schengen tourist visa from sri lanka

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Schengen Visa for Sri Lanka Citizens

The schengen visa – what is it.

Anyone planning a visit to Europe from Sri Lanka should be aware of the Schengen Visa. This is an important consideration for Sri Lankan nationals as the visa has great benefits. The visa is currently valid in a total of 26 member countries across the European continent (known collectively as the Schengen Area ). This article provides comprehensive information on the Schengen Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens.

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area, without the need for additional paperwork. For example, if you begin your travel in France and wish to move on to Germany or Spain (or any other of the 26 member states) you can do so without the need to obtain additional visas. There are no internal borders to negotiate across the Schengen Area, making it simple move from one country to another.

Schengen Visa types for Sri Lankan Citizens

Before applying, you need to determine the type of visa you require. The following criteria will help you decide which visa is suitable for you:

A  Uniform Schengen Visa  permits the holder to stay in, or travel within, any country in the Schengen Area, for up to a maximum of 90 days at a time within a six-month period from the date of issue. These can be issued as:

• a single entry visa, meaning the holder can only enter/exit the Schengen Area once • a double entry visa allowing a second entry within the time period • a multiple entry visa which can be used multiple times (within the permitted time limits of the visa)

A  Limited Territorial Validity Visa  is available for travel only in the particular Schengen country that originally issued the visa. Holders of this type of visa are not permitted to enter any other Schengen member state. These visas are most often used in emergency/humanitarian situations where travel documents are not normally available.

Thirdly, there is a  National Visa . This particular visa is suitable for those who wish to study or work in any one of the Schengen countries and again is available as either a single or multiple entry.

Applying for a visa

Sri Lankan citizens wishing to apply for a visa must begin the process by arranging an appointment at an embassy. The embassy you choose for this should be either the one relating to the country you will begin your trip (first point of entry within the Schengen Area) or to the country in which you be spending the majority of your time. You can schedule your appointment online on the VFS website or, if you prefer, in person at a local VFS centre.

You should be aware that it may take up to 2 weeks to complete the process and you will probably wait up to another 10 days for the embassy to contact you; we would therefore recommend that you apply for your visa at least one full month prior to the date you wish to travel.

The following fees currently apply: Adult visa: 60 EUROS Long stay visa (>90 days): 99 EUROS Child visa (6-12 years): 35 EUROS

There will be no fee payable under certain conditions, such as for: children under the age of 6; diplomatic passport holders, students and accompanying teachers; researchers from third world countries and participants aged 25 and under at educational non-profit conferences or other events.

You will need to obtain an application form which can be downloaded from the embassy website or you may collect a hard copy from the embassy office. Along with the completed form, you will also be required to produce the following documentary evidence:

• two passport sized photographs adhering to the official standard (full-frontal head image between 32-36mm in height with a plain background; no red-eye, reflections or shadows) • a valid passport with at least two available blank pages • a sponsorship letter explaining the reason/objective of the visit and stating the duration • evidence of travel insurance purchased showing a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUROS • copies of all relevant travel tickets and a full itinerary for the trip, including accommodation bookings and any tourist packages • proof of applicant’s status, such as birth/marriage certificates and any national identity documents or cards • employment details, such as contracts, proof of income for the past six months, leave entitlement consent from your employer and any other documentation as requested • business credentials and licenses for self-employed persons along with IT returns and proof of financial means • for retirees, pension payment documents/evidence for past six months • for students, proof of enrolment and verification from school or college

The information and documentation provided by you will be scrutinised carefully by the embassy for authenticity. Once this process has been completed, you will be invited to attend an interview with an embassy official.

The interview

This is a very important part of the visa application process and it’s useful to know what to expect before you attend. The interviewer will ask you a series of questions to ascertain the reason for your travel. You will be asked to confirm all dates and your intended itinerary. Them, you will also be expected to confirm your financial status and may be asked to provide further evidence or documentation in support of this. Lastly, you will need to be able to prove that all necessary arrangements are in place and that you understand your obligations regarding the laws of the country/countries you are intending to visit, and confirm that you will return to Sri Lanka at the end of the visit as planned.

Biometric testing will take place at the end of the interview and the results of this will be electronically associated with your identity documentation.

The outcome

You can expect to hear from the embassy within 10-15 days. If accepted, your visa will be posted out to you in due course. If, however, your application is not successful you will receive a letter stating the reasons why. Possible reasons for rejection could be:

• providing insufficient or incorrect personal information • the necessary travel documentation and/or a fully completed itinerary was not provided • no sponsorship letter was submitted with the application (this is essential where the travel is being sponsored) • the discovery of criminal convictions or any previous history of criminal activity • insufficient financial means or proof of income for travel • passport expiry date – the Sri Lankan government requires that passports need a minimum of three year’s validity • any evidence of forged documentation or incorrect information supplied • insufficient travel insurance coverage (less than 30,000 EUROS) or insurance that does not meet the required terms and conditions for the country/countries being visited • a lack of evidence relating to booked accommodation and any travel/tourist tickets (if a sponsor is organising this on applicant’s behalf, they must send the necessary documents to the embassy) • possible damage or any evidence of tampering with the applicant’s passport • any other form of non-compliance with the procedural requirements of obtaining a visa

Tips for a successful application

There are steps you can take to ensure that your application is successful. First, you should take care to read all the guidance and application forms thoroughly before you begin your application. You should also gather together all the necessary personal information and documentation you will need during the process. The important things to remember are:

• to check that your current passport has at least three year’s validity; if it doesn’t, you must renew it immediately – also ensure there is no damage to the passport • ensure that you explain fully your reasons for travel to the Schengen Area • make sure that all of your personal details are correct and that supporting documents are available and in the correct format • include all relevant educational/professional qualifications and evidence • organise and purchase the required amount of travel insurance • obtain sponsorship letters (where required) and collate all travel/accommodation documentation • do not, under any circumstances, provide incorrect or misleading information or attempt to forge signatures • check and double check that you have followed the correct procedures all the way through the process

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Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Sri Lanka

If you are a resident of Sri Lanka, you can apply for a Schengen visa at the Swiss application centre of VFS Global in Colombo or Jaffna.

I live in Sri Lanka

If you live in Sri Lanka, find out how to apply for a Schengen visa at the Swiss application centre of VFS Global .

I don’t live in Sri Lanka

If you don’t live in Sri Lanka, you must apply for a visa for the Netherlands in the country where you live.

Find out how to apply for a Schengen visa in your country of residence

If you haven’t been back to your country of residence in the past 6 months or you didn’t know you would need to travel to the Netherlands when you left, you may be able to apply for a visa elsewhere.

Find out if you can apply for a Schengen visa in another country than your country of residence

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Home → Apply Visa → Visa Type

Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

SHORT STAY VISA

Short Stay visa entitles an applicant, who does not hold a residence permit, to stay in Switzerland for an uninterrupted period or a total of successive periods of stays that does not exceed 90 days per 180 days prior to the control date (border control upon entry into or departure from the Schengen Area, or police check within the Schengen Area).In other words, the duration of stay must not exceed at any time 90 days per 180 – day period. Switzerland is one of the 26 European countries forming the Schengen Area which have no border controls between them.

List of Schengen Countries.:

Documents Required

Photo specifications, processing time, download forms.

Visitor visa application is applicable in case you are travelling to visit family, friends, and relatives. This visa is given for travel period not exceeding 90 days.

For all categories of visas , i.e. single, double, multiple entries or transit visa will be as per below:

Please note:

• Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
• Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 4780 (inclusive of all taxes)
• The applicable visa fee in Srilankan Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee can be paid in cash or credit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
• Visa fee and service fee can be paid in cash only.
• All fees are non-refundable.
• Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
• To bring a copy of the bio page and amendment page of the current passport copy in addition to the passport copy mention in the check list.
• One photograph( with white/light background; must be taken within the last six months)
• To arrange the documents according to the given order as per the check list.

If you had a previous Schengen Visa issued after 01 December 2015: If your fingerprints where taken satisfactory last time you don’t have to present yourself personally for lodging your application. The representing person needs an authorization letter .

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 15 calendar days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Please note that the application processing time and decisions on visa applications are the sole prerogative of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global has no role to play in these areas of the application process.

Applicants, who wish to obtain a visa application form to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Luxembourg or Belgium, can download the requisite form here.

Download Visa Applications Forms

Please note: Translated forms are for reference only (Tamil & Sinhala). Applications will only be accepted in the following languages: English, German, French or Italian.

To download a form:

• Click on the form link

When the form opens, save the form on your computer.

• Press the right button on your mouse on the required link.
• Select Save Target As from the list
• Save the form on your computer.

Tourist visa application is applicable in case you are travelling for tourism purposes. This visa is given for travel period not exceeding 90 days.

Usually, processing time for visa applications is t5 calendar days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Business visa application is applicable in case you are travelling for business purposes. This visa is given for travel period not exceeding 90 days

An airport transit visa shall be valid for transiting through the international transit areas of the airports situated on the territory of Member States. Maldivian travelers and Sri Lanka Diplomatic passport’ holders transiting through Member States’ airports are exempted from this requirement.

OFFICIAL VISIT for DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS and MEMBERS OF OFFICIAL DELEGATION.

Family Swiss Eu

Following family members of Swiss, EU or EEA citizens are subject to a simplified procedure

• their descendants* who are not yet 21 years old
• their dependent descendants* and ascendants**

(*descendants must not be necessarily the children of the married couple; being children of the husband or of the wife is sufficient / **ascendants are the parents of Swiss, EU or EEA citizen or the parents of his/her spouse)

• The below family member of EU, EEA or CH citizen are exempted to pay visa fee
• Spouse or registered partner of EU, EEA or CH Citizen
• Children who are aged below 21 Years old (of EU, EEA or CH citizen and/ or of his spouse/Partner)

Proof of regular payments from host to his dependent adult children or dependent parents in Sri Lanka during the last 06 months must be submitted with the application for the below EU, EEA or CH citizen. If not standard visa fee should be paid and also kindly request You to apply under visitor visa category.

• Dependent adult children (of EU, EEA or CH citizen or/and of his spouse/partner)
• Dependent parents (of EU, EEA or CH citizen or/and of his spouse/partner)
• Applicants shall be levied a service fee of 93.95 EUROS including mandatory courier charges. (inclusive of all taxes)
• The applicable visa fee in MVR is as per the current exchange rate, is subject to change without notice.

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 10 working days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Seaman visa application is applicable in case you are travelling to the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium as a Seaman. This visa is given for travel period not exceeding 90 days.

* Colombo center only

LONG STAY VISA FOR SWITZERLAND

(duration of stay less than 90 days).

Applicants for long stay (more than three months) and resident permit:

May apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland with prior appointment from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 12 noon.

Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka   63, Srimath R.G Senanayake Mawatha,(Gregory’s Road) Colombo 7 Sri Lanka

Tel.: +94 11 269 12 20 Monday to Thursday , 14:00 – 16:00

For appointment only

www.eda.admin.ch/Colombo

EU REGULATION

EU-Regulation (Visa codex)\

• Application can be submitted only six (6) months prior to the date of departure.
• From May 1, 2010 only passports issued within the previous ten (10) years will be accepted.
• Passport must have at least two blank pages.
• Passport should be valid for at least three (3) months longer than the intended stay.

EUROPE-ESPACE_SCHENGEN_2024.pdf

Schengen Visa From Sri Lanka

Do you have vacation plans in Europe ? The Schengen visa for Sri Lankan is the key to hassle-free travel and sightseeing across several European countries!

• Schengen Visa ?
• Schengen Zone
• Need a Visa ?
• Steps to apply
• Validity Period
• Visa extension

What Is Schengen Visa ?

A Schengen visa for Sri Lankan is one of the most common short-stay visas for Europe that permits a total stay duration of up to 90 days. It allows the holder to travel to any country in the Schengen Zone for tourism or business reasons. Schengen visa holders can freely enter and exit Schengen Zone member countries without worrying about border control. In other words, you can climb the Eiffel Tower in the first week and enjoy a freshly made plate of pasta in Rome next week.

But, keep in mind, if you plan to stay more than 90 days due to study, work, or living in any of the Schengen Zone countries, you must apply for a national visa of that European country rather than a Schengen visa.

Short stay (90 days or less)

Long stay (study, work, etc), what is the schengen zone .

27 European countries make up the Schengen Zone, with no passport control between their country borders. A valid visa in one of these countries gives you the remarkable privilege of seamless travel through all the others. Countries that belong to the Schengen Zone are

Do Sri Lankans Need Schengen Visa ?

Yes. If you are a Sri Lankan citizen planning to visit Schengen countries for tourism or as a visitor, securing a visa is necessary. Simplify the process by reaching out to Arabiers, where you can easily apply for your Schengen visa.

Schengen Visa Types for short stay

* Please note that Arabiers does not fulfil the conditions for a work visa.

4.1 Tourist Visa For Schengen Countries

The Schengen Tourist Visa allows Sri Lankan citizens to enjoy short-term vacations in Schengen Zone countries. Whether it is family time, catching up with friends, attending private events, or exploring new places, this visa is the easy option.

Tourist Visa Requirement for Sri Lankan Citizens

• Passport (Current & Previous).
• Photos (White background).
• Financial Proof.
• Travel insurance.
• Previous Travel History.
• Employment or Business Documentation.
• Confirmed booking (travel itinerary) of roundtrip air ticket.
• Accommodation proof during the stay in the Schengen area.
• Other supporting Documents.

4.2 Business Visa For Schengen Countries

Need to fly off for business in Schengen zone? The Short-Term Business Visa is your solution. It is perfect for attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, training sessions, and other work-related activities in the Schengen region.

Schengen Business Visa Requirement for Sri Lankan Citizens

• Invitation letter.
• Business Documentation.

4.3 Student Visa For Schengen Countries

The Schengen Student Visa is tailored for those aiming to study for less than 90 days by attending short-term courses, workshops, language programs, or academic conferences in Schengen.

Short-term Study Visa Requirement for Sri Lankan Citizens

• Letter of Acceptance.
• Details about your educational program or event, including dates, curriculum, and location.

4.4 Short-Term Medical Purpose Visa For Schengen Countries

The Medical Treatment Visa or Medical Schengen Visa for Sri Lankan is a short-term visa that allows holders to visit any Schengen country to access healthcare services or medical treatment.

Short-term Medical Visa Requirement for Sri Lankan Citizens

• Travel insurance with extensive medical coverage and repatriation benefits.
• The medical certificate or letter from the medical institution should clearly state the diagnosis, treatment plan, and expected duration of treatment.
• Confirmation of medical appointments, treatment plans, and hospital or clinic reservations in Schengen.

Schengen Visa Fee For Sri Lankan Passport Holders

The Visa fees mentioned below are applicable for Single or Multiple entry visas and every category of short term stay in Schengen countries.

Steps To Apply For A Tourist Visa To Schengen

Validity period of schengen visa for sri lankan.

This visa type permits a single entry into the Schengen zone countries and is only valid for the specific dates of your scheduled trip. You can stay for up to 90 days after you have entered the Schengen zone. The visa is invalid after you exit the Schengen zone.

This visa type allows the holder to enter and exit the Schengen Zone any number of times within the visa’s validity period. Although the maximum stay duration is 90 days, the holder can use the visa for multiple trips during the validity period.

The issuing authority determines the specific validity period of a Schengen Visa, which can vary from a few weeks to several months, based on the purpose of your visit. It is crucial to adhere to the dates mentioned on the visa and stay within your authorized period.

Schengen Tourist Visa Extension

Extending a short-stay Schengen visa is possible under the regulations outlined in the Community Code on Visas (EC) No. 810/2009, established by the European Parliament and the Council on 13 July 2009. However, you can obtain an extension only if you state a compelling and valid reason in your application. Per the Schengen visa policy, acceptable reasons for extending a short-stay visa include late entry, humanitarian causes, and force majeure.

When to Apply for a Short-Stay Visa Extension ?

