How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost for Pakistani Citizens?
How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost for Pakistani Citizens?
If you are planning a trip from Pakistan to Europe, one of the first questions to consider is the cost of a Schengen visa. The official short-stay Schengen visa fee is currently €90 for adults. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the reduced fee is €45. Children under 6 generally do not pay the visa application fee. These are the standard fees under the current Schengen visa rules.
However, the amount you spend on a Schengen visa application may be higher than the official visa fee. Applicants may have to pay a separate service fee when an authorized external visa service provider collects applications on behalf of an embassy or consulate. You may also have other expenses such as travel medical insurance, photographs, document preparation, transportation, and travel-related costs.
This guide explains the Schengen visa fee for Pakistani citizens, what the €90 payment covers, additional charges that may apply, children's fees, fee exemptions, and the difference between the official visa fee and the overall cost of preparing for a European trip.
Current Schengen Visa Fee for Pakistani Citizens
The standard fee for a short-stay Schengen visa is currently €90 for adults.
The European Commission increased the standard adult fee from €80 to €90 on 11 June 2024. At the same time, the fee for children aged 6 to under 12 increased from €40 to €45.
The current standard fee structure is:
| Applicant | Standard visa fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | €90 |
| Child aged 6 to under 12 | €45 |
| Child under 6 | Generally no visa fee |
The €90 fee applies to the relevant standard short-stay Schengen visa category. It should not be confused with fees for national long-stay visas or other categories such as airport transit visas.
The European Commission's current Schengen guidance confirms the €90 adult fee and €45 fee for children aged 6 to under 12.
What Does the €90 Schengen Visa Fee Mean?
The €90 is the official visa application fee for the standard adult short-stay Schengen visa.
It is important to understand that this is not the total budget for a Schengen trip.
The visa application process can involve other expenses. For example, an applicant may have to pay an additional fee to an authorized external service provider used by the relevant embassy or consulate. The applicant may also need travel medical insurance and documents supporting the application.
Therefore, if someone says that a Schengen visa "costs €90," this normally refers to the official visa application fee rather than every expense associated with applying for or travelling to Europe.
Schengen Visa Fee for Children
Children are subject to different visa-fee rules depending on age.
For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the current standard fee is €45.
Children under 6 years old generally do not have to pay the visa application fee.
Parents should nevertheless check the instructions of the responsible embassy or consulate before submitting an application because other application-related requirements or service charges may still apply.
A fee exemption does not necessarily mean that every possible cost associated with preparing a visa application disappears.
Is the €90 Fee Paid in Pakistani Rupees?
The official fee is expressed in euros under the common Schengen visa rules, but applicants in Pakistan may be required to pay the applicable amount in Pakistani rupees according to the payment arrangements of the relevant embassy or visa application centre.
For example, the German Embassy in Pakistan states that visa fees are payable in PKR at the current exchange rate.
This means the exact Pakistani-rupee amount can change according to the applicable exchange rate and the payment rules of the authority handling the application.
Applicants should therefore check the current instructions of the particular Schengen country's embassy or authorized service provider before making payment rather than relying on an old rupee figure found online.
Is There an Additional Visa Centre Service Fee?
Yes, an additional service fee may apply when an authorized external visa service provider collects applications for a Schengen country.
The European Union's Schengen information explains that an additional fee may be charged by external service providers. An EU information brochure published in 2025 states that this additional service fee cannot exceed half of the official visa fee.
This is separate from the €90 official visa fee.
For example, an applicant could have:
-
Official Schengen visa fee
-
Authorized external service-provider fee
-
Travel medical insurance cost
-
Photograph cost
-
Document preparation or translation costs where applicable
-
Transportation expenses
-
Other personal travel expenses
These should not be combined and described as one official "Schengen visa fee."
Does a Travel Agent's Fee Count as the Schengen Visa Fee?
No.
A travel agency or private consultant can charge its own service fee, but that is not the official Schengen visa fee.
The European Union specifically advises applicants that they do not need a travel agency or other intermediary apart from authorized external service providers used by Schengen States. It also warns that intermediaries are not associated with embassies or consulates and that using them does not increase the chances of receiving a visa.
This distinction is particularly important for Pakistani applicants because private agents may advertise packages that combine visa assistance, document preparation, appointments, travel arrangements, accommodation, insurance, or other services.
A package price can be much higher than €90, but that does not mean the government has increased the official visa fee.
Is €90 the Total Cost of a Schengen Visa Application?
Not necessarily.
The €90 amount is the standard official adult visa fee. The actual amount you spend during the application process can be higher.
For example, you may have to arrange travel medical insurance because this is part of the standard Schengen application requirements. You may also need supporting documents relating to accommodation, finances, and the purpose of the trip.
