New Fees for Schengen Visa

Pursuant to an EU Council decision of 1st June 2006, all Schengen countries will increase their fees for Schengen Visas (valid for stays of up to 90 days) to EUR 60.00 as of 12th November 2007.

The visa fee increase is being introduced because the previous Schengen fee of EUR 35.00 no longer covers application processing costs. The higher fee will help finance the significant investment needed to collect biometric facial and fingerprint data of all applicants. The use of biometric data will give applicants increased protection from identity theft and will additionally secure EU external borders against illegal migration and terrorism.

The increase does, however, not apply to young people and those seeking people-to-people contacts in countries directly neighbouring ours.

The following groups will be exempted by all Schengen states from visa fees regardless of their nationality:

• Children under six years of age
• school pupils and students as well as their accompanying teachers on study or educational trips
• guest scientists travelling for scientific research

The increase does not apply for visa fees for German national residence permits (entry to Germany only, valid for more than 90 days).

The visa fee has to be paid in Rupees either in cash or by Demand Draft in the name of the "Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai" on the day of application. Only Demand Drafts from the Indian Bank, Canara Bank, ABN-AMRO Bank or Deutsche Bank will be accepted. Demand Drafts with incorrect amounts will not be accepted. Please refer to the homepage of the German Consulate General at www.chennai.diplo.de in order to find out the current amount of the visa fee in Rupees.

Please note that the visa fee is not refundable, even when the visa is refused.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Visa Section of the German Consulate General in Chennai!