Eu Doubles Visa Fees

[george]

EU doubles visa fees

BRUSSELS/LUXEMBOURG: -- The European Union has passed a controversial regulation to double visa fees, despite protests by many poorer states in eastern Europe and the Balkans which have warned this will make travel to the bloc even more difficult. The rules exclude Britain and Ireland.

The cost of a visa to travel to Europe will rise to 60 euros (2,820 baht), from the current 35-euro-charge. The visas are required for entering all members of the Schengen border-free area, which includes 13 EU countries plus Iceland and Norway.

Britain and Ireland are outside Schengen and have their own visa fees and arrangements.

The price increase will come into force on January 1, 2007. The visas are valid for stays in the Schengen bloc of up to three months.

Non-EU countries that have bilateral visa agreements with the bloc, including rules for readmission of illegal immigrants, are not hit by the price rise.

The EU and Russia have already clinched such a readmission deal and a similar agreement with Ukraine is expected. Negotiations are under way with Morocco.

In a move to ease criticism, visa fees will not apply to children under the age of six, students and teachers on study trips or scientists travelling in the Schengen area.

--DPA 2006-04-27