It is crucial to apply for a visa extension before it expires. Even a day late may result in deportation for overstaying, regardless of the reasons. Therefore, submit your extension application at least a week before your current Schengen short-stay visa expires.

Schengen Visa Extension Requirements

After you have finalized the reasons for your application and identified where and when to apply, your next step should be collecting the necessary documents. Unlike the documents required for a Schengen visa, a visa extension typically involves submitting fewer documents. The documents needed to apply for a Schengen visa extension are :

• Short-stay Schengen visa extension application form.
• A valid passport with the current Schengen visa.
• One passport-sized photo meeting all visa photo criteria.
• Proof of income demonstrating financial capability for the extension period.
• Comprehensive travel health insurance covering the entire Schengen Zone for the requested extension duration.
• Supporting documents proving your situation and the necessity for a visa extension.

Contact Arabiers for more detailed information regarding Schengen visa extensions.

Recommendations And Tips

Any original or certified documents that you submit will be returned after checking is completed.

The A4 format copies of each document will not be returned. Ensure these documents are free of staples or pins.

The Schengen Zone comprises 27 European countries, and a Schengen Visa allows travelers to visit and stay for 90 days. This short-term visa has a validity period of 180 days.

The Schengen visa fee for Sri Lankan passport holders depends on the age of the applicants and the type of visa. Contact Arabiers for more details about the visa fee.

The necessary bank balance for a Schengen visa varies based on the specific country, duration, and purpose of the visit. Generally, you must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay. It is advisable to check the specific financial requirements of the Schengen country you plan to visit, as each country may have different criteria or contact Arabiers.

This depends on your nationality, as many non-EU citizens need a Schengen visa while some do not. However, a Schengen visa for Sri Lankan passport holders is a must to visit the Schengen Zone.

Yes, a Schengen Visa permits you to travel to all Schengen countries throughout your visit, as long as your primary destination and the length of your stay adhere to the visa requirements.

Business Visa, Family Visit Visa, Medical Treatment Visa, Study Visa, and Tourist Visa are the main types of Schengen visas.

Visit the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you intend to travel to and proceed with the application procedure.

A Schengen Visa holder can only stay for a maximum of 90 days during the 180 days of validity.

When applying for a Schengen Visa, full travel insurance that covers medical costs and repatriation is necessary.

Depending on the type of visa, required documents may include a passport, visa application form, travel itinerary, evidence of accommodation, financial proof, and more.

Your age, nationality, and type of visa (single or multiple entry) may all affect the cost of your visa. Contact the embassy or Arabiers to find out the current fee.

Applying well before your predicted travel dates is recommended, as processing times may differ. For the most recent processing times, check with the embassy or consulate.

Typically, Schengen visas are hard to extend. You might have to apply for a new visa to stay longer.

No, a Schengen Visa for tourism cannot be used for employment or study purposes. You will have to apply for distinct visas for those activities.

Typically, you must submit your application in person at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you intend to visit.

Visiting relatives and friends with a tourist visa is permissible if you declare your intended reason for visiting.

You will receive a letter outlining the reasons for rejecting your visa application. After fixing the flaws, you can reapply or file an appeal of the judgment.

For business needs, a tourist visa is not suitable. Applying for a business visa would be preferable.

While you may need to provide evidence of your financial stability, sponsors are not mandatory.

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Visa - important information for all applicants, general information, service fees payable to vfs, further information for applicants applying at the german embassy.

Sri Lankan and Maldivian citizens as well certain third country nationals residing in these countries need a visa to travel to Germany.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under EU and German law. As a visa applicant, you will have to

• make sure that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
• make yourself familiar with the different services and different types of visa, as explained on this webpage.
• make sure that you hand in with all documents and copies required.

In order to do this read carefully the explanations for short-term / Schengen visa and long-term / national German visa. The link to these pages are to follow. There you can also find the links for the respective online appointment systems for the category.

If you want to apply for a national German visa at the German Embassy or a Schengen visa at the VFS visa application centre you need an appointment. Visa appointments have to be booked online! Please note:

• For a appointment at the VFS visa application centre in Colombo you have to register on this waiting list You will get a confirmation about your registration and again an email once your appointment is to be scheduled.
• For an appointment at the VFS visa application centre in Malé you have to book an appointment via the VFS website. Please consult the VFS website for further information.
• Think about others: please cancel your appointment as soon as you know that you are not going to use it. You will enable other applicants to use that slot! “No-shows” (applicants who do not use booked appointments) will be monitored and if necessary registered. Late arrivals will be asked to reschedule.
• Appointment requests to the Embassy or VFS by phone or e-mail will remain unanswered.
• Applicants who make online-appointments for the wrong type of service or the wrong type of visa will not be served!
• It is NOT allowed to reserve multiple appointments for the same person.

Visa applications have to be submitted in person with the exception of applicants who have already given their biometrics at a Schengen Embassy recently. For further information please consult the explanation for short-term/Schengen visa.

Visa applications of minors have to be submitted by both parents. They have to sign a consent statement in front of the visa officer/ VFS staff member. If one or both parents/custodians cannot be present, the consent statement has to be signed and the signatures authorised by a notary public. Children 12 years and older also have to present at the time of the application.

Exemptions (visa issued free of charge):

• Spouses/children of German citizens
• Parents of minor German citizens
• Spouses/children of EU citizens entitled to free movement under the EU treaties

Additional service fees are payable to VFS. There is also a premium lounge available as well. For further information please consult the VFS webpage Link VFS .

Applicants should bear in mind that there is no need to use an agent to apply for a visa. Please be informed that the German Embassy is not related to these agents in any way. Their service may be without any value and in no case will bind the German Embassy.

Copy services are NOT available on the premises of the German Embassy.

Please note that mobile phones and bags are not allowed in the German Embassy.

All information is based on the knowledge and experience of the Embassy at the time of writing this text. No guarantee can be given for the completeness and correctness, especially due to changes that have occurred in the meantime.

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Applicants who wish to apply for a Visa are kindly requested to carefully read the provided information. The guidelines listed on this website are to help you prepare your documents as accurately as possible, on the basis of the common list of supporting documents to be presented by applicants for short stay Schengen visas in Sri Lanka. This will reduce the chances of your application being incomplete or a delay in being processed.

A short stay type C Schengen Visa is for any person who plans to visit Greece and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days (6 months) (You will find information on how to calculate your visa travel days on this page in the category Travel Days Calculator).  The purpose of travel could be Tourism, Business, Visiting Family or Friends, Cultural and Educational, Sports, Medical reasons, Studies, Airport transit, visa for Seaman and Other. A visa application may now be lodged six (6) months before and not later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date of the intended visit.

Please note that for non-Sri Lankan passport holders, it is necessary to have a permanent or temporary residency permit valid for more than 3 months after the intended date of return to Sri Lanka in order to apply. In any other case the Greek Consular Authorities will not be able to process your application.

The visa applications may be submitted either at the Visa Application Center for Greece in Sri Lanka - Colombo click  here  or directly at the Greek Embassy- Consular Office, as part of Art. 17 (5) Visa Code.

All applications will be assessed by the Greek Embassy-Consular Office in New Delhi. The Visa Application Center for Greece offer the option of courier service for the return of your passport, directly at your doorstep. You may be required to appear before a Visa Officer for a skype personal interview at the Greek Embassy-Consular Office in New Delhi, prior to a decision being made regarding your application.

Important Note: PROCESSING TIME OF APPLICATIONS FOR SCHENGEN VISA Dear Applicant, on instructions of the Greek Consulate in New Delhi, there are important time constraints as to the granting of Schengen visas. For more information please click here .

Kindly be informed that Visa applications may take up to 15 days to process. Some applications may require further processing due to consultation from other Schengen countries and therefore the processing time may be extended up to 45 calendar days. Visa applications should be lodged no later than 15 calendar days prior to departure.

As is foreseen in the Schengen Visa Code, namely that applicants can apply for their visa to Greece 6 months before the actual travel, and as there are always difficulties in finding a last-minute appointment, GVC World is urging prospective travelers seeking a Schengen visa to Greece to submit their applications now and not later.

Please note that, if however, you do decide to apply for a visa later than 15 calendar days prior to your departure, you are at risk of your application not being processed in time.

