Schengen Visa Application Costs Rise: VFS Service Charges Pinch Indian Travellers
Dreaming of a Parisian summer or a Swiss Alps winter escape has just become more expensive for Indian tourists. The cost of obtaining a Schengen visa is climbing—not because of visa fees themselves, but due to rising service charges levied by VFS Global, the private agency that processes most European visa applications.
What Changed
While the visa fee remains around ₹8,000–10,000, VFS Global’s service charges—now unavoidable since most embassies no longer accept direct walk-ins—have steadily increased. This has pushed the upfront cost of European travel beyond ₹12,000 per person once courier, SMS updates, and other add-ons are included.
Recent Hikes in Service Charges
Travel agents report sharp increases in VFS service fees in 2025 compared to the previous year:
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Austria: ₹1,942 → ₹2,649 (+36%)
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France: ₹1,950 → ₹2,202 (+13%)
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Germany: ₹1,806 → ₹1,933 (+7%)
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Greece: ₹2,925 → ₹3,025 (+3%)
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Netherlands: ₹1,636 → ₹1,700 (+4%)
Switzerland stands out with one of the steepest jumps, from ₹1,850 in March 2024 to ₹2,680 by mid-2025—a 45% surge. Smaller destinations such as Malta (₹2,624), Slovenia (₹2,428), and Latvia (₹2,242) also fall on the higher side.
Add-Ons That Add Up
Applicants often face extra charges for “value-added services” such as:
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Courier delivery: ₹500–1,455
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SMS alerts: ₹300–800
For example, Swiss visa applicants pay ₹930 for courier services and ₹450 for SMS updates, while Dutch applicants face a hefty ₹1,455 courier charge.
Why VFS Fees Keep Rising
VFS explains that all charges are approved by respective governments, denominated in Euros, and include 18% GST. The fall of the rupee against the Euro has amplified the increase in Indian rupee terms. Service fees, according to EU Visa Code regulation, can legally go up to 40 Euros.
What It Means for Travellers
While a few hundred rupees extra may not sound significant, families applying together face a considerable spike in upfront expenses. Combined with rising airfares, hotel rates, and insurance costs, the European holiday dream for many Indians is becoming harder to afford.
