Schengen Visa from Sri Lanka

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen short-stay visa (type C) lets you visit the 29 European countries of the Schengen area — including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece and the Nordic countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business, tourism or visiting family.

Sri Lankan passport holders need a Schengen visa for these trips. One visa covers travel across all Schengen countries.

Which Country Should You Apply To?

Apply to the country where you will spend the most time. If you will spend equal time in several countries, apply to the country you will enter first. Applying to the wrong country is a common and avoidable reason for refusal.

For cruises, the rules depend on the itinerary — usually the country where the ship departs or where you spend most nights on land. We work this out for you.

Documents for a Business Schengen Visa

Each consulate publishes its own checklist and may ask for more. We confirm the current list for your embassy before you start.

• Completed application form and recent passport photos to specification
• Passport valid for at least three months after you leave the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with two blank pages
• Invitation letter from the company or event you are visiting
• Letter from your employer confirming your role, salary, leave and the purpose of the trip
• Company registration documents if you are a business owner or director
• Personal and company bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Flight reservation and hotel bookings for the whole stay
• Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage, valid across the Schengen area

Timing, Biometrics and Processing

• You can apply up to six months before travel and no later than 15 days before.
• Most applications are submitted in person at a visa application centre in Colombo, where your fingerprints are taken.
• Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days, but it can take longer in peak season or if more documents are requested.
• Appointment slots are the real bottleneck between May and September, so book as soon as your trip is likely.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Applying to the wrong country for the itinerary
• Weak evidence of the purpose of the trip (missing or vague invitation)
• Unexplained large deposits or insufficient funds in bank statements
• Insurance that does not meet Schengen coverage rules
• Inconsistent dates between the form, the bookings and the employer letter