Visa to Sri Lanka

General Information

Please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ 

What is a Sri Lankan Visa

A Sri Lankan visa is an endorsement on a passport or a similar document to facilitate the legal entry of non Sri Lankans into the country and to regulate the period of their stay and the conditions governing such stay. 

What are the Types of Sri Lankan Visas

There are three (03) kinds of visas which permit a person to enter and/or stay in Sri Lanka. 

1. Visit Visa 

A Visit Visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country.  The Visa contains details of the period of time and the condition/s of the stay. 

There are two sub-categories which come under visit visas:-  

1) Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa is issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing or holidaying, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatments including Ayurvedic and Yoga, participate in sport events, competitions and activities relating to cultural performance, for a short period of time.  

2) Business Purpose Visa 

A Business Purpose Visa is issued to foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for short period of time. 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. This visa may be issued for single or multiple journeys. 

2. Residence Visa 

A residence visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes. 

There are thirteen (13) sub-categories which come under residence visas 

What Eligibility category do I belong 

1) Employment Category 

• Professional personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the government.
• Expatriate personnel employed in projects under Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka and their dependents.
• Personnel employed at banks and their dependents
• Personnel employed in a private company and their dependent 

 2) Investor Category 

• Personnel who desire to invest monetary capital in Sri Lanka
• Personnel who engage in business activities in Sri Lanka 

3) Religious Category 

• Members of the Clergy
• Personnel who engage in religious activities 

4) Student Category 

• University Students
• Students in Educational Institutions approved by the government
• Volunteers  

5) Personnel attached to Non-Governmental Organizations or International Non-Government Organizations and their dependents  

6) Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo-Lanka Agreement.

7) Ex- Sri Lankans and their dependents 

8) Family Members of a Sri Lankan 

• Spouses and their dependents
• Children holding foreign nationality  

9) Diplomatic and Official visa 

• Diplomats and officers who are attached to a foreign mission in Sri Lanka
• Their Spouse and dependents  

10) My Dream Home Visa Programme 

https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=19  

11) Resident Guest Visa Programme 

https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=20   

12) Medical Visa 

• Personal who are under medical treatments
• Medical Assistant and dependents of the medical visa holder  

13) Court Visa 

• Personal who has a pending court case in which he need to be appear before a court 

Entry Visa 

Once the Department of Immigration and Emigration approved the Residence Visa request of the Applicant, the Department will issue an Entry Visa approval Notice addressing this Mission with a copy to the applicant. Up on the receiving of Entry Visa approval notice from the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, applicant must visit this Emabssy in person with the following requirements to obtain an entry visa endorsement on his/her passport. 

1. Original Valid Passport
2. Duly signed and finger mark placed Entry Visa form/Form B – Annex 32
3. 3. 02 Photographs (35mm * 45mm)
4. Payment voucher / Bank payment slip of prescribed fee of an Entry Visa - USD40/BRS 220
5. Copy of the approval received from the controller of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka 

Please note that this entry visa is valid only for three months (03) from the date of issue. Applicant should visit the Embassy within one month of the date of issue to obtain an entry visa endorsement. South American Region

3. Transit Visa 

A Transit Visa is an entry permit granted to a foreign national for admission into Sri Lanka for a short period which is incidental and in the course of his journey to another destination. 

Who is eligible for Visa Exemptions 

• Sri Lankan dual citizens.
• Children up to 21 years of age, whose birth has been registered under section 5(2) of Citizenship Act of 1948.
• Children under 21 years of age and born in Sri Lanka for Sri Lankan parents who are holding a foreign nationality.

Who are eligible for Gratis Visa 

The holder of a Diplomatic or Official Passport or a passport with a valid Diplomatic or Official endorsement. They will not be required to pay any fees for the visa as per the recommendation of the Line Ministry.  

A visa issued to a diplomat/official of mission which is accredited to Sri Lanka from third country who wishes to enter Sri Lanka on several occasions within the overall period authorized by a visa for the purpose of diplomatic /consular affairs permitting to stay one year limiting 90 days visit at each stay for the potential applicant with the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka. 

For Whom: Diplomats/Officials of a foreign mission which is accredited to Sri Lanka from third country 

Period of Visa: One year limiting 90 days stay at each visit (Multiple entries with the validity period of the visa) 

Visa Fee: Gratis basis 

Application mode: DIE Head Office / Sri Lankan Overseas Missions 

Allowed activities: Discharging Diplomatic or consular affairs   

Not allowed activities: 

• Performing any other activities is strictly prohibited
• Engaging in internal politics of the country 

Required Documents: 

• Copy of valid passport
• Recommendation letter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

The following visa exemptions shall be granted to the citizens of a country specified in Column1 bearing a passport specified in Column 2 for a period specified in Column 3:- 

What are the general eligibility requirements for Sri Lankan Visas 

Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration may grant or issue a visa to you if – 

1. Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration is satisfied that you are suitable to enter Sri Lanka.
2. Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration approves the purpose for which you are entering Sri Lanka.
3. You hold a passport valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive in Sri Lanka.
4. Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration is satisfied that you have adequate funds for your maintenance whilst in Sri Lanka and for the payment of your return passage to the country which issued your passport.
5. You are in possession of a written assurance (ticket) to return to the country of domicile or a visa to the next country of destination if you are a visit visa holder. 

Electronic Travel Authorization Visa - ETA Visa 

• ETA is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka and is issued electronically. The ETA is introduced with the intention of providing an efficient, reliable and simplified service to those who visit Sri Lanka. ETA holders will be issued a 30 day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. The ETA will be effective from 1st of January 2012.
• 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.  On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka
• Upon arrival, produce your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry to obtain the necessary clearance. It is advisable for you to bring a copy of the ETA approval notice along with you
• The issuing authority of the ETA is the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Persons intending to visit Sri Lanka can apply for ETA online. In addition to this option, an applicant may also go for one of the alternative options. 
• Diplomatic and Official passport holders are exempt from ETA processing fee, only when their applications are submitted through the state agencies such as Ministries, Statutory Bodies, Sri Lanka Overseas Missions etc
• The ETA is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival although it may be extended for up to six (06) months. For more information, visit http://www.immigration.gov.lk 
• On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic of Maldives and The Republic of Seychelles are exempt from the requirement of obtaining ETA to visit Sri Lanka. 

The types of 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) 

At the arrival applicant may be granted 30 days ETA with double entry facility and double entries can be made from the date of initial arrival (Within given 30 days). The balance period of the 30 days of the initial entry will be granted for the second visit to Sri Lanka. 

How to submit an ETA application 

General Instructions 

An intended traveller planning a holiday visit, a short business trip or to transit through, needs to apply and obtain an ETA prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. 

Steps to be followed: 

• Submit the application 
• Receive the acknowledgement 
• Receive ETA approval or a referral notice. 
• If a referral notice is served, you may contact Department of Immigration and Emigration for