Moroccan Schengen Visa Applications Surge, Costs to Rise in 2020

As has been the custom for a few years now, France remains the preferred destination for visa applicants with 362,425 applications submitted. It is followed by Spain with 200,968 and the Netherlands with 29,808 applications. In 2018, Moroccans spent 39,755,100 euros, or nearly 424 million dirhams, on visa applications to Europe, including 7,175,160 euros (or nearly 77 million dirhams) by applicants who did not receive the precious document, reports Médias24.

2020 is likely to be difficult again for visa applicants. Indeed, Moroccans will be subject to several changes in terms of visa application procedures, rules and benefits, starting Monday, February 2, 2020. Moroccan citizens will have to pay around 854 DH instead of 641 DH, as they have done so far for the Schengen visa application. Children will also have to pay 427 DH instead of 373 DH. The new rules also allow Moroccans to apply up to six months before their trip, instead of three months currently.

It should also be noted that the updated visa code introduces a mechanism that evaluates whether visa fees should change every three years. Another mechanism will be introduced to improve cooperation with third countries on readmission.

Due to this mechanism, fees may even reach 160 €, if the European Union authorities deem it necessary. However, this provision does not apply to children under 12 years of age, the same source reports.