If an external service provider is used, its service fee is also separate.
Therefore, applicants should make a distinction between official visa fee and total application expenses.
This prevents a common misunderstanding in which an agent's package price is presented as though it were the official Schengen visa charge.
Is the Schengen Visa Fee a Bank Balance Requirement?
No.
The €90 visa fee is not a bank-balance requirement.
The visa fee is the amount charged for processing the visa application. Proof of financial means is a separate part of the application.
The European Commission explains that applicants may need to provide evidence of financial means, accommodation, the purpose of their stay, and their intention to return to their home country.
The amount of money an applicant may need to demonstrate can depend on the destination country and the individual circumstances of the trip.
Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that every Pakistani applicant needs a particular bank balance simply because the Schengen visa fee is €90.
What Other Costs Should Pakistani Applicants Consider?
The official visa fee is only one part of the financial planning involved in a Schengen application.
Travel Medical Insurance
Schengen applications generally require travel medical insurance meeting the applicable requirements. This is a separate expense from the visa fee.
The cost of insurance can depend on factors such as the travel period, applicant's age, coverage, and provider.
Visa Service Centre Charges
If the relevant Schengen country uses an authorized external service provider in Pakistan, an additional service fee may apply.
The exact local charge should be checked through the official instructions of the responsible authority or its authorized provider.
Photographs
Applicants may need photographs that meet the required specifications. The cost of obtaining them is separate from the official visa fee.
Document Preparation
Depending on the applicant and destination, there may be costs associated with translations, photocopies, printing, attestations, or other document preparation.
These are not automatically government visa fees.
Transportation
Applicants may need to travel to an appointment centre or embassy. Transportation costs are personal expenses and are not part of the €90 visa fee.
Airfare and Accommodation
Flight tickets and accommodation are also separate from the visa application fee.
Applicants should avoid assuming that every expense connected with a European trip is included in the official visa charge.
Does Every Pakistani Citizen Pay €90?
Not necessarily.
The standard adult fee is €90, but the Schengen rules contain specific fee exemptions and reduced-fee categories.
For example, children under 6 are generally exempt from the visa fee, while children aged 6 to under 12 pay the reduced €45 fee. Other specific categories may also qualify for exemptions under the applicable rules.
Applicants should therefore check whether a specific exemption applies to their circumstances instead of assuming that every applicant must pay the full adult fee.
Does the Fee Depend on the Schengen Country?
The standard short-stay Schengen visa fee is based on common Schengen rules. The European Commission currently lists €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12.
However, the application process, payment method, local-currency amount, appointment system, and external service-provider arrangements can differ between Schengen countries.
For that reason, Pakistani applicants should always check the instructions of the specific embassy or consulate responsible for their application.
Where Should Pakistanis Apply for a Schengen Visa?
There is no single "Schengen embassy" that handles every application.
The European Commission explains that an applicant should normally lodge the application with the consulate of the country that is the main destination. If the trip includes several Schengen countries, the applicant generally applies to the country where they will spend the longest period. If the stays are equal, the first country of visit is generally relevant.
The EU Delegation to Pakistan also confirms that individual EU Member State embassies and consulates issue visas, rather than the EU Delegation itself.
This is important because choosing an embassy simply because an appointment appears available may not comply with the Schengen rules.
How Early Can You Apply?
For a short-stay Schengen visa, applications can generally be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended journey and should normally be lodged at least 15 days before travel.
Applicants should not treat 15 days as a recommended travel-planning buffer in every situation. Appointment availability, requests for additional documents, seasonal demand, and individual processing circumstances can affect the overall timeline.
Planning well in advance can help applicants avoid unnecessary last-minute pressure.
How Long Does Schengen Visa Processing Take?
The European Commission states that the normal processing time is 15 days. In cases requiring more detailed examination or additional documents, processing can extend to up to 45 days.
This does not mean every application will be completed within exactly 15 days.
Applicants should distinguish between:
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Appointment waiting time
-
Time required to submit the application
-
Visa processing time
-
Time required to return the passport
These can be different stages.
The German Embassy in Pakistan, for example, currently states that Schengen applications are usually processed in 14 calendar days from initial application, illustrating why applicants should also consult the specific destination's local instructions.
Does Paying the Fee Guarantee Visa Approval?
No.
The visa fee is an application-processing charge. Paying it does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
The applicant still has to meet the relevant requirements and provide appropriate supporting evidence.
The responsible consulate assesses the application according to the applicable Schengen rules.
Therefore, applicants should be cautious about anyone claiming that payment of a particular amount guarantees approval.
Can an Agent Guarantee a Schengen Visa?
A private agent cannot legitimately guarantee that a Schengen visa will be approved.
The European Union's applicant guidance warns against relying on intermediaries and states that using an intermediary does not increase the applicant's chances of receiving a visa.
An agent may provide a legitimate paid service such as helping organize documents, but that service should not be confused with the official visa application fee.
Applicants should also be careful about claims that a particular package price guarantees an appointment or visa approval.
What Financial Evidence May Be Needed?
Financial evidence is separate from the visa fee.
Depending on the destination and circumstances, an applicant may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for the planned trip.
The evidence may be used to establish that the applicant can cover expenses associated with the visit and has a credible financial situation.
The European Commission identifies evidence of financial means and accommodation among the supporting documentation that may be required.
There is therefore no universal rule saying that the €90 fee itself determines how much money must be in a Pakistani applicant's bank account.
Applicants should use the financial requirements published by the responsible Schengen country's embassy or consulate.
What Does a Short-Stay Schengen Visa Allow?
A short-stay Schengen visa generally allows a visitor to travel to the Schengen Area for a temporary stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the conditions of the visa issued.
A visa may be issued as:
-
Single-entry
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Multiple-entry
-
Other applicable short-stay arrangements
The number of entries and the validity period should not be confused with the maximum permitted stay.
For example, having a multiple-entry visa does not automatically mean that the holder can stay continuously in Europe for the entire validity period.
Important Difference Between Visa Validity and Permitted Stay
This is an area where applicants often become confused.
The visa validity period indicates the period during which the visa can be used, subject to its conditions.
The permitted duration of stay indicates how long the holder may remain within the Schengen Area under the applicable rules.
The general short-stay framework allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Applicants should check the visa sticker carefully after receiving their passport.
How Pakistani Applicants Can Avoid Unnecessary Costs
One of the simplest ways to control costs is to distinguish between official requirements and optional private services.
Before paying any agent or consultant, determine:
-
The official visa fee.
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The authorized visa application route.
-
Any official external service-provider fee.
-
Required insurance.
-
Required documents.
-
Any destination-specific financial evidence.
-
Any optional private services being offered.
Do not assume that a private package is required simply because an agent says it is.
The EU's applicant guidance makes clear that travel agencies are not required for Schengen applications, although authorized external service providers may be used by Schengen States to collect applications.
Final Takeaway
For Pakistani citizens applying for a standard short-stay Schengen visa, the current official fee is €90 for adults. Children aged 6 to under 12 years pay €45, while children under 6 generally do not pay the visa application fee.
The €90 amount should not be confused with the total cost of preparing for a Schengen trip. An authorized external service provider may charge a separate service fee, while insurance, photographs, document preparation, transportation, flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses are separate.
Most importantly, a Schengen visa fee is not a bank-balance requirement, and a private travel-agent package should not be presented as the official government visa fee.
Because visa fees, local payment arrangements, appointment procedures, and other application details can change, Pakistani applicants should check the current instructions of the embassy or consulate responsible for their main Schengen destination before submitting an application or making payment.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Pakistani citizens generally need a Schengen visa for short visits to the Schengen Area. The standard short-stay visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12. Children under 6 are generally exempt from the visa fee. Certain categories may also qualify for a fee waiver.
Required Documents
For a short-stay Schengen visa, applicants generally need a valid passport, completed visa application form, compliant photograph, travel medical insurance, and supporting evidence covering the purpose of travel, accommodation, financial means, and intention to return. Individual consulates may request additional documents.
Fees
The standard Schengen short-stay visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12. Children under 6 generally pay no visa application fee. An additional service fee may apply when an authorized external visa service provider collects the application. The service-provider fee is separate from the official visa fee.
Processing Time
The normal Schengen visa processing period is generally 15 days, although it can be extended to up to 45 days when a more detailed examination or additional documents are required. Individual consulates may publish country-specific processing information.WHEN TO APPLY:A Schengen short-stay application should generally be submitted at least 15 days before the intended journey and no earlier than six months before the planned trip, subject to the applicable rules and appointment availability.
Application Method
Apply through the embassy or consulate responsible
Validity Period
A Schengen short-stay visa may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The permitted sta
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm that you need a Schengen short-stay visa for your planned trip.
- Identify all Schengen countries included in your itinerary.
- Determine the country responsible for processing your application.
- If visiting several countries, identify where you will spend the longest period.
- If stays are equal, identify the first Schengen country you will visit.
- Check the responsible embassy or consulate's current visa instructions.
- Determine whether applications are submitted directly or through an authorized service provider.
- Check the current official visa fee before making payment.
- Budget separately for any authorized visa-centre service fee.
