Planning a trip to Europe is no longer just about flight tickets and hotels. For Indian travellers, the visa itself has become a much heavier cost. VFS Global, the private agency that handles most Schengen visa applications, has quietly raised its service charges yet again.

This time, Switzerland stands out, with fees that have climbed by a sharp 45 percent within just over a year.

What Changed?

To be clear, the Schengen visa fee itself hasn’t changed. It still costs around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 for adults.

But VFS Global, which handles most Schengen visa applications for European embassies, has quietly raised its service charges. For example, the Switzerland visa service fee went from ₹1,850 in March 2024 to ₹2,680 by July 2025, a 45% increase.

And Switzerland isn’t the only one.

VFS Global Charges in 2025

According to travel agents and VFS listings, here’s how the service fees for different Schengen countries have changed over the past year:

Other countries like Belgium, Iceland, Portugal, Malta, Latvia, and Slovenia have also increased their charges, mostly ranging between ₹2,400 and ₹2,800.

Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

If you’re applying for a Schengen visa from India, here’s what you can expect to pay:

Visa Fee (Consular Fee):

• Adults (12 years and above): €90 (about ₹8,800)
• Children (6 to 12 years): €45 (about ₹4,400)
• Children under 6 years: No visa fee

These are standard rates set by the Schengen member states.

Additional Mandatory Fees

On top of the visa fee, Indian applicants must also pay a service charge to VFS Global (or another authorised provider). This fee varies by country and typically ranges between ₹1,700 and ₹2,800.

So, the total cost per person can go significantly higher once these charges and any optional extras like courier or SMS updates are added.

Extra Costs You Might Miss

Apart from the visa and service fee, there are optional charges for courier delivery and SMS updates. These might sound minor, but can add up, especially for families or group travellers.

Here are a few examples:

• Switzerland: ₹930 for courier + ₹450 for SMS
• France: ₹550 courier + ₹240 SMS
• Netherlands: ₹1,455 courier

So if you include the courier and SMS updates, your total upfront visa cost could easily cross ₹12,000 per person.

Why the Sudden Hike?

VFS Global says these changes are due to several factors:

• The service fee is set in Euros, not Rupees. So the rupee’s drop against the euro has inflated the cost for Indian applicants.
• GST at 18% is included in the fee.
• Prices vary based on agreements between VFS and individual countries.

Here’s a part of VFS’s official statement:

“The service fee is determined by multiple factors, including expected volume, staffing, infrastructure, security needs, and currency exchange rates. All fees are approved by the respective governments.”

Are the Extra Services Mandatory?

No. You don’t have to pay for courier delivery or SMS alerts. But many travellers opt for convenience, and in some cases, they’re recommended if you can’t revisit the centre for passport pickup.

That said, it’s worth checking carefully before making a payment. VFS insists that they inform applicants that these are optional.

Wait—What Even Is VFS Global?

VFS Global is a third-party service provider. It doesn’t issue visas but helps with the paperwork. They collect documents, capture biometrics, book appointments, and act as a bridge between you and the embassy.

Since embassies no longer accept direct walk-ins, going through VFS is basically mandatory.

So even though their fee is called a “service charge,” you can’t really opt out of it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re budgeting for your Europe trip, don’t overlook visa-related costs. What used to be an ₹8,000 application can now run upwards of ₹12,000 once you add VFS service fees and optional extras.

For families or group travellers, that difference multiplies fast.

It’s worth keeping an eye on the VFS website for the exact fees for your destination country, and planning your budget accordingly.