Sri Lanka Visa Policy

There are the Following Types of Sri Lanka Visa:

• Visit Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization)
• Residence Visa

Get more details about Sri Lanka visa here. 

ETA is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka and is issued electronically. The ETA is introduced to provide an efficient, reliable, and simplified service to those who visit Sri Lanka. ETA holders are given a 30-day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

The ETA is issued through an on-line system. No passport copies, documents, or photographs are required. There is no requirement to endorse the ETA on the passport.  

An intended traveler visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay for the following purposes must obtain ETA prior approval for their arrival.

You can apply for an ETA through this website.

Sri Lanka Visit Categories:

• Tourist
• Sightseeing, holidaying
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Medical treatment including Ayurvedic and yoga
• Participate in sporting events, competitions, and activities relating to cultural performance
• Business          
• Participate in business meetings and negotiations
• Participate in Conferences, workshops, and seminars
• To take part in Short term training programs (less than one month)
• Participate in art, music, and dance events
• Participating in religious events
• Participate in Symposium
• Transit
• Transiting through Sri Lanka

The Types of Sri Lanka ETA:       

• ETA for Tourist purpose with double entry for 30 (thirty) days
• ETA for Business purpose with double entry for 30 (thirty) days
• ETA for Transit up to 02 days Free of Charge basis (Documentary proof needed)

Diplomatic and Official Visits 

Foreign nationals intending to visit Sri Lanka for Diplomatic or Official purposes should forward their ETA applications to the Department of Immigration & Emigration through relevant Sri Lanka Government Ministries and Agencies or Sri Lanka Overseas Missions.

• Gratis (Free of Charge) basis is applicable only for Diplomatic and Official passport holders.

• The Gratis ETA is granted for ordinary passport holders on the basis of arrangements made between the Government of Sri Lanka and the respective countries.
• Diplomatic & Official passport holders should follow the normal ETA application procedure for their personal visits. However, the Gratis ETA is granted for Diplomatic and official passport holders on the basis of arrangements made between the Government of Sri Lanka and the respective Foreign Governments.
• Diplomatic and official passport holders should not apply for Tourist/Business ETA for their official visits or to engage in any official assignments in Sri Lanka. Please note that Tourist/Business ETA cannot be converted into a Residence visa under any circumstances.
• Diplomatic & Official/Service passport holders from the following countries are exempted from the ETA processing fee and the ETA procedures for their official and private visits to Sri Lanka. A visit visa will be issued on arrival to Sri Lanka for passport holders of these countries.

Sri Lanka ETA Fee 

Sri Lanka Eta fee is 35 USD. You can apply for Sri Lanka ETA online here.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa

A residence visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for particular purposes. There are seven sub-categories that come under residence visas.

Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to stay in Sri Lanka for a longer period. This visa applies to those who want to work within the legal frame of employment upon taking an employment permit and the work permit as per appointed procedure from competent regional authorities.

Required Documents for Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visas

Project Professional personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the state Expatriate personnel employed in projects under the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka:

1.BOI Certificate

2. Request Letter From The Representing Company

3. BOI Agreement

4. Company Registration Certificate

5. Recommendation from the Respective Ministry

6. A Copy of the Bio Data Page of Your Passport

Project:

1. Project Office Request

2. Recommendation of Line Ministry or Recommendation of Dept. of External Resources

3. Agreement of Project

4. A Copy of the Bio Data Page of Your Passport

Personnel employed at banks and their dependents:

1. Bank Request

2. Recommendation of Central Bank of Sri Lanka

3. A Copy of the Bio Data Page of Your Passport

Volunteers/ Personnel attached to Non-Governmental Organizations

Personnel attached to Non-governmental Organizations:

1. Request of the Organization

2. Recommendation of the Non-Governmental Organization Secretariat (NGOSecretariat) through the Ministry of Defense

3. Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Defense

4. If Provided for, the Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between Sri Lanka and the Country Concerned

Volunteers:

1. Request of The Organization

2. Recommendation of the Line Ministry

3. If Provided for, the Agreement Signed Between Sri Lanka and the Country in Concern

Personnel Employed in a Project, institution, or organization under Diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka:

1. Request of the Institution

2. Recommendation of the Ministry of External Affairs or Relevant Line Ministry

3. If Provided for, the Agreement or Agreement Signed Between Sri Lanka and the Country in Concern

Personnel Employ in a Private Company and their dependents:

1. Form 48

2. Form 65

3. Company Request

4. Memorandum of Association & Article of Association

5. Recommendation of the Line Ministry

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visas

The average processing time for Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visas Fee

Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa is 110 USD.  The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visas?

You will apply for Employment Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa is designated for those who desire to invest in monetary capital in Sri Lanka.

Required Documents for Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

1. Form 48

2. Form 65

3. Memorandum of Association & Article of Association

4. Recommendation of Line Ministry & Board of Investment (BOI)

5. BOI Agreements

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy. 

Processing Time for Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

The average processing time for Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa Fee

Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa fee is 110 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa?

You will apply for an Investor Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa in Sri Lanka visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa is designated for Members of the Clergy.

Required Documents for Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

1. Request Letter from Religious Organization

2. Recommendation of the Line Ministry

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

The average processing time for a Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence visa 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa Fee

Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence visa is free of charge.

Where to Apply for Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa?

You will apply for a Religious Category Sri Lanka Residence visa in Sri Lanka visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Student Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa

Student Category Sri Lanka Residence Visa is designated for:

• University Students
• Students in Educational Institutions approved by the State
• Religious Students

Required Documents for Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) Visa

For University Students:

1. Recommendation from Ministry of Higher Education

2. Letter From The University

For Other Students & Guardians of Students under 16 years of age:

1. A Request Letter from the Academic Institution

2. Recommendation from the Relevant Embassy / High Commission

3. Encashment Receipts to the Value Of 1500 USD/- For A Year Per Person

For Religious Students:

1. A Request Letter from the Religious Organization

2. Recommendation From the Line Ministry

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) Visa

The average processing time for Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) visa 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) Visa Fee

Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) Residence visa is free for international students in universities and educational institutions approved by the State if the Ministry of Higher Education recommends a free visa. For students in other institutions is 82 USD.

Where to Apply for Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) Visa?

You will apply for a Sri Lanka Student (Long-stay) visa in Sri Lanka visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Agreement

This Residence visa type is applicable to Indian citizens who are registered in Sri Lanka.

Required Documents for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians 

1. Letter of Request

2. Registration Certificate

3. Marriage Certificate

4. Birth Certificates of Children Under 16 Years of Age

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians

The average processing time for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians Fee

Sri Lanka Residence Visa fee for Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Agreement is 55 USD. 

Where to Apply for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians?

You will apply for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Registered Indians in Sri Lanka visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents

Residence visa requests under this category will only be entertained upon a continuous stay of 3 months from the date of final arrival to Sri Lanka only.

Required Documents Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents

1. Birth Certificates or Birth Registration Under Section 5(2) of the Citizenship Act

2. Citizenship Certificates if Citizen By Registration

3. Marriage Certificate, if Applicable

4. Birth Certificates of Dependents, if Applicable

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents

The average processing time for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents is 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents Fee

Sri Lanka Residence Visa fee for Ex - Sri Lankan and dependents is 55 USD.

Where to Apply for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents?

You will apply for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Ex - Sri Lankan and Dependents in Sri Lanka visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan is designated for the persons falling under the following categories:

• Foreign Spouse of a Sri Lankan
• Dependent children holding foreign Passports

Required Documents Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan

Spouses:

1. Marriage Certificate Attested by a Competent Authority in Sri Lanka or Abroad in Support of the Marriage

2. Birth Certificate of Sri Lankan Spouse and if The Person is Citizen by Registration, Documents to Prove Citizenship Certificate.

3. Passport or National Identity Card of Sri Lankan Spouse.

4. If Divorced, Divorce Decree, if Ex-spouse Deceased, Death Certificate

5. Consent of Sri Lankan Spouse

Children if not Sri Lankan:

1. Birth Certificates of Children

2. Passport of Applicant

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan

The average processing time for a Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan Fee

Sri Lanka Residence Visa fee for Family Members of a Sri Lankan is free in case of spouses and children under 16. The fee for children above 16 is 110 USD.

Where to Apply for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan?

You will apply for Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Family Members of a Sri Lankan in Sri Lanka visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.