Schengen States visa fees revised from January

Visa fees for Schengen States have been revised with effect from January 1 next year, a media release from the German Embassy in Colombo stated. Germany will hold the EU presidency for 2007.

Fees for short-term visa applications to travel to the Schengen States will be changed as 60 euros for Airport transit visa, Transit visa and Tourist visa (up to 90 days). The fees, to be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees, should be paid upon application and would be retained in case of rejection.

Children under the age of six years, school children, students accompanying teachers on study or educational tours and those engaged in research would be exempted from visa fees. Applications for permanent residence in the Schengen States are subject to the immigration laws of the respective Member State.

Visa fees for such applications therefore vary according to the laws of the Schengen State the applicant wishes to reside in. The Schengen Member States are France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland.