Your Guide to European Travel Costs

Many people dream about traveling through the Schengen area (a collection of 29 European countries). Whether it's because they have family members they're that they're hoping to be with, friends, or they simply want to enjoy the experience of going somewhere new.

Traveling to Europe, like anywhere, comes with its costs. And understanding them is very important before you begin planning the ins and outs of your trip.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about travel expenses to Europe, including everything from Schengen visa fees to travel insurance.

Schengen visa costs

To travel to a country in the Schengen area, most non-European travelers need a Schengen visa. That said, not everyone does.

As of June 2024, the standard fee for a Schengen visa is €90 for adults. For children between 6 and 12 years old, the fee is €45, and children under 6 can apply for a visa for free.

Keep in mind that these fees can vary depending on different factors and any agreements between your country and the EU, as well as the exact visa that you’re applying for. Because of this, it’s always important to check directly with the embassy of the country you’re traveling to.

Schengen visa costs in USD

Since currency exchange rates vary and change regularly, the cost of a Schengen visa in USD changes too. That’s why it's a good idea to check the current exchange rates before applying to make sure you have an accurate idea of the price in your local currency. Visa application centers may also charge additional service fees, so keep that in mind.

Other costs to travel to Europe

Beyond the visa itself, you’ll need to prepare for other costs that will impact your budget. For example, how long you plan to stay will make a big difference. Are you staying one week? A month? What about more? Let’s break down the average expenses to plan for:

The cost of spending days, weeks, or even months in Europe varies greatly from traveler to traveler and from country to country. For example, a trip to Paris, France has different costs than one to Warsaw, Poland.

With that being said, if you’re staying in the Schengen area, you’ll need to plan for expenses like:

• Schengen visa fees (if you're traveling on a visa).
• Schengen visa insurance.
• Accommodations for your trip.
• Transportation to and from the Schengen area, as well as during your trip.
• Meals.
• Activities.

Accommodation and transportation will likely take up the largest portion of your budget. Depending on where you’re traveling from and how long you're staying, you can expect to spend in the thousands.

When it comes to meals and activities, the price you can expect to pay will depend entirely on your preferences, like whether or not you plan to grocery shop and cook or to dine out regularly.

It’s entirely possible to watch your budget while visiting Europe by finding reasonably priced meals and taking advantage of low-cost (or even free) museums, gardens, and other attractions.

Fees to enter the Schengen zone

There isn’t a fee to enter the Schengen zone.

That said, if you need ETIAS or a visa to enter, that’s where costs come into play.

Citizens from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain ETIAS from 2026 on, which has a small fee associated with it (7 euros). Travelers from other countries need to apply for a Schengen visa, which also has a cost.

Both of these costs are non-refundable (even if you don't end up traveling), and they're also mandatory depending on your nationality.

How much money you need

European countries often require you to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. This is part of the visa application process. The exact amount varies by country. If you’re getting a visa for your trip, you’ll be asked to show proof of financial means when you apply.

In some cases, border control can ask you about proof of funds when you're entering the zone, visa or not.

Always check with the specific visa center, consulate, or embassy about the required amount, as it is different in each country.

FAQs: European travel costs