have to spend more on their Schengen visas as VFS Global, the authorised agency managing visa applications for most European nations, has raised its service charges across India. Although the base visa fee (around ₹8,000–₹10,000) remains unchanged, the increased service fee has made the overall process significantly costlier.

The revised service fees now stand at: Germany – ₹1,933, France – ₹2,234, Austria – ₹2,274, Switzerland – ₹2,690, and Portugal – ₹3,111. These are mandatory payments, excluding optional add-ons like courier return (₹930), SMS updates (₹450), and premium lounge access (up to ₹4,600), which further increase the total cost.

A VFS Global spokesperson stated that the fee revision aligns with contractual agreements made with respective European governments and reflects upgrades in infrastructure, security, and processing systems. The depreciation of the Indian rupee against the euro has also contributed to the rising costs.

This hike comes when Schengen visa demand in India is at an all-time high, leaving travellers with few alternatives since most embassies mandate submissions through VFS Global. Travel experts believe the rising expenses may particularly impact students and middle-class families, prompting some to consider alternative destinations.

Meanwhile, VFS Global has faced scrutiny abroad, with a recent audit report by Sri Lanka’s Auditor General’s Department uncovering irregularities in the award of the country’s online visa system contract. The report alleges that a consortium involving GBS Technology (Singapore), IVS Global (Dubai), and VF Worldwide Holdings (UK)—linked to VFS operations—secured the deal without proper bidding or oversight, potentially compromising sensitive immigration data and national revenue.