Visa Information
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
VFS German Visa Application Centre in Colombo and Jaffna handle visa requests from citizens of Sri Lanka and other third country nationals residing in Sri Lanka wishing to travel mainly to Germany,
Citizens of the Maldives and other third country nationals residing in the Maldives wishing to travel to Germany , also apply with the VFS German Visa Application Centre in Male.
Citizens of the Maldives and other third country nationals residing in the Maldives wishing to travel to Estonia / Hungary / Latvia have to apply with responsible Embassy in New Delhi.
EU nationals do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. Generally speaking, all other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. The European Community has abolished the visa requirement for semi-annual visits of up to 180 days for nations of some countries.
The following categories of persons are exempted from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa:
- holders of valid Schengen Visa, national long-stay visa or a residence permit issued by a Schengen country
- holders of certain residence permits issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino or the United States which guarantee the holder's unconditional readmission
- holders of a valid visa for Ireland, Liechtenstein and the United Kingdom
- immediate family members of citizens of the EU
- holders of diplomatic passports
- flight crew members who are nationals of a Chicago convention country
Tourist/ Visit To Family & Friends
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Overview
Schengen Visa
Schengen visa have to be obtained from the Embassy of the country where the main purpose of travel lies. Therefore, please check your travel plans before making your application to the German Embassy. In case of travel to multiple Schengen countries, please make your application to the Embassy where you will be staying for the maximum number of days, or from the point of first entry into the Schengen countries, if the duration of stay is the same in more than one Schengen country.
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Visa Fees
Visa Fees applicable for Short Term (Including Tourism and Visit of Family and Friends) Business, Transit are:-
Service and Visa Fee Charges LKR € VFS Global Application Service Charge (including consulting and information service, online visa application, Biometrics, appointment scheduling and delivery of application documents to the Embassy)
Service Fee:
LKR 6,060€ 19.13 Visa fee for Adults
LKR 27,900 90 €. Visa fee for Nationals of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia
LKR 10,900 35 €. Visa Fee for Children 6 to below 12 Years
LKR 14,000 45 €. Please note:
- Children below 06 Years are exempted to pay Visa fee
- The visa fee is payable in Sri Lankan rupees as per current exchange rate of the Embassy. The exchange rate is subject to change without prior notice
- Fees and charges are non – refundable.
- Fees are payable in cash at the Germany Application Centre.
- The above VFS Global service charges include taxes.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here.
Visitor Tourist visa checklist Sri Lanka Questionnaire Parents’ Consent Letter Declaration Reachability & Representation form
Please note
- When you submit the visa application, duly filled questionnaire & the Reachability and representation form should submit to the submission counter with the other documents mentioned on the checklist.
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Photo Specifications
- The photograph must be in colour.
- It should have a white background.
- It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70-80% of the photograph.
- It should be in sharp focus and clean.
- It should be of high quality with no ink marks and creases.
- The photograph must show you looking directly at the camera.
- It should be 3.5 cm X 4.5 cm.
- It should show your skin tone naturally.
- It should have appropriate brightness and contrast.
- The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
- It is to be taken without headgear.
- It should be without the applicant's hair tucked behind his/her ears.
- The photograph should not have any staple marks.
- Scanned & colour photocopies would NOT be accepted.
Information for visa applicants
Only one photograph should be attached to the application, the other should be kept in the passport. Neither should have any staple pin marks disfiguring the face or background.
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Processing Time
Applicants are strongly encouraged to file their application at least 15 calendar days prior to the date of departure and not more than 180 days before departure. This will allow an orderly examination of the applications and limit the chances for delay in decisions on visa applications.
- International courier transit time
A minimum of five days each will take for the application to transit from Male to Colombo and back to Male.
- International courier transit time
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Download Form
Important Information regarding the use of the web-based visa-application form
In order to avoid that your visa application will be delayed for formal reasons, please read the following instructions completely.
After following the below link, you will be prompted to choose a language version for the web-based visa application. Please note, that the German Embassy in Colombo only accepts visa applications in the German or English language. No other language versions and no manually corrected forms will be processed.
