Schengen visa fees under attack

Summary:

The decision to raise the price of a Schengen visa from EUR 35 to EUR 60 came under attack this week, as analysts said the new fees would further isolate the zone's poorer neighbouring countries.

Justice and home affairs ministers decided last week (27 April 2006) in Luxembourg to raise visa fees from next year. The higher costs stem from the implementation of the Schengen Information System II (SIS II), which will collect biometric data such as fingerprints from visa applicants.

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release: PRES/06/106: Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting, Luxembourg, 27-28 April 2006 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/jha/89381.pdf

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