The European Commission explained that the visa price increase by 12% was due to inflation, but the fee is still "relatively low" compared to visas from many other countries such as the UK from 134 euros (more than 3.6 million VND) or the US from 185 euros (nearly 5.1 million VND). An Australian visa costs 117 euros (3.2 million VND).
The Schengen area consists of 29 countries, including all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus. Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are not EU members but are also parties to the Schengen Convention. Bulgaria and Romania partially joined Schengen on March 31, allowing visa-free and passport-free travel by air and sea. However, land controls remain in place.
Schengen visa holders can travel freely between countries in the bloc for tourism and visiting relatives but are not allowed to work. With a Schengen visa, visitors can enter and stay for a maximum of 90 days within 6 months.
The European Commission reviews visa fees every three years and is allowed to increase them based on "objective criteria" such as inflation and the average salary of civil servants in member states. The visa price increase was proposed on February 2 and was widely supported by member states. The visa extension fee remains the same at 30 euros (820,000 VND).
VN (according to VnExpress)Source
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