France Visa RequirementsFor Sri Lanka passport holders
Sri Lankan citizens require a Schengen visa to visit France. The visa costs approximately USD 87 and permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day Schengen period. Applications are processed by the French Embassy in Colombo or through VFS Global.
Sri Lanka passport holders require a visa to enter France.
Apply through VFS Global (the authorized visa application service for France) in Colombo. Required documents include the Schengen visa application form, passport (valid 3 months beyond return date), 2 recent photos, travel insurance, confirmed return flights, hotel bookings or invitation letter, and 3 months of bank statements. Processing time is approximately 15 business days. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
France is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Sri Lanka to France: What You Need to Know
France is one of the most visited countries in the world and a top dream destination for Sri Lankan travelers. Paris, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley attract tourists, while the Sri Lankan diaspora in France is present mainly in the Paris region and Lyon. France is also a gateway to the rest of the Schengen zone.
Practical Tips
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international airport; direct connections from Colombo are available via major Gulf carriers. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, and Provence are the most popular attractions. Travel insurance meeting Schengen requirements (EUR 30,000 minimum) is mandatory for the visa. Learn a few basic French phrases; service staff in smaller towns may not speak English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa for France?
Yes. Sri Lankan citizens require a Schengen visa to visit France. The visa costs approximately USD 87 and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period. Applications are processed through VFS Global in Colombo on behalf of the French Embassy.
What documents are needed for a French Schengen visa from Sri Lanka?
You will need a completed Schengen application form, valid passport, two recent biometric photos, travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, confirmed return flight bookings, hotel reservations or accommodation proof, and bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds.
How much money should I show in my bank account for a French Schengen visa?
There is no fixed minimum, but French consulates generally look for at least EUR 65 per day of the intended stay, or proof of a host covering expenses. Strong, consistent bank statements showing regular income and savings are more important than a one-time large deposit.
How do Sri Lankans travel to France?
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport connects to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) via Gulf carriers including Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), and Etihad (Abu Dhabi). Total travel time with one stop is approximately 14 to 17 hours. Nice Airport on the French Riviera is also accessible via similar connections.