- Check whether you qualify for a visa-fee exemption.
- Confirm the required passport validity.
- Prepare the Schengen visa application form.
- Prepare a compliant passport photograph.
- Prepare evidence explaining the purpose of your journey.
- Prepare accommodation evidence where required.
- Prepare evidence of sufficient financial means.
- Prepare evidence supporting your intention to leave the Schengen Area after the visit.
- Arrange the required travel medical insurance.
- Prepare any additional documents requested by the responsible consulate.
- Check all documents for consistency before submission.
- Book an appointment if the application process requires one.
- Attend the visa application appointment.
- Submit the required application documents.
- Pay the applicable visa fee in the method specified by the responsible authority or service provider.
- Pay any applicable authorized external service fee separately.
- Provide fingerprints and other biometric information when required.
- Answer questions about the purpose and circumstances of your trip if requested.
- Monitor the application through the official tracking method available for your application.
- Respond promptly if the consulate requests additional information or documents.
- Wait for the application to be processed.
- Collect or receive your passport according to the applicable procedure.
- Check the visa sticker carefully if the application is approved.
- Confirm the validity dates and number of permitted entries.
- Confirm the authorized duration of stay.
- Keep the visa and supporting travel documents available during your journey.
- Follow the conditions of the visa throughout the trip.
Official Information
Official Website: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en
Contact: Contact the embassy, consulate, or officially authorized visa service provider responsible for the relevant Schengen destination in Pakistan. The European Union Delegation to Pakistan does not itself issue Schengen visas; individual EU Member State embassies and consulates handle visa issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard short-stay Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults.
The fee is €45 for children aged 6 to under 12.
Children under 6 generally do not pay the visa application fee.
Not necessarily. An authorized external visa service provider may charge an additional service fee, and applicants may have other travel-related expenses.
No. Where applicable, the external service-provider fee is separate from the official visa fee.
Yes. Schengen visa fees can be revised under the applicable EU rules. The current standard adult fee is €90.
The standard adult fee increased from €80 to €90 on 11 June 2024.
Yes. The standard €90 short-stay fee applies to the relevant Schengen visa category, including ordinary short visits such as tourism, subject to applicable exemptions or special categories.
Applicants should not assume that the visa fee will be refunded after a refusal. The fee is associated with processing the application.
No. Payment of the visa fee only covers the applicable application fee; it does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
The standard short-stay fee is set under common Schengen visa rules, although application arrangements and external service fees can differ between destinations.
The applicable payment method and local-currency amount can depend on the responsible embassy or authorized service provider. For example, the German Embassy in Pakistan states that its visa fees are due in PKR at the current exchange rate.
Yes. Where an embassy collects the fee in Pakistani rupees, the local amount can reflect the applicable exchange rate.
No. Travel medical insurance is a separate requirement and cost.
No. Flights are separate travel expenses.
No. Accommodation is a separate travel expense and may also need to be supported by documents depending on the application.
No. The visa fee and proof of sufficient financial means are separate matters.
There is no single €90-based bank-balance requirement. Financial evidence depends on the destination country and the applicant's circumstances.
A travel agent may charge its own service fee, but that charge should not be confused with the official Schengen visa fee.
No. EU guidance states that applicants do not need a travel agency or other intermediary apart from authorized external service providers used by Schengen States.
No official rule gives a travel agency the power to increase an applicant's chances of approval. EU guidance specifically warns that intermediaries are not associated with embassies or consulates and do not increase visa chances.
They should apply through the embassy or consulate responsible for their main Schengen destination, following that authority's application procedure.
No. The application should normally be submitted to the country responsible under the Schengen visa rules, generally based on the main destination.
A valid Schengen visa can generally allow travel within the Schengen Area, subject to the visa's validity, number of entries, and permitted stay.
A short-stay Schengen visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the conditions of the visa issued.
The normal processing period is generally 15 days, but it can extend to up to 45 days in certain cases.
Generally, a short-stay Schengen application can be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended journey.
The general rule is that an application should be lodged at least 15 days before the intended journey. Applicants should not rely on last-minute applications.
Not necessarily. Visa categories have different rules, and the standard short-stay Schengen visa should not be confused with an airport transit visa.
Yes. Certain categories may qualify for a fee waiver under the applicable rules.
Yes. Children aged 6 to under 12 pay the reduced €45 fee, while children under 6 generally have no visa application fee.
Check the responsible embassy or consulate's current instructions, the applicable visa category, payment method, local-currency amount, and any separate authorized service-provider fee.
Pakistani applicants should consult the embassy or consulate of the relevant Schengen destination and its officially authorized application channel. The EU Delegation to Pakistan provides general information but does not issue Schengen visas.