Visa fees to be charged for the processing of visa applications are set to rise by more than 70%, from 35€ to 60€. This is another setback for Europe’s incoming tourism, which is already facing a declining market share.

Under the EU’s common visa policy, Member States apply the same administrative fee for third country nationals requesting an entry visa to the EU. As from 1 January 2007, the Council has decided to increase the fee by 25€ to cover the additional security costs relating to the introduction of biometric identifiers.

ECTAA and HOTREC are concerned about the imminent increase of visa fees. It will have a significant impact on Europe’s incoming tourism, which is facing increasing competition from cheaper destinations in other parts of the world. Said ECTAA President Norbert Draskovits: “Europe’s incoming tourism cannot be sustainable in an environment, where increasing charges are levied on the travelling public, such as security costs related to biometric identifiers. Such costs should not be passed on to the tourists. As a major contributor to growth and employment, European decision makers should focus their efforts on improving the competitiveness of the European tourism industry.”

Date of publication: 03/05/06