Schengen countries' visa fees hiked
THE visa fees for Schengen countries have been increased to 60 Euros (about sh140,000) from 35 Euros (sh80,000), effective January 1.
THE visa fees for Schengen countries have been increased to 60 Euros (about sh140,000) from 35 Euros (sh80,000), effective January 1, reports Milton Olupot.
The 15 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All the countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union (EU) members.
A statement issued by the German Embassy in Kampala yesterday said the increment followed an EU Council decision of June 1, 2006 that the fee of 35 Euros could no longer cover the application processing costs.
“The higher fee will help finance the significant investment needed to collect biometric facial and fingerprint data of all applications.â€
The data will enhance protection from identity theft.
The 15 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All the countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union (EU) members.
A statement issued by the German Embassy in Kampala yesterday said the increment followed an EU Council decision of June 1, 2006 that the fee of 35 Euros could no longer cover the application processing costs.
“The higher fee will help finance the significant investment needed to collect biometric facial and fingerprint data of all applications.â€
The data will enhance protection from identity theft.