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Visa Types

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.:

Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark
Estonia Finland France Germany
Greece Hungary Iceland Italy
Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg
Malta Netherlands Norway Poland
Portugal Slovenia Slovakia Spain
Sweden Switzerland    

Visitor

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

    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.

  • Visa Fees

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

    Duration Visa Fee in LKR Visa Fee in Euro
    Adults 28900 €90
    Children Between 6 to 12 years 14500 €45
    Visa agreement 11400 €35
    Children Below 6 years No Visa Fees

    Please note:

    • Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
    • Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 5150 (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 / debit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Visitor Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • Show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

    • 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

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

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

  • Visa Fees

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

    Duration Visa Fee in LKR Visa Fee in Euro
    Adults 28900 €90
    Children Between 6 to 12 years 14500 €45
    Children Below 6 years No Visa Fees

    Please note:

    • Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
    • Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 5150 (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 / debit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Tourist Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

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

Business

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

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

  • Visa Fees

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

    Duration Visa Fee in LKR Visa Fee in Euro
    Adults 28900 €90
    Children Between 6 to 12 years 14500 €45
    Children Below 6 years No Visa Fees

    Please note:

    • Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
    • Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 5150 (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 / debit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Business Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • Show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

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

Transit

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

    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.

     

  • Visa Fees

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

    Duration Visa Fee in LKR Visa Fee in Euro
    Adults 28900 €90
    Children Between 6 to 12 years 14500 €45
    Children Below 6 years No Visa Fees

    Please note:

    • Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
    • Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 5150 (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 / debit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Transit Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • Show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

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

Official

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

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

  • Visa Fees

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

    Duration Visa Fee in LKR Visa Fee in Euro
    Adults 28900 €90
    Children Between 6 to 12 years 14500 €45
    Children Below 6 years No Visa Fees

    Please note:

    • Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
    • Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 5150 (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 / debit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Official Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • Show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

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

Family Swiss Eu

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

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

    • spouse
    • 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)

  • Visa Fees

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

    Please note:

    • 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)

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Family Swiss EU Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • Show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

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

Seaman

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo Specifications
  • Processing Time
  • Download Forms

  • Overview

    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.

  • Visa Fees

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

    Duration Visa Fee in LKR Visa Fee in Euro
    Adults 28900 €90
    Children Between 6 to 12 years 14500 €45
    Children Below 6 years No Visa Fees

    Please note:

    • Children under 6 years are exempted to pay visa fee.
    • Applicants shall be levied a service fee LKR 5150 (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 / debit card (For Colombo centre only) For Jaffna centre cash payment only acceptable.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Kindly bring the exact change in order to avoid any inconvenience.

    * Colombo center only

  • Documents Required

    • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
    Document required for Seaman Visa please click here.

    Please note:

    • 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.

  • Photo Specifications

    Photograph Quality

    The photographs must be:

    • No more than 3-months old
    • 35-40mm in width
    • Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70 -80% of the photograph
    • In sharp focus and clear
    • Of high quality with no ink marks or creases

    The photographs must:

    • Show you looking directly at the camera
    • Show your skin tones naturally
    • Have appropriate brightness and contrast
    • Be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution Photographs taken with a digital camera must be high quality colour and printed on photo-quality paper.

    Style and lighting

    The photographs must be:

    • Be colour neutral
    • Show your eyes open and clearly visible-no hair across your eyes
    • Show you facing square on to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style) or tilted, and showing both edges of your face clearly
    • Be taken with a plain light-coloured background
    • Be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflections on your face and no red eye

    Glasses and head covers

    If you wear glasses:

    • the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses (if possible, avoid heavy frames - wear lighter framed glasses if you have them)
    • Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes.

    Head coverings :

    • Are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.

    Expression and frame

    Your photographs must:

    • Show you alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

  • Processing Time

    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.

  • Download Forms

    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

    Visa Application Form In English
    Questionnaire

    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.

      OR

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

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.

Address:

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

(Duration of stay less than 90 days)

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