Sri Lanka

Applications are accepted by appointment only, to be booked via the VFS platform : https://visa.vfsglobal.com/lka/fr/fra.

Appointments are generally available within 48 hours. However, applicants are strongly advised to apply in advance, particularly between May and September, at least one month before the intended date of travel.

On the day of your appointment, please bring:

• Your valid passport
• Your appointment confirmation letter (printed)
• A complete application file, with all required documents arranged in the order listed
• Means of payment for visa fees and, where applicable, optional service fees

All visas issued by France are biometric visas.

Any visa applicant over the age of twelve (12) is required to appear in person when submitting their first application. The following biometric identifiers are collected: a photograph (scanned or taken at the time of application) and ten (10) fingerprints, digitally recorded.

Biometric data may be reused if a previous biometric Schengen visa was issued less than fifty‑nine (59) months ago. In such cases, the application may be submitted by a third party holding a signed authorisation letter from the applicant.

Children under the age of twelve (12) are exempt from biometric data collection. Their application must be submitted by one of the parents or the legal guardian. The child's photograph, compliant with ICAO standards, will be scanned.

Closed on saturdays and sundays.

Public holidays in 2026 :

• Thursday, January 1st : New Year's Day
• Thursday, January 15th : Tamil Thai Pongal Day
• Wednesday, February 4th : Independence Day
• Monday, March 2nd : Medin Full Moon Poya Day
• Wednesday, April 1st : Bak Full Moon Poya Day
• Friday, April 3rd : Good Friday
• Monday, April 13th : Day Prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
• Tuesday, April 14th : Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
• Friday, May 1st : Labour Day
• Thursday, May 28th : Id-Ul-Fitr
• Monday, June 29th : Poson Full Moon Poya Day
• Wednesday, July 29th : Esala Full Moon Poya Day
• Wednesday, August 26th : Milad-Un-Nabi
• Thursday, August 27th : Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
• Tuesday, November 24th : Ill Full Moon Poya Day
• Wednesday, December 23rd : Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
• Friday, December 25th : Christmas Day

Only visa applicants are authorised to enter the Embassy. No accompanying persons are allowed unless prior written authorisation has been granted by email.

All persons entering the Embassy are subject to security checks.

For security reasons, the following items are strictly prohibited inside the Embassy premises :

• Any battery-powered or electronic devices (cameras, video cameras, laptops, tablets, audio devices, etc.)
• Any bags, except a plastic folder containing the visa application documents and a small handbag
• Any sealed packages or envelopes
• Flammable items such as lighters or matches
• Sharp objects such as knives or scissors
• Weapons or explosive materials

This list is not exhaustive. Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of the security service.

Passports may only be collected by the visa applicant.

A representative may collect the passport on behalf of the applicant provided that the following documents are presented:

• The receipt ;
• A copy of the applicant's identity card or passport ;
• The original and a copy of the representative's own identity document ;
• A signed authorisation letter from the applicant stating the full name and identity number of the authorised representative.

Family members of an EU / Swiss national

You are considered a family member if you are:

• The spouse ;
• A direct descendant under the age of twenty‑one (21) or dependent ;
• A dependent direct ascendant ;
• A dependent direct ascendant or descendant of the spouse of a national of Switzerland, a Member State of the European Union, or the European Economic Area.

Family members benefit from an exemption from visa fees.

Countries represented by the Embassy of France in Colombo

In Sri Lanka, France represents the following countries:

• Monaco: Schengen visas and long‑stay visas.
• Portugal: Schengen visas (tourism, private and family visits, professional visits). For long‑stay visas, applicants are invited to contact the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi.
• Czech Republic: Schengen visas (tourism, private and family visits, professional visits). For long‑stay visas, applicants are invited to contact the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi.
• Romania: Schengen visas (tourism, private and family visits, professional visits). Applicants residing in Romania who have lost or had their valid Romanian residence permit stolen may apply for a Schengen visa to return to Romania. Any applicant wishing to travel to Romania must submit a duly completed and signed certificate link, unless exempt. This document must be approved and signed by the Romanian Ministry of Interior link. For any other request, applicants may contact the Embassy of Romania in Colombo: colombo.consul@mae.ro.

Groups

Travel agencies or visa applicants wishing to benefit from a group appointment (minimum 10 persons) may submit a request directly to VFS. An email must be sent 30 days before the intended date of departure to this address attaching the list of passengers (full name and passport number).

In case of issues related to your visa application project, VFS is available to assist you :

• By phone : +94 11 235 0607 (Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• By email : info.francesl@vfshelpline.com.