When lodging the application at the Visa Application Center for Greece, applicants shall pay the Visa Fee and Service Fee and present the following  Basic Documents :

Additionally, and according to the purpose of the journey, applicant shall present the necessary  required documents .

The GVCW Visa Application Center for Greece is authorised by the Diplomatic and Consular Authorities of Greece in the Republic of India to collect visa applications on their behalf. The VAC for Greece is only responsible for collecting/ retrieving visa applications, and play no part in the decision making process of visa applications.

Holders of  ordinary passports  who wish to apply for a Visa are kindly requested to carefully read the information on this website. The guidelines listed on this website are to help you prepare your documents as accurately as possible. This will reduce the risk of your application being incomplete or unnecessarily delayed.

Holders of  Diplomatic, Service and Public affairs passports  are welcome to submit their applications through the Embassy/ Consular Office - Visa Section in New Delhi.

The Consular Authorities of Greece reserve the right to ask for additional documents and may call the applicant for an interview.

To download the visa application form, please click  here .

For visa applicants' rights in case of rejection due to registration in the Schengen Information System or the National Record of Undesirable Foreigners, please click  here .  

For information request form about personal data processed in the National SCHENGEN Information System(N-SIS), please click  here .

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You are kindly advised to check the list of required documents before submitting your application. This will minimise the chances of your application being delayed or declined due to inadequate or incorrect submission of documents.

Following this, we advise you to download, print out and fill in the checklist which contains and explains what documents you need to hand in along with your passport when visiting a VAC for Greece to submit your application . This is done in order to help you prepare your application more effectively and save you time and efforts while you visit the GVCW Visa Application Center.

You will need to prepare a separate application pack of supporting documents and Visa Application Form for each applicant (e.g. in case parents travel along with their children, confirmation of accommodation has to be given separately for every application pack). Only documents in A4 format are accepted. The list of documents is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/ documents, if desired by the Mission.

You will need to fill out the application form and submit it at the Visa Application Center for Greece Colombo. For the location click  here . You are kindly advised to carefully read the presentation list below. Please ensure that you provide all of the required documents, and that the application form is fully filled in and signed.

A specific Travel Medical Insurance, 100% compliant with the Schengen requirements is mandatory for your visa application under the European Union regulation - Decision 810/2009 of 13 July 2009. You can purchase insurance coverage from any insurer of your selection. However, in order to expedite and facilitate your application, we wish to bring to your knowledge that GVCW is partnering, through INSURTE, a European company acting under EU laws, with first-class European Insurance Companies. Should you wish so, please click the following button *:

FIND A MEDICAL INSURANCE

Under the new visa system implemented by all Schengen missions in Sri Lanka as of November 2, 2015, all VIS visa applicants must submit their application in person in order for their biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photo) to be taken. Please note that appearance in person for all applicants regardless of age is mandatory for biometrics.

* Disclaimer: By clicking “Find a medical insurance”, you will be redirected outside the Global Visa Center World (GVCW) website under our Privacy Notice. GVCW does not accept any liability arising from the purchase or use of the insurance services by any person.

CONSULAR SCHENGEN VISA (C) FEE: 

The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:

* Note:  Citizens of: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine holders of biometric passports do not require Schengen visa. Please consult  here  for nationals of countries with which the EU has concluded Visa Facilitation Agreements.

SERVICE FEE:

The GVCW VAC for Greece will levy a Service fee of  EUR 30  (inclusive of Value Added Tax and other taxes levied) per application over and above the Visa Fees. This includes two-way courier charges pertaining to the transfer of visa applications to New Delhi and returning the passports at the GVCW Visa Application Center for Greece in Colombo.

PLEASE NOTE:

Important Notice for prospective applicants Ref: Change in Payment collection process at the Sri Lankan Visa Application Centre (VAC) This is to bring to your notice that with Immediate effect, there will be NO Local currency of CASH collected for all applicants of Greece Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Sri Lanka. All payments for the visa fees and applicable service charges have to be made via credit cards that support International transactions. For all applicants a unique payment link will be generated by our local partner DuDigitalGlobal.com in the Visa Application Centre. Payments need to be made via the link (Payment gateway Network Solutions) post successful transaction documents to be submitted at the VAC. Note : Multiple cards are permitted per applicant.

This applies to all types of Visas.

We can obtain the approval from DIE on your behalf!

As of 2 November 2015 all applicants applying for a Schengen visa will be required to present their biometric data - ten fingerprints and a digital photo. Biometric data will be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS), which is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay visas (for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period) between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security.

Therefore, as of 2 November 2015 all visa applicants will have to appear in person at the Visa Application Center for Greece, when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. Please note that appearance in person for all applicants regardless of age is mandatory for biometrics.

Under the VIS, mandatory fingerprinting is introduced for all passport categories. Consular sections must collect biometric data – digital photo and fingerprinting often fingers - from all visa applicants. Consequently, all visa applicants, irrespective of nationality, shall be required to present themselves at the Visa Application Center for Greece at the time of their visa application for the biometric data collection.

(*)[1]Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

The following categories of applicants are exempt from the requirement to provide fingerprints (Article 13(7) of the Visa Code):

• Children under the age of 12;
• Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible. If the fingerprinting of fewer than 10 fingers is possible, the maximum number of fingerprints shall be taken. However, should the impossibility be temporary, the applicant shall be required to give the fingerprints at the following application. The authorities competent in accordance with Article 4(1), (2) and (3) shall be entitled to ask for further clarification of the grounds for the temporary impossibility. Member States shall ensure that appropriate procedures guaranteeing the dignity of the applicant are in place in the event of there being difficulties in enrolling;
• Heads of State or government and members of a national government with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose;
• Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose.

Basic Procedure: Biometrics will be collected using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner. Your face must be clearly visible for a photograph to be taken. This means that you cannot:

• have hair that covers the eyes
• wear a hat or scarf or any other item that obscures the face, hair or neck (with the exception of religious head coverings detailed below)
• If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure your face is clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows including both cheeks. If possible both ears should also be displayed. You may also need to remove your glasses when the photograph is taken.

If you have cut or damaged your fingertips, you should make an appointment with the Visa Application Center for Greece when the injury has healed. If you have a temporary decoration, such as mehndi, you should advise the Visa Application Center for Greece when booking your appointment to determine whether a scan will be possible.

If you refuse to submit your biometric data, your visa application cannot be processed and you will be referred to the Embassy of Greece.

Before submitting Schengen Visa photos make sure that they are absolutely in a high quality form in order to make their reproduction easy – something needed when facial biometrics applies in the ID Document of the visa holder. The applicants should present two recent (not more than 6 months old) passport-sized photos that should be:

• 3,5 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)
• with a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• in color and with facing forward
• with the forehead and ears visible, without heavy jewelry
• full face, non-smiling (without sunglasses, a hat/ cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religions belief or ethnic background
• of high quality and printed on normal photographic paper (camera print), preferably not glossy

Please click here for the specifications.

Knowing and meeting properly these requirements is essential, as only if in the needed format, the biometric recognition of the applicant and perfect reproduction can be authorized correctly.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements, your application will be considered incomplete.

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Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Article 15) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009”, which entered into force on April 5 of 2010, applicants must purchase a travel insurance product before they apply for a travel visa. Purchasing adequate travel insurance is one of the requirements of the Schengen visa.

The requirements for Schengen travel insurance:

• The travel insurance should include medical evacuation/ repatriation. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30,000 (denominated in Euros).
• The insurance company must have a representative office in European Union countries.
• The insurance must be valid for duration of stay in the Schengen countries.

Dear Applicants, You can purchase insurance coverage from any insurer of your selection. However, in order to expedite and facilitate your application, we wish to bring to your knowledge that GVCW is partnering, through INSURTE, a European company acting under EU laws, with first-class European Insurance Companies. Should you wish so, please click the following button:

BOOK NOW YOUR INSURANCE

Disclaimer: By clicking “Book now your insurance”, you will be redirected outside the Global Visa Center World (GVCW) website under our Privacy Notice. GVCW does not accept any liability arising from the purchase or use of the insurance services by any person.

Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of 26 June 2013, amended the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement, the Schengen Borders Code and the Visa Code and – among others – re-defined the concept of "short stay" for third-country nationals in the Schengen area which is a fundamental element of the Schengen acquis.

As from 18 October 2013 for the vast majority of the third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short stay (contrary to reside in one of the Member States for longer than 3 months) the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as "90 days in any 180-day period […]". "The date of entry shall be considered as the first day of stay on the territory of the Member States and the date of exit shall be considered as the last day of stay on the territory of the Member States. Periods of stay authorised under a residence permit or a long-stay visa shall not be taken into account in the calculation of the duration of stay on the territory of the Member States."

Contrary to the definition which was in force until 18 October 2013, the new concept is more precise by setting the duration in days, instead of months. Moreover, the term "from the date of first entry" which gave rise to many uncertainties and questions (especially after a judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU from 2006 (Case 241/05 "Bot)) has been dropped from the provision.

The notion of "any", implies the application of a "moving" 180-day reference period, looking backwards at each day of the stay (be it at the entry or at the day of an actual check), into the last 180-day period, in order to verify if the 90 days / 180-day requirement continues to be fulfilled.

Among others, it means that an absence for an uninterrupted period of 90 days allows for a new stay for up to 90 days. Stays in Ireland, Cyprus and the United Kingdom shall not be taken into account as they are not (yet) part of the Schengen area without internal borders. At the same time, the non-EU Member States Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland belong to the Schengen area; short stays in these countries count in when assessing the compliance with the 90 days / 180-day rule. Please note that the change does not apply to the visa waiver agreements concluded between the EU and Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, and Seychelles where the old definition ("3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry") continues to apply . For citizens of these 7 third countries the calculator is not recommended to be used.

The length of stay of non-EU citizens traveling with a visa issued in accordance with the visa facilitation agreements concluded by the EU and certain third countries is to be calculated according to the new calculation method as there is reference in these agreements to "90 days per period of 180 days".

USER MANUAL FOR SHORT-STAY SCHENGEN CALCULATOR

TRAVEL DAYS CALCULATOR

After you submit your application we strongly encourage you to use our online service provided in order to track your application online and to check whether your passport is ready for collection. It is a secure procedure that is designed to help you to better plan and save your time.

In order to track your application you need to know the application ID, which is on the Payment Receipt given to you during the submission, and the applicant's passport number.

TRACK YOUR APPLICATION

Get SMS Notifications right at your hands!

After having tracked online whether your passport is ready for collection, you can collect your passport in person at the end of the visa application process. Please note that in order to collect your passport in person you need to bring your ID and the Payment Receipt given to you during the submission which will be collected from you as a proof of delivery of your passport. Please click  here  for passport collection times at the Visa Application Center for Greece of your choice.

If collecting in person is not possible, you may authorize another person to collect your passport on your behalf.

The  authorized person  will need to bring:

• Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s)
• An original signed and certified authorization letter from the applicant (please  click here )
• A photocopy of the applicant’s ID
• The original ID proof of the authorized person
• A photocopy of the ID proof of the authorized person

In case of  minors , the authorized person will need to bring:

• An original signed and certified authorization letter from the minor's father and mother (please  click here )
• A photocopy of the mother's and father's IDs
• A photocopy of the unabridged birth certificate of the minor

The  authorized Travel Agent  will need to bring:

• Original signed and certified authorization letter(s) from all applicants (please  click here )
• A photocopy of all applicants' IDs
• Original signed and certified authorization letter from Travel Agency mentioning all applicants' names, passport numbers and reference numbers (please  click here )
• The original Agency ID proof of the Travel Agent
• A photocopy of the Agency ID proof of the Travel Agent

Upon collection of passports, applicants are advised to immediately check that the visa granted meets their intended travel schedule and that all the information it contains is correct.

INFORMATION SHEET TO VISA HOLDERS

You have been issued a visa for the territories of the Schengen States. As soon as you receive your short-stay visa, make sure that all the information it contains is correct. Check the following:

• Your passport has a passport number. This number is also indicated on the visa sticker. Make sure that these numbers are the same.
• You applied for your visa for a specific period or periods. Check that your air ticket corresponds with the entry and exit dates indicated on the visa sticker.
• Check that the number of days corresponds with the number of travel dates indicated on your visa sticker.
• Check that your name is spelled correctly.
• Do this yourself in order to avoid any problems or extra costs arising when using your visa. If you think that the information on the visa is incorrect, tell the consular authority immediately, so that any errors can be corrected.

How to read the visa sticker:

DURATION OF STAY.........DAYS indicates the number of days, you may stay in the Schengen area. The days should be counted from the date you enter the Schengen area (the entry stamp) to the date you exit the Schengen area (the exit stamp), i.e. both days included. The period of time between “FROM ...UNTIL” is usually longer than the number of days printed in the “DURATION OF STAY” field. The difference in period is meant to give you flexibility to plan your entry into and exit from the Schengen area, but your stay in the Schengen area must never exceed the exact number of days in the “DURATION OF STAY ...DAYS” field. No matter how many days you have stayed in the Schengen area, you must leave no later than the date printed in the “UNTIL” field."

Controls at the border:

Your short-stay visa allows you to travel to Greece and usually to other Schengen States. But it does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area. So you may have to provide certain information at border or other controls. You may, for instance, have to provide information on your means of support, how long you intend to stay in Greece and in the Schengen area, and why you are visiting. In some cases, such checks may result in a refusal for the visa holder to enter Greece or the Schengen area. It is therefore recommended that you carry with you copies of the documents which you presented when you applied for the visa (e.g. letters of invitation, travel confirmations, other documents stating the purpose of your stay). This will help to make the border control procedure easier and avoid delays at the border.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

You must keep to the period of stay allowed by your visa. Misuse and overstay may result in you being expelled and banned from obtaining a new visa for a certain period of time.

Let us deliver it personally to you, at your doorstep!

The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified using a standard form that is handed out by the Member State's Consulate that refused the visa. The notification of the refusal must include the reasons, on which the refusal was based, and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal.

Applicants who have been refused a visa may appeal against this decision. Appeals shall be conducted against the Member State that has taken the final decision on the application and in accordance with the national law of that Member State. Member States shall provide applicants with information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal.

Applicants are free to re-apply if their application has been refused earlier. However, it is recommended to take note of the reasons for the earlier refusal before submitting a new application and make amendments, where necessary.

The visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused. The visa fee covers the cost of the examination of the visa application.

08:00-16:00 Monday-Friday

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USEFUL LINKS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic

Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in the Republic of India

About Schengen Calculator

Introduction.

The Schengen Calculator calculates the length of stay you are allowed to travel in the Schengen Area on a short term Schengen visa. You can use it to keep track, or forecast all of your visits inside the Schengen Area so you know how many days you have remaining before you have to leave.

It is especially useful for planning travel in Europe that will likely exceed 90 days. By traveling and spending time in and out of the Schengen Area strategically to lengthen your travels. If you are traveling between countries often it can be difficult to track how long you have spent in the Schengen Area, remember which countries are in the Schengen Area, and to calculate when you are able to return after spending time outside. Just enter your nationality, your previous travel and planned travel into the calculator, and it will work out the rest.

UK Citizens / BREXIT

New rules from 1 january 2021.

As of 1 January 2021, UK citizens can utilize the Schengen calculator to determine the 90 days allowed in any 180-day period for tourist visits to the EU. More Information: gov.uk - Visit Europe from 1 January 2021

What is the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries without internal borders. Citizens, as well as many non-EU nationals, business people, and tourists, can freely circulate without facing border checks. Since 1985, it has expanded to include almost all EU states and a few associated non-EU countries.

