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Schengen Visa for Sri Lankans

Full guide for Sri Lanka citizens seeking a Schengen visa

Sri Lankans must obtain a Schengen Visa for short stays in Europe. Submit your application at the embassy of your main destination a minimum of 6 weeks before travel.

Visa Type
Schengen (C)
Cost
€80
Processing
15-45 days
Max Stay
90 days in 180
Passport Rank
#184 of 199

Visa Statistics & Passport Strength

The Sri Lanka passport ranks #184 out of 199 globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 40 countries. Since Europe's Schengen Area mandates a visa for Sri Lankan citizens, applying with strong documentation is important. In 2024, Schengen consulates processed 38000 applications from Sri Lankans, with a refusal rate of 18. To improve your chances, ensure your financial documents, travel insurance, and cover letter are complete and accurate.

Photo by Nawartha Nirmal on Unsplash
Visa Cost
€80

€40 for children 6-12, free under 6

Processing
15-45 days

Apply at least 6 weeks early

Application
In person

Embassy, consulate, or VFS Global

Refusal Rate
18

Based on 2024 data

What you need for your Schengen visa

Required documents and travel basics for Sri Lankans

  • Visa photo & docs

    35x45mm photos, passport validity, full document checklist

    See requirements

  • Book your appointment

    €80 — 15-45 day processing

    Application guide
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Document Checklist for Sri Lankans

  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years)

  • Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)

  • Completed Schengen visa application form

  • Travel insurance with minimum €30.000 coverage

  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)

  • Return flight reservation

  • Proof of financial means (bank statements from last 3 months)

  • Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Choose your main destination

    Submit your application to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time.

  2. 2

    Collect documents

    Passport, photos, insurance, flight/hotel bookings, bank statements, cover letter.

  3. 3

    Schedule appointment

    Book at embassy, consulate, or VFS Global. Schedule in advance — slots fill quickly.

  4. 4

    Submit & wait

    Attend in person, submit documents. Processing takes 15-45 days.

2024 Visa Statistics for Sri Lankans

Refusal Rate
18
Applications
38000
Passport Rank
#184

Visa Guides

Requirements

Full document checklist

Cost Breakdown

Fees by age & type

Cover Letter

How to write one

Travel Insurance

Required for visa

Visa FAQs for Sri Lankans

How much does a Schengen visa cost for Sri Lankans?
€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, no charge for children under 6.
How long does processing take?
15-45 days. Submit your application no later than 6 weeks before travel. Some countries offer express processing.
Can I visit multiple countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa grants access to all 30 Schengen countries within its validity period. Submit your application to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, or — if equal — the country of first entry.
Which embassy should Sri Lankans apply at?
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that is your main destination. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first. Many countries use VFS Global or TLS Contact as external service providers.
What if my Schengen visa application is denied?
You will receive a written explanation of the refusal reason. Common reasons include not enough financial proof, lack of travel insurance, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issues, or appeal the decision within the timeframe specified in the refusal letter.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Sri Lankans?
The Schengen visa refusal rate for Sri Lankans was 18 in 2024, based on 38000 applications. {refusalTip}

Travel Checklist for Sri Lankans

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)

  • Schengen Visa submitted

  • Travel insurance (min. €30.000 coverage)

    Get covered

  • eSIM for mobile data in Europe

    Get Saily

  • VPN for public WiFi security

    Get NordVPN

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Related Guides

Schengen Visa Guide

Schengen Area

90/180 Day Calculator

Travel Insurance

Want a multi-year stay instead of a 90-day visa?

Schengen visas cap you at 90 days in any 180-day window. A Digital Nomad Visa from one of 12 European countries unlocks 12 to 60 months of residence, with a clearer path to permanent residency.

Explore Digital Nomad Visas

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