Click here : https://videx.diplo.de/videx/visum-erfassung/videx-kurzfristiger-aufenthalt
Next, you will receive information about where to apply for your visa. Please read this information about the competent German missions carefully.
In the next step you can choose the icon for "new application" or upload personal data saved on your computer earlier into a blank form.
Please fill in the application form completely and thoroughly.
When you have finished to fill the form, click "save and print" directly from the form (do not use your browser application´s print option!').
Now you will find different options for processing the application. By clicking the pdf-icon, the application form will be checked for consistency and missing mandatory information. As long as information is missing or not correctly entered, you will be prompted and returned to the form. Once the application form is duly filled in, the file may be opened or saved (recommended) on your computer.
Very important: When the print menu opens, please chose "advanced" and then enable the field "print as picture" in Acrobat Reader´s Advanced Print Setup tab. This will ensure that a correctly sized and readable barcode will be generated for further processing your application by the German Embassy. You will have to present the printed application form with barcode together with all supporting documents when you appear at the VFS Global German Application Center and/or the German Embassy.
Thank you for reading these instructions.
Business
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Overview
Business visa application is applicable in case you are travelling for business purposes. This visa is given for travel period of less than 90 days
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Visa Fees
Visa Fees applicable for Short Term (Including Tourism and Visit of Family and Friends) Business, Transit are:-
Service and Visa Fee Charges LKR € VFS Global Application Service Charge (including consulting and information service, online visa application, Biometrics, appointment scheduling and delivery of application documents to the Embassy)
Service Fee:
LKR 6,060€ 19.13 Visa fee for Adults
LKR 27,900 90 €. Visa fee for Nationals of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia
LKR 10,900 35 €. Visa Fee for Children 6 to below 12 Years
LKR 14,000 45 €. Please note:
- Children below 06 Years are exempted to pay Visa fee
- The visa fee is payable in Sri Lankan rupees as per current exchange rate of the Embassy. The exchange rate is subject to change without prior notice
- Fees and charges are non – refundable.
- Fees are payable in cash at the Germany Application Centre.
- The above VFS Global service charges include taxes.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here.
Business Visa Checklist Sri Lanka Questionnaire Declaration Reachability & Representation form
Please note
- When you submit the visa application, duly filled questionnaire & reachability and representation form should submit to the submission counter with the other documents mentioned on the checklist
-
Photo Specifications
- The photograph must be in colour.
- It should have a white background.
- It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70-80% of the photograph.
- It should be in sharp focus and clean.
- It should be of high quality with no ink marks and creases.
- The photograph must show you looking directly at the camera.
- It should be 3.5 cm X 4.5 cm.
- It should show your skin tone naturally.
- It should have appropriate brightness and contrast.
- The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
- It is to be taken without headgear.
- It should be without the applicant's hair tucked behind his/her ears.
- The photograph should not have any staple marks.
- Scanned & colour photocopies would NOT be accepted.
Information for visa applicants
Only one photograph should be attached to the application, the other should be kept in the passport. Neither should have any staple pin marks disfiguring the face or background.
-
Processing Time
Applicants are strongly encouraged to file their application at least 15 Calendar days prior to the date of departure and not more than 180 days before departure. This will allow an orderly examination of the applications and limit the chances for delay in decisions on visa applications. -
Download Form
Important Information regarding the use of the web-based visa-application form
In order to avoid that your visa application will be delayed for formal reasons, please read the following instructions completely.
After following the below link,, you will be prompted to choose a language version for the web-based visa application. Please note, that the German Embassy in Colombo only accepts visa applications in the German or English language. No other language versions and no manually corrected forms will be processed.
Click here : https://videx.diplo.de/videx/visum-erfassung/videx-kurzfristiger-aufenthalt
Next, you will receive information about where to apply for your visa. Please read this information about the competent German missions carefully.
In the next step you can choose the icon for "new application" or upload personal data saved on your computer earlier into a blank form.
Please fill in the application form completely and thoroughly.
When you have finished to fill the form, click "save and print" directly from the form (do not use your browser application´s print option!').
Now you will find different options for processing the application. By clicking the pdf-icon, the application form will be checked for consistency and missing mandatory information. As long as information is missing or not correctly entered, you will be prompted and returned to the form. Once the application form is duly filled in, the file may be opened or saved (recommended) on your computer.
Very important: When the print menu opens, please chose "advanced" and then enable the field "print as picture" in Acrobat Reader´s Advanced Print Setup tab. This will ensure that a correctly sized and readable barcode will be generated for further processing your application by the German Embassy. You will have to present the printed application form with barcode together with all supporting documents when you appear at the VFS Global German Application Center and/or the German Embassy.
Thank you for reading these instructions.
seaman
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Overview
Applicants for a seaman’s visa must be employed in any capacity on board a vessel, and seeking to enter Germany solely in pursuit of his/her calling as a seaman, with the intention of departing with the vessel or reshipping on other vessel that is bound for a foreign port or place or one coming to the Germany to join a vessel in this country.
-
Visa Fees
Visa Fees applicable for Short Term (Including Tourism and Visit of Family and Friends) Business, Transit are:-
Service and Visa Fee Charges LKR € VFS Global Application Service Charge (including consulting and information service, online visa application, Biometrics, appointment scheduling and delivery of application documents to the Embassy)
Service Fee:
LKR 6,060€ 19.13 Visa fee for Adults
LKR 27,900 90 €. Visa fee for Nationals of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia
LKR 10,900 35 €. Visa Fee for Children 6 to below 12 Years
LKR 14,000 45 €. Please note:
- Children below 06 Years are exempted to pay Visa fee
- The visa fee is payable in Sri Lankan rupees as per current exchange rate of the Embassy. The exchange rate is subject to change without prior notice
- Fees and charges are non – refundable.
- Fees are payable in cash at the Germany Application Centre.
- The above VFS Global service charges include taxes.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here.
Seaman Visa Checklist Questionnaire Reachability & Representation form
Please note
- When you submit the visa application, duly filled questionnaire & Reachability and Representation form should submit to the submission counter with the other documents mentioned on the checklist
-
Photo Specifications
- The photograph must be in colour.
- It should have a white background.
- It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70-80% of the photograph.
- It should be in sharp focus and clean.
- It should be of high quality with no ink marks and creases.
- The photograph must show you looking directly at the camera.
- It should be 3.5 cm X 4.5 cm.
- It should show your skin tone naturally.
- It should have appropriate brightness and contrast.
- The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
- It is to be taken without headgear.
- It should be without the applicant's hair tucked behind his/her ears.
- The photograph should not have any staple marks.
- Scanned & colour photocopies would NOT be accepted.
Information for visa applicants
Only one photograph should be attached to the application, the other should be kept in the passport. Neither should have any staple pin marks disfiguring the face or background.
-
Processing Time
Applicants are strongly encouraged to file their application at least 15 Calender days prior to the date of departure and not more than 180 days before departure. This will allow an orderly examination of the applications and limit the chances for delay in decisions on visa applications. -
Download Form
Important Information regarding the use of the web-based visa-application form
In order to avoid that your visa application will be delayed for formal reasons, please read the following instructions completely.
After following the below link,, you will be prompted to choose a language version for the web-based visa application. Please note, that the German Embassy in Colombo only accepts visa applications in the German or English language. No other language versions and no manually corrected forms will be processed.
Click here : https://videx.diplo.de/videx/visum-erfassung/videx-kurzfristiger-aufenthalt
Next, you will receive information about where to apply for your visa. Please read this information about the competent German missions carefully.
In the next step you can choose the icon for "new application" or upload personal data saved on your computer earlier into a blank form.
Please fill in the application form completely and thoroughly.
When you have finished to fill the form, click "save and print" directly from the form (do not use your browser application´s print option!').
Now you will find different options for processing the application. By clicking the pdf-icon, the application form will be checked for consistency and missing mandatory information. As long as information is missing or not correctly entered, you will be prompted and returned to the form. Once the application form is duly filled in, the file may be opened or saved (recommended) on your computer.
Very important: When the print menu opens, please chose "advanced" and then enable the field "print as picture" in Acrobat Reader´s Advanced Print Setup tab. This will ensure that a correctly sized and readable barcode will be generated for further processing your application by the German Embassy. You will have to present the printed application form with barcode together with all supporting documents when you appear at the VFS Global German Application Center and/or the German Embassy.
