According to Schengen Visa Information Network: On June 6, local time, the Council of the European Union officially approved the proposed amendment to the Schengen Visa Code, increasing the fee for short-term Schengen visas (up to 90 days) from the current €60 to €80, and providing a faster and clearer process for frequent travelers to Schengen countries.
The specific reform details are as follows:
1. Extension of Schengen visa application time: Applicants can submit applications up to 6 months in advance (currently only 3 months in advance);
2. Increased online application options: Applicants can fill out, submit documents, and sign the application form online;
3. Standardization of multiple-entry visa validity: Changing the current inconsistent entry visa policies of Schengen Area member states, standardizing the validity of multiple-entry visas to a minimum of one year, with the possibility of extending the validity based on the number of applications, up to a maximum of five years.
4. Increase in visa fees: To increase manpower, update equipment, and strengthen security checks, the fee for short-term Schengen visas will rise from the current €60 to €80.
5. Visa processing linked to illegal immigration situations: Whether a country cooperates with the European Union to readmit deported illegal immigrants will affect that country's Schengen visa processing, including processing time, visa validity, and visa fees.
Although this reform has increased visa fees, the extension of application time and the implementation of electronic applications are optimization measures that will facilitate applicants in obtaining visas more simply and quickly. Interested individuals should take action as soon as possible!