Denmark entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Denmark for tourism, business, or transit. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay visa application Schengen visa (Type C) | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Danish embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka. Processing takes up to 15 calendar days — submit at least 3 weeks before travel. The visa allows 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries, not just Denmark.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration at Copenhagen Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen country. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Norwegian also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Denmark. Border officers at Copenhagen may ask to see it during the visa interview or at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay — roughly €50–€100 per day depending on accommodation prepaid. Danish immigration rarely asks for this at the border, but the visa application requires it. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot enter Denmark without a pre-approved Schengen visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead.
Processing times vary
Visa processing can take 15–30 days, but during summer or holiday periods it may stretch to 45 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Danish embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka (or the VFS Global centre in Colombo). You'll need to book an appointment, fill the online form, pay the fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and attend an in-person interview. Processing takes 15–30 days.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, bank statements (last 3 months), employment letter, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Make copies of everything.
3
Attend the visa interview
At the VFS centre in Colombo, submit your documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and answer questions about your trip. Dress neatly and be honest.
4
Wait for processing
Track your application online using the reference number from VFS. You'll get an email when your passport is ready for collection or courier delivery.
5
Arrive in Denmark
At Copenhagen Airport (CPH) or any other Schengen entry point, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
Download Denmark Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1 year)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit (Erhvervsophold)
Up to 4 years, renewable
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Denmark. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Student Residence Permit (Studieophold)
Duration of study program, renewable
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Danish educational institution. Must show proof of admission and financial support.
Apply family reunification
Family Reunification Permit (Familiesammenføring)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For spouses, registered partners, or minor children of a Danish resident. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional service charge for application submission via VFS. | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa; maximum cap may apply. | ~€50 (~$54 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Denmark
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Denmark, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (for certain conditions)
Transit hubsCopenhagen Airport (CPH) · Billund Airport (BLL)
Health & vaccines for Denmark
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Denmark; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Copenhagen
Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen)
Ryesgade 53, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Main office for visa and residence permit inquiries; appointments recommended.
Aarhus
Danish Immigration Service (Aarhus office)
Søndergade 12, 8000 Aarhus C
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Regional office for Jutland; handles visa and permit applications.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalCopenhagen
LanguageDanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyDanish krone (DKK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.54 DKK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,F,KTypes C (Europlug), E (French), F (Schuko), and K (Danish) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Denmark.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Even if you're just transiting through Copenhagen Airport and staying airside, you still need a Schengen visa. There is no transit exemption for Sri Lankan passport holders.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa is valid for all 27 Schengen countries, not just Denmark.
At the VFS Global centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. You must book an appointment online first. The Danish embassy in New Delhi handles processing, but you submit locally.
€80 for adults (about 28,000 LKR), €40 for children aged 6–12, free for children under 6. Plus a VFS service fee of around 3,000 LKR.
Typically 15–30 calendar days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to be safe. During peak season (summer), it can take longer.
No. Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the Schengen area and re-enter after a gap, or apply for a national visa before your trip.
You can appeal within 30 days of receiving the rejection letter. The appeal goes to the Danish Immigration Service. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Sri Lanka.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.