What has happened?
The European Commission launched a call for evidence on revising the common rules for short-stay Schengen visas on 8 September 2026. According to Agence Europe, the exercise was intended to support modernisation of the Visa Code while strengthening security and facilitating legitimate travel.
The call for evidence was open until 6 October. Its closing date marks the end of that consultation stage, not the commencement of new visa rules.
VisasNews reports that a legislative proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2027. That is an anticipated next step, rather than a confirmed implementation date for applicants.
What is being considered?
Reported options include harmonised facilities for trusted business travellers, clarification of digital procedures and more flexible measures concerning countries judged insufficiently cooperative on returns.
The Commission is also considering a tool to respond to hybrid threats, the instrumentalisation of migration or hostile acts. These are policy directions under examination; the supplied snippets do not establish their final wording or how individual applicants would be affected.
Is the visa fee increasing now?
A separate Agence Europe report describes a Commission note dated 4 September examining a ‘harmonised European surcharge’ on top of the current €90 fee.
One scenario discussed was a 20% increase, equivalent to an €18 surcharge. Those figures describe an option being assessed, not an adopted tariff. The material does not establish that applicants now owe that additional amount.
The distinction between a consultation, a proposal and an operative fee schedule is especially important when budgeting or evaluating claims made by intermediaries.
What this means for you
Indian applicants planning holidays in Germany, Spain or elsewhere in Schengen should continue checking the current official fee and application instructions for their destination. Do not add a proposed surcharge to your budget as though it were already mandatory.
Business travellers should likewise avoid assuming that promised simplifications are available today. For 2027 travel, monitor the eventual proposal and any separately announced commencement dates.
Confirm all charges with the relevant official consular service and check European Commission updates before paying. A report that the EU is considering reform does not itself change your application requirements.
Source: agenceurope.eu — always confirm details on the official website.
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