Thank you for reading these instructions.
Transit
-
Overview
Category applies to travelers who are transiting through Germany to a non-Schengen country
-
Visa Fees
Visa Fees applicable for Short Term (Including Tourism and Visit of Family and Friends) Business, Transit are:-
Service and Visa Fee Charges LKR € VFS Global Application Service Charge (including consulting and information service, online visa application, Biometrics, appointment scheduling and delivery of application documents to the Embassy)
Service Fee:
LKR 6,060€ 19.13 Visa fee for Adults
LKR 27,900 90 €. Visa fee for Nationals of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia
LKR 10,900 35 €. Visa Fee for Children 6 to below 12 Years
LKR 14,000 45 €. Please note:
- Children below 06 Years are exempted to pay Visa fee
- The visa fee is payable in Sri Lankan rupees as per current exchange rate of the Embassy. The exchange rate is subject to change without prior notice
- Fees and charges are non – refundable.
- Fees are payable in cash at the Germany Application Centre.
- The above VFS Global service charges include taxes.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here.
Transit Visa Checklist Questioner Reachability & Representation form
Please note
- When you submit the visa application, a questionnaire & reachability and representation from will be given at the submission counter which should be filed by only the Applicant in front of the counter staff.
-
Photo Specifications
- The photograph must be in colour.
- It should have a white background.
- It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70-80% of the photograph.
- It should be in sharp focus and clean.
- It should be of high quality with no ink marks and creases.
- The photograph must show you looking directly at the camera.
- It should be 3.5 cm X 4.5 cm.
- It should show your skin tone naturally.
- It should have appropriate brightness and contrast.
- The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
- It is to be taken without headgear.
- It should be without the applicant's hair tucked behind his/her ears.
- The photograph should not have any staple marks.
- Scanned & colour photocopies would NOT be accepted.
Information for visa applicants
Only one photograph should be attached to the application, the other should be kept in the passport. Neither should have any staple pin marks disfiguring the face or background.
-
Processing Time
Applicants are strongly encouraged to file their application at least 15 calendar days prior to the date of departure and not more than 180 days before departure. This will allow an orderly examination of the applications and limit the chances for delay in decisions on visa applications. -
Download Form
Important Information regarding the use of the web-based visa-application form
In order to avoid that your visa application will be delayed for formal reasons, please read the following instructions completely.
After following the below link,, you will be prompted to choose a language version for the web-based visa application. Please note, that the German Embassy in Colombo only accepts visa applications in the German or English language. No other language versions and no manually corrected forms will be processed.
Click here : https://videx.diplo.de/videx/visum-erfassung/videx-kurzfristiger-aufenthalt
Next, you will receive information about where to apply for your visa. Please read this information about the competent German missions carefully.
In the next step you can choose the icon for "new application" or upload personal data saved on your computer earlier into a blank form.
Please fill in the application form completely and thoroughly.
When you have finished to fill the form, click "save and print" directly from the form (do not use your browser application´s print option!').
Now you will find different options for processing the application. By clicking the pdf-icon, the application form will be checked for consistency and missing mandatory information. As long as information is missing or not correctly entered, you will be prompted and returned to the form. Once the application form is duly filled in, the file may be opened or saved (recommended) on your computer.
Very important: When the print menu opens, please chose "advanced" and then enable the field "print as picture" in Acrobat Reader´s Advanced Print Setup tab. This will ensure that a correctly sized and readable barcode will be generated for further processing your application by the German Embassy. You will have to present the printed application form with barcode together with all supporting documents when you appear at the VFS Global German Application Center and/or the German Embassy.
Thank you for reading these instructions.
Long stay Visa
Applicants for long stay (more than three months) and resident permit:
- Adoption
- Au pair
- Family reunion
- Marriage
- Student
- Scientists
- Employment Visa
May apply directly at the German Embassy with prior appointment from Mondays – Thursdays 08.00 to 10.00 AM.
Address:
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany,
43, Temple Lane, Colombo – 03