When applying for a visa to any country, the applicant must pay the consular fee — a mandatory charge levied for processing the visa application. It’s important to understand that this fee does not guarantee visa issuance, but only covers the document review process. Even if the visa is refused, the fee is not refunded.
Examples of Consular Fees by Country
The amount of the consular fee depends on the destination country, visa type, and applicant category. Approximate rates include:
- Schengen visa — €80 (children 6–12 years — €40; under 6 — free). Some countries (e.g., Ukraine) have a reduced rate of €35.
- USA — $160 (tourist and business visas), payable before the interview.
- United Kingdom — about $125 (approximately £100), paid online when submitting the application.
- Canada — CAD 100 (≈ $75 USD), plus a separate biometric fee.
- China — around RUB 3300 for a single-entry visa (rates vary by visa center).
- Australia, Japan, other countries — fees vary by visa purpose and current exchange rates.
Always confirm current fees on the official page of the specific country, as rates may change.
How to Pay the Consular Fee
Payment methods vary by country:
- Schengen visas — paid at the visa center when submitting documents, usually in local currency by cash or card.
- USA — paid online or via bank transfer in advance; the receipt is required to book the interview.
- UK and Canada — online payment by credit/debit card when filling out the form on the official website.
- China — typically paid at the visa center after document review.
Is the Consular Fee Refunded on Refusal?
No. The consular fee is non-refundable in all cases — even if your visa is refused, you forget documents, change your mind, or make an error. It is a fixed processing charge. In rare cases you can cancel before processing begins and request a refund, but few countries offer this option.
Additional Costs: Be Prepared
Besides the basic consular fee, you may face additional charges:
- Visa center service fee — €20–40.
- Optional services: express processing, passport courier, form-filling assistance, SMS notifications, etc.
These fees are also non-refundable even if your visa is refused. See the article “Express Visa Processing” for more.
How to Avoid Financial Loss on Refusal
If your visa is refused and you reapply, you must pay all fees again. To minimize losses, you should:
- Avoid common mistakes (see “Common Visa Application Errors”).
- Prepare all documents carefully.
- Consult specialists — InfoVisaAgent can help compile a complete package and improve your approval chances.
Also review the article “Visa Refusal: Next Steps” to understand what to do and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Fee Exemptions: Who Pays Less or Nothing?
Certain applicants may be exempt from the consular fee or pay a reduced rate:
- Children under 6 years (Schengen)
- Schoolchildren and students in exchange programs
- Close relatives of EU citizens (in specific cases)
However, for most adult applicants, especially tourists, no exemptions apply.