The countries in the Schengen area include are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

While having abolished their internal borders, Schengen States have a common external border agreement on the basis of Schengen rules. This makes it very convenient for tourists to travel between the countries included in Schengen area. However, it is important to understand the rules for what visa is required before entering the area (if any), and how long you can stay. European Commission Website

Travelling in the Schengen Area

Visa requirements.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Short Stay Schengen Visa before entering the Schengen area. The EU has a list of countries whose citizens must apply for a visa, and a list of countries that are exempt from this requirement. As at the 1st March 2015, the following countries are exempt from having to obtain a Schengen Visa prior to entry:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Macao, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Marianas, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Please be aware that there are conditions on some of these countries. For example, Citizens of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia are exempt from visa obligation only if the passport contains biometric data.

If you are from any other country (outside of the EU), you will need to apply for a Visa before you travel. The visa will specify the length of time it is valid, and the number of entries (of multi entry – unlimited) that are allowed. Please note that the “90 days in any 180 day period” still applies regardless of the Visa beginning and end dates. Use the Schengen calculator to enter your visa details, and to help calculate your allowed length of stay.

Length of Stay Calculation

The calculation for calculating the allowed length of stay of third party nationals was revised and came into effect on 18 October 2013. There are, however, a few which must still use the old calculation, these are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, and Seychelles. This Schengen calculator uses the old or new calculation depending on your nationality and date of travel, so nationals of these countries may still use the calculator.

New definition as of 2013

“90 days in any 180-day period […]“. “The date of entry shall be considered as the first day of stay on the territory of the Member States and the date of exit shall be considered as the last day of stay on the territory of the Member States. Periods of stay authorized under a residence permit or a long-stay visa shall not be taken into account in the calculation of the duration of stay on the territory of the Member States.” European Commission

This calculation is now only used for people from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, and Seychelles where the old definition of the Schengen calculation continues to apply.

The old definition is different to a “rolling” 6 months, as it begins on the date of first entry, and then will reset 6 months after that date. Using this calculation can allow for longer stays that the new definition. For example, if you entered for one day at the start of January, and then re-entered 3 months later for 3 months to end of June, after that, the 6 months (from January), would reset allowing you to stay another 3 months, effectively allowing almost 6 months. However, you cannot stay more than 3 months continuous days, so you would have to exit and re-enter the Schengen Area.

The Schengen calculator takes this into account, so you can use the Schengen calculator to experiment with entry and exits dates to maximise your stay.

Additional Visa Waiver agreements

Some countries have additional Visa waiver agreements with countries within the Schengen area allowing an additional 90 days in a 180 period stay; however, this will be included in the 90 days for other Schengen countries. These additional agreements are often little known by travellers!

Currently, the Schengen calculator does not take into account Additional Visa Waiver agreements. Please follow up on this with your own research.

Schengen / Europe tourist travel entry and length of stay requirements for Sri Lankans

Do sri lankans need to apply for a schengen tourist visa before entry.

Yes. People from Sri Lanka must apply for a short-stay Schengen visa before entering the Schengen Area.

Which Calculation do Sri Lankans need to use when calculating length of stay allowed?

People from Sri Lanka must use the NEW Schengen calculation when working out how long they can stay in the Schengen zone. This is defined as: “90 days in any 180-day period […]“. “The date of entry shall be considered as the first day of stay on the territory of the Member States and the date of exit shall be considered as the last day of stay on the territory of the Member States. Periods of stay authorised under a residence permit or a long-stay visa shall not be taken into account in the calculation of the duration of stay on the territory of the Member States.” See European Commision for more information.

Does Sri Lanka have any Additional Visa Waiver agreements?

No. Sri Lanka does not have any additional visa waiver agreements with countries in the Schengen Area.

Select another country

Select country Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Cook Islands Costa Rica Cuba Curacao Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Ghana Gibraltar Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Isle of Man Israel Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea Northern Mariana Islands Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Puerto Rico Qatar Republic of the Congo Reunion Russia Rwanda Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Korea South Sudan Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican Venezuela Vietnam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

For some inspiration on using the calculator for an extended travel in Europe: How Can You Unlock Extended European Adventures and Travel Around Europe for More Than 90 Days Without Overstaying Your Schengen Tourist Visa?

How to use the Schengen Calculator

Select your Nationality. You can change this at the top of the page in the header.

If required, enter the details of your short-term Schengen Visa. This will appear below the travel record only when it is required.

Add your travel record (past and future). You need to include at least any travel inside of the Schengen Area you have done for the last 180 days. It is best if you enter all your movements between countries, Schengen and Non-Schengen Countries, and even travel from one Schengen Country to another as you may not be aware that some countries are or are not a part of the Schengen Agreement. The entry date is the day you arrive, and the exit date is the day you leave. Do not worry if the exit date overlaps with the entry date of your next visit, the calculator will not double count days when calculating your length of stay inside the Schengen Area.

Review the information regarding the validity of the travel and the remaining time you can stay in the Schengen area. Use the Calculator to do some what-if scenarios by changing your intended travel record.

Step 5: (optional)

To save your travel record, Register and Log In. Your existing “Guest” data will be copied to your new account. You can register with the Schengen Calculator, or use Facebook to Login and Register.

Limitations

Additional visa waiver agreements.

The Schengen Calculator does not take into account any additional Visa Waiver Agreements that may exist.

Countries outside of the Schengen Area

The Schengen Calculator does not give any information on visa, entry requirements, or length of stay requirements for countries outside of the Schengen Area. These will be marked N/A – Not Applicable.

Field Name Definitions

Visits/travel record.

Entry Date: The day you enter the Country

Exit Date: The day you exit the Country

Country: The Country you are visiting

Schengen Area: Yes = Is in the Schengen Area; No = Is not in the Schengen Area

Days Remaining: The number of days remaining of the 90 days allowed in the Schengen Area as at the exit date of the visit.

Days Over Stay: Number of days OVER the 90 days your allowed stay in the Schengen Area. Please revise your travel plans!

Visa: This relates only to a Single/Multi Short Stay Schengen Visa people who require a Visa prior to entry. If you are exempt from this requirement the Visa options will not appear. Remember to select your Nationality in the top right hand corner of the page!

No Entries: Number of times you have entered / re-entered the Schengen Area. (moving from one Schengen country to another is not considered a re-entry, however if there is more than one day between exiting a country Schengen Country and entering the next, the calculator will assume you have exited the Schengen Area and will count it as a re-entry.

Visa Days Over Stay: The number of days in the Schengen Area without permission on your visa. Either you have not entered a visa, you exited after the end date of the visa, or you entered the Schengen Area more times that was allowed on the Visa.

Short Stay Schengen Visa Record

Start Date: The first day of the Visa Period

End Date: The last day of the Visa Period

No Entries: The number of entries allowed on the Visa. If it is Multi Entry visa enter 0.

Please read the Disclaimer before using the Schengen Calculator.

Last Updated

Last Updated: 23 January 2024

Department of Immigration and Emigration

Sri lankan identity overseas.

Non - Resident Visa

A Visit visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country.  The Visa contains details of the period of time and the condition/s of the stay.

Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa is issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing or holidaying, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatments, participate in art, music and dance events, participate in sport events for a short period of time.

• For Whom: Potential tourists living out of Sri Lanka  
• Period of Visa: 30 days. Single Entry.  Extension is not granted.  
• Application mode: Online through the web site  https://www.srilankaevisa.lk  / On arrival / From Sri Lankan Overseas Missions  
• Sightseeing / Holidaying
• Visiting friend and relatives
• Medical treatment including Ayurvedic and Yoga
• Participating sports events, competition and activities relating to cultural performance
• Engage in Business/Trade activities,
• Taking part in Meetings, conferences, Short term training programs, Art, Music, Dance events/festivals
• Engage in employment paid/unpaid, self –employment.
• Live in Sri Lanka for a long period through frequent or successive visits
• A colour photograph in jpg image
• jpg image of data page of valid passport
• Period of Visa: 06 months at one stretch limiting 60 days at each visit (Double entry within the validity period of the visa). if need more than 60 days can extend for 2 months (terminating the double entry facility)  
• Application mode: Online through the web site  https://www.srilankaevisa.lk  
• For Whom: Potential tourists  
• Period of Visa: 12 months at one stretch limiting 90 days at each visit (Multiple entries within the validity period of the visa).  
• Visa Fee: US $ 200  
• Engage in Business/Trade activities, 
• Taking part in Meetings, conferences, short term training programs, Art, Music, Dance events/festivals
• Engage in employment paid/unpaid, self –employment
• Live in Sri Lanka for a long period through frequent or successive visit
• For Whom: Potential tourist  
• Period of Visa: 02 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit (Multiple entries with the validity period of the visa)  
• Visa Fee: US $ 300  
• Performing any other activities is strictly prohibited
• Engaging in internal politics of the country
• Period of Visa: 05 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit.  
• Visa Fee: US $ 500  
• Period of Visa: 10 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit.  
• Visa Fee: US $ 1000  
• For Whom: USA Citizens  
• Period of Visa: 5 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit.  
• Visa Fee: US $ 100  
• Application mode: Sri Lankan Embassy in United State of America  
• For Whom: Potential tourists from nationals of China, Indonesia, India, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.  
• Period of Visa: 30 days form the date of initial arrival.  

