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1. What is a Schengen visa ?
Sri Lankan citizens traveling to Schengen countries on business or as tourists may receive a uniform visa for a short stay of 1 to 90 days valid for Sweden and Finland (Embassy of Sweden), Germany and Austria (Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany), Italy and Greece (Embassy of Italy), The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg (Royal Netherlands Embassy), Norway, Denmark, and Iceland (Royal Norwegian Embassy), France, Portugal and Spain (Embassy of the Republic of France). The Embassy of the main destination is responsible for issuing the uniform Schengen visa. If main destination cannot be determined, responsibility for issuing the visa lies with the Schengen state of first entry.
 
2. How can I get the free application forms ?
Application forms can be downloaded from our website 24 hours a day: http://www.vfs-france.com. Application forms can also be collected from Monday to Thursday - Application submission time - 8.00 am to 1.00 pm. and on Fridays 8.00 am to 10.30 am at V.F.S. visa application centre, 120/A, Havelock Road, Colombo 05.
 
3. When can I apply ?
AApplications have to be submitted at least 20 DAYS before the planned departure. The visa section is open every morning from Tuesday to Friday. Long stay visa applicants are received by appointment on Mondays only.
 
4. Can somebody apply for me ?
No. Applicant should call over in person. Travel agents or other individuals are not allowed to represent the applicant.
 
5. Where can I collect the requirement list for a Schengen visa ?
Requirement list can be downloaded from our website 24 hours a day: http://www.vfs-france.com. Requirement list can also be collected with application forms from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 1.00 pm and from 8:30 am to 10:30 noon on Friday at V.F.S. visa application centre, 120/A, Havelock Road, Colombo 05.
 
6. I travel for business. What are the visa procedures ?
Businessmen will be received by appointments. The Embassy of France in Colombo has entrusted the company V.F.S. with the opening of a visa application centre at 120/A, Havelock Road, Colombo 05. This centre will become the focal point for all information regarding short stay visas to France, Spain and Portugal . It will be open from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 8:00 am to 10:30 am on Friday. V.F.S. will receive short stay visa applicants in order to advise them and facilitate their application. It will schedule appointments to be held at the Embassy and will be in charge of returning passports at the end of the visa process. V.F.S will require a fee of 1.200 LKR plus taxes for its services. For further information, visa applicants are kindly requested to call the VFS call centre: 4.516.321 or info@vfs-france.com.
 
7. I travel for tourism or in transit. What are the visa procedures ?
Applicants will be received by appointments. The Embassy of France in Colombo has entrusted the company V.F.S. with the opening of a visa application centre at 120/A, Havelock Road, Colombo 05.This centre will become the focal point for all information regarding short stay visas to France, Spain and Portugal. It will be open from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 8:30 am to 10:30 am on Friday. V.F.S. will receive short stay visa applicants in order to advise them and facilitate their application. It will schedule appointments to be held at the Embassy and will be in charge of returning passports at the end of the visa process. V.F.S will require a fee of 1.200 LKR plus taxes for its services. For further information, visa applicants are kindly requested to call the VFS call centre: 4.516.321 or info@vfs-france.com. Appointments for direct submission of visa applications without going through V.F.S. will be available from the website (http://www.vfs-france.com) although in a limited number.
 
8. How much does it cost for a Schengen visa?
Schengen visa costs the equivalent in Sri Lankan rupees of 60 Euros according to the French official exchange rate at the time of payment.
 
9. How long does it takes to get back my passport ?
Waiting time for appointment depends on the numbers of applicants. After the interview, the Embassy of France requires a minimum of one working day to process a visa application. However in certain cases, it may take longer.
 
10. How can I collect my passport ?
Passport can be collected from Mondays to Thursdays - 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm and Fridays -1.30pm-2.30 pm only at V.F.S. visa application centre, 120/A, Havelock Road, Colombo 05. The visa section will notify the date of collection during the interview.
 
11. What shall I do if my application is incomplete ?
Applicant should provide a complete file. If additional documents are required, a form stating the missing documents is handed over to the applicant by V.F.S. If application is incomplete after submission at V.F.S., the visa will be refused.
 
12. My visa is rejected. What shall I do ?
If your visa has been rejected and unless you can provide further elements modifying your application, this decision will not be changed.
 
13. My visa is rejected. Can I get the reasons for refusal ?
With very few exceptions requested by French laws, the Embassy of France does not state the reasons for refusal of visa.
 
14. My visa is rejected. Can I get a refund of the visa fees ?
Visa fees are not reimbursed even in case of visa refusal.
 
15. I am travelling to Spain or Portugal for business or tourism. How shall I apply ?
Visa procedures and visa requirements for Spain or Portugal are exactly the same as those for France .
 
16. My visa to Spain or Portugal has not been granted. How can I appeal ?
The French Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives is not competent to handle appeals for Spanish or Portuguese visas. According to your destination, you have to contact directly either the Embassy of Spain in India (12 Prithviraj Road, New Delhi 110 003, India, +91.11 3792082), or the Embassy of Portugal in India (13, Sundar Nagar, New Delhi 110 003, India , +91.11 4351252).
 
17. Do VFS accept long stay visa applications to France?

The Embassy of France in Colombo has entrusted the company VFS from 2nd January 2007 onwards to handle Family Reunion visas to France . This center will become the focal point for submitting the application form that has been directly sent to the applicants by the French Embassy itself, required supporting documents and payment of the long stay visa fees. Visa fees amount will be notify at the time of submission of the application.

 
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