Free of charge.

• Application mode: Online through the web site  https://www.srilankaevisa.lk apply on or before 30/04/2024. 

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Sri Lanka Visa For Schengen Citizens

• 30 Days Visa
• Eligibility
• how to apply

Sri Lanka Visa For Schengen Passport Holders

Sri lanka visa for schengen: how to apply requirements, eligibility july 2024.

Sri Lanka eVisa Requirements from Schengen

Citizens from Schengen Area countries planning to visit Sri Lanka need to understand the visa requirements. This guide provides detailed information on obtaining a Sri Lanka visa, including types of visas, eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedures, fees, and frequently asked questions.

The cultural richness and natural beauty of Sri Lanka attract many travelers from the Schengen Area. This guide ensures they are well-prepared for their journey.

Sri Lanka Visa Processing Steps

"Dive into the charm of Sri Lanka's captivating landscapes and vibrant cities with our streamlined Visa Processing Service: Apply, Await, Anticipate, and Embark on a journey filled with unforgettable experiences!

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Types of Visas for Schengenn Citizens

At VisaVerse, we cater to a diverse range of travel purposes, ensuring you have the right visa for your Sri Lankan escapade

Sri Lanka Visa Fees

Sri lanka visa document required.

To apply for a Sri Lanka Visa, ensure you have the following documents ready

Sample E-Visa

Sri Lanka Visa Eligibility Requirements

Tourist Visa

• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to specified requirements
• Confirmed travel plans, including flight reservations and accommodation bookings
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka
• Evidence of comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation
• Letter of invitation from a host or tour operator (if applicable)
• Statement or documentation indicating the purpose of your visit
• Payment receipt or proof of payment for the visa application fee
• Health and character certificates (if required)

Business Visa

• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting specific requirements
• Business invitation letter from the Sri Lankan company or organization
• Proof of the applicant's company registration or incorporation
• Evidence of business correspondence or trade activities
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the business trip
• Comprehensive travel itinerary, including flight and accommodation details
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Payment receipt or proof of payment for the business visa application fee
• Health and character requirements certificate (if required)

Transit Visa

• Completed and signed visa application form for transit
• Detailed travel itinerary, including flight details
• Valid visa or entry permit for the final destination country
• Proof of accommodation arrangements during transit
• Evidence of sufficient financial means for the duration of transit
• Payment receipt or proof of payment for the transit visa application fee

Student Visa

• Completed visa application form for a student visa
• Letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Sri Lanka
• Enrollment certificate or letter from the educational institution
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses
• Academic transcripts and relevant educational documents
• Proof of accommodation arrangements in Sri Lanka
• Payment receipt or proof of payment for the student visa application fee

• Letter of employment from the Sri Lankan company
• Work permit issued by the Sri Lankan Department of Labour or relevant authority
• Employment contract or job offer letter
• Academic qualifications and professional certifications (if applicable)
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses
• Payment receipt for the work visa application fee

Eligibility Criteria of Sri Lanka Visa for Schengen

Eligibility criteria for Schengen Area citizens include:

• Valid Passport: Passport with at least six months validity.
• Purpose of Visit: Clearly stated purpose.
• Financial Stability: Proof of financial resources.
• Legal Compliance: No criminal record or immigration violations.

Required Documents

Documents required for visa application include:

• Completed Application Form: Appropriate form for the visa type.
• Passport: Valid passport with at least six months validity.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of Financial Means: Financial documents like bank statements.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of travel dates and accommodation.
• Additional Documents: Depending on visa type.

Application Procedures

Steps for applying for a Sri Lanka visa:

• Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa type.
• Complete Application Form: Fill out accurately.
• Collect Documents: Gather necessary documents.
• Pay Visa Fee: Pay the fee online or at a payment center.
• Submit Application: Submit online or at the consulate.
• Biometric Appointment: Provide biometric data if required.
• Await Processing: Processing times vary; apply in advance.

Fees vary based on visa type and processing time. Payments are made in Sri Lanka rupees, online or at specified centers.

FAQs About Sri Lanka Visa For Schengen Citizen & Other Topics.

Q: do schengen citizens need a visa to visit sri lanka.

A: Yes, Schengen citizens require a visa, typically an ETA for short visits.

Q: What types of visas can Schengen citizens apply for?

A: Schengen citizens can apply for tourist visas, business visas, student visas, work visas, and residence visas.

Q: How long does it take to process a Sri Lanka visa?

A: Processing times vary; applying well in advance is recommended.

Q: Can Schengen citizens extend their stay on a tourist visa?

A: Yes, extensions are possible but must be applied for before the current visa expires.

Q: What is the validity period of a tourist visa for Schengen citizens?

A: Typically valid for up to 30 days, with extensions possible.

Where to apply for a Schengen visa?

Switzerland and Sri Lanka

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• Visa & entry to Switzerland
• Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland
• Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

What are the Schengen visa requirements?

Representation agreement

If a State does not have its proper visa section in a country or region, the delivery of a Schengen visa can be delegated to another Schengen State member with an agreement between both countries concerned.

The agreement allows the appointed representation to represent and handle Schengen visa applications within its own competence without consulting the other represented State.

Start of page Last update 20.03.2024

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Denmark Schengen Visa for Sri Lankan citizens

Sri Lankan adventurers, are you ready to embark on a journey to uncover Denmark's alluring landscapes, rich history, and cultural treasures? To turn this dream into reality, you'll need a Denmark Schengen Visa .

Don't fret! We’re here to streamline the application process and maximize your chances of visa approval . This article will take you through the steps of getting a Denmark Schengen Visa from Sri Lanka hassle-free.

Denmark visa from Sri Lanka: Do Sri Lankan citizens need a Denmark Schengen Visa?

Yes, if you’re a Sri Lankan citizen, you’ll need a Denmark Schengen Visa. This essential travel document is a requirement for Sri Lankan passport holders , whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or to reunite with loved ones.

To qualify for a Denmark Schengen Visa , you must intend to enter the Schengen Area through Denmark or plan to spend most of your journey exploring Denmark while within the Schengen Area. Don't worry, though – we're here to offer expert guidance and increase your chances of visa approval. Learn more about the Denmark Schengen Visa .

With your Denmark visa, you can access multiple Schengen countries , opening up a world of travel possibilities. Check out the map below to see the countries you can explore:

Use our handy tool to answer a few questions and determine your visa approval odds :

Denmark Schengen Visa application: How to apply for a Denmark visa from Sri Lanka with us

Getting a Denmark Schengen Visa from Sri Lanka involves some paperwork, but worry not – we're here to streamline your visa application process. Here are the Denmark visa application steps:

Step 1: Provide your travel and contact info on our website or iVisa app . Verify all the details, and pay the service and government visa fee online.

Step 2: You'll receive an email with a document checklist, detailed instructions for the next application steps, and valuable tips to prepare for your visa interview.

Step 3: Complete the rest of your Denmark Schengen visa application form and upload the necessary documents on our platform. Our team will review your form and schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC), Denmark Embassy, or Consulate.

Step 4: Attend the visa appointment. Submit your application and supporting documents, and undergo a visa interview. Then, wait for the visa outcome.

Have questions about the Denmark Schengen Visa or tourist visa requirements for Sri Lankan citizens? Our dedicated customer service team is always here to assist you! Contact us via our online chat or at [email protected] .

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UAE Schengen visa delay: Residents explore cheaper, cooler alternatives

As the summer holiday travel season sets in, residents are now finding it extremely difficult to get schengen visas due to lack of appointment slots.

Waheed Abbas

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High-end travellers from the UAE are opting for popular and expensive destinations across Asia and other visa-friendly countries, while budget-conscious residents are opting for more economical destinations in the region and Indian subcontinent during summer travel seasons due to challenges in getting visas for Schengen countries.

As the summer holiday travel season sets in, UAE residents are now finding it extremely difficult to get visas to Schengen countries due to lack of appointment slots . Those residents who applied for the European region visa months ago will be able to travel during the summer break. But others have no option but to look for alternatives.

For residents who were not able to get Schengen visas, industry executives say Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Latvia, Slovania and the Saudi of city Abha have emerged as the new popular destination this summer.

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Affluent UAE travellers are opting for Bali, Turkey and Maldives.

Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, said customers are preferring destinations that offer hassle-free visas to UAE tourists.

“We are seeing more tractions to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Turkey and CIS countries because appointments are easy. Most of the people, on average, are opting for four days and five nights stays,” said Babu.

He added that since airfares are quite high to home countries of many expats, they are opting for closer destinations in the region such as Salalah and Abha.

Musafir also have a special arrangement with Schengen countries to facilitate visas for local travellers in order to promote tourism in European countries.

Outbound travel picks up in the region as people fly to cooler climes. According to Iata’s latest figures released on Wednesday, Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.7 per cent year-on-year increase in demand in May, surpassing capacity growth of 9 per cent year-on-year.

Asian routes to the Middle East are particularly strong, now standing some 32 per cent higher than in 2019. Another notable development is the Europe-Middle East route, which saw an April-May revenue passenger kilometres increase for two years in a row, reversing the previous historic pattern of a decline between these months.

Reena Philip, general manager for operations at AirTravel Enterprises, said people are preferring countries where they can get visa-on-arrival or visas without any hassle such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

“Sri Lanka has also picked up very well. Then there are traditional destinations such as Bali and Maldives. Japan was also popular but there are some e-visa issues now,” she said.

Philip added that there are no appointments available for Schengen region till September 2024, unless some people cancel appointments.

Due to the challenge posed with appointments, Avinash Adnani, managing director of Neo Travels and Tourism, said people are looking at alternative options such as Turkey, Bali and Southeast Asian destinations because the weather is better there.

“Also, there is no problem in Turkey, Maldives and Bali when it comes to halal food and visas also. Most of these destinations are getting high-end travellers from the UAE while budget-conscious tourists are going to Malaysia and Sri Lanka,” he added.

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Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? New visa cost changes you need to know

E ndowed with scenic landscapes and historical architecture, Sri Lanka is amongst one of the top destinations for Indian tourists. Iconic spots like the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Bentota`s serene beaches, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy have long been popular destinations for Indians. 

Close proximity and relatively short flight times make Sri Lanka an accessible destination, however, recent changes in visa regulations have affected this flow of tourism. Experts reveal that, despite the introduction of stricter visa requirements and increased processing times, tourists continue to throng to Sri Lanka.

To decode how the changes in Sri Lanka visa costs affect Indian tourism, Midday consulted travel expert Mohak Nahata, Founder & CEO of Atlys.

How has the change in Sri Lankan visas affected travel for Indians?

Nahata : Previously, Indians travelling to Sri Lanka could obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for 20 US dollars. Later, the island country introduced a Visa-Free Scheme for Indian nationals, allowing them to get a free ETA before their arrival. After the Visa-Free Scheme ended, Sri Lanka has now tied up with third-party providers to process visas for Indian and other foreign nationals.

As a result, the visa fees for Indians have increased. While the visa itself may have a standard fee, there is now an additional service charge of around 8-10 US dollars levied by third-party providers for processing the visa application. What this implies is that while Indian nationals could earlier obtain a free ETA under the Visa-Free Scheme, they now have to pay the visa fee plus the third-party provider service charge, which has effectively increased the overall cost of obtaining a visa for travel to Sri Lanka.

Are the recent changes for Sri Lanka visas posing any new challenges?

Nahata : The transition from Sri Lanka`s earlier system of obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) directly from the government website to the new process involving third-party providers as an intermediary has introduced some challenges for Indian nationals planning to visit the island nation.

One of the primary challenges is the additional layer of documentation and procedures required when going through a third-party visa processing agency like Third-party providers. This could include providing supporting documents, attending visa application centres for biometrics, and navigating the agency`s online application platform, which may not be as straightforward as the previous government-run ETA system.

Furthermore, the involvement of third-party providers has led to an increase in overall visa costs due to the service fees charged by the agency, on top of the standard visa fees. This additional financial burden, although relatively modest, could still be a deterrent for budget-conscious Indian travellers or those making last-minute travel plans.

The transition to the new visa process could also lead to longer processing times, as applications need to go through an additional intermediary, potentially causing delays or uncertainties in travel planning for Indian tourists.

While the challenges posed by the new system are not insurmountable, they do introduce an extra layer of complexity and cost for Indian travellers, who were previously accustomed to the relatively straightforward and cost-effective ETA process. Adapting to the new procedures and factoring in the additional expenses may require some adjustment and careful planning for Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

Has the rise deterred Indians from travelling?

Nahata : Despite the rise in visa fees for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka, the increase does not seem to have significantly impacted the number of Indian tourists visiting the island nation. Here`s how the situation is unfolding:

The recent hike in Sri Lanka visa fees, which includes the visa cost itself plus an additional service charge levied by the outsourced visa processing agency third-party providers, has made travelling to Sri Lanka slightly more expensive for Indian tourists. However, Indian travellers continue to throng to Sri Lanka in large numbers, undeterred by the marginal increase in visa-related costs.

Several factors contribute to Sri Lanka`s enduring appeal as a popular destination for Indian tourists, offsetting the impact of the visa fee rise. These include the geographic proximity between the two countries, deep-rooted cultural and historical ties, Sri Lanka`s diverse attractions catering to leisure and religious tourism and its positioning as a relatively affordable international travel destination.

Industry observers note that the steady flow of Indian tourists to Sri Lanka remains unabated, with no noticeable decline in visitor numbers following the visa fee increase. This resilience in demand can be attributed to Sri Lanka`s well-established reputation as a favored travel hotspot for Indians and the perceived value for money it offers, despite the slightly higher visa-related expenses.

While the visa fee hike may have caused some initial apprehension, it appears that Indian travellers have absorbed the additional costs, suggesting that Sri Lanka`s appeal as a tourist destination transcends the marginal increase in visa-related expenses for this key source market.

What makes Sri Lanka a lucrative travel destination for Indians? Does India serve as a market source for Sri Lanka?

There has been a surge in tourists travelling to Sri Lanka. With the ongoing financial crisis, many Indians perceive it as a cost-effective destination. Numerous families have also planned their summer 2024 vacations in Lanka.

According to statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, India was the top source market for tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in 2019 with over 425,000 Indian tourists visiting, comprising around 18 per cent of the total international arrivals. 

While numbers dipped during the pandemic years, India is expected to regain its position as Sri Lanka`s leading source market as travel normalises post- Covid. Here are some factors how India does serves as a major source market for tourism in Sri Lanka due to several factors:

Geographic proximity : India and Sri Lanka are neighbouring countries separated by a narrow strip of sea, making travel between them relatively easy and cost-effective.

Cultural ties : The two countries share deep cultural, religious, and historical links dating back centuries, which attracts many Indian tourists interested in exploring Sri Lanka`s Buddhist sites, Hindu temples, and cultural attractions.

Affordable destination : Sri Lanka is perceived as a relatively affordable tourist destination for Indian travellers when compared to more expensive international destinations.

MICE tourism : Many Indian companies and associations hold meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) in Sri Lanka due to its conducive facilities and lower costs.

Leisure tourism : Sri Lanka`s beaches, wildlife, hill stations and ayurvedic tourism appeal to Indian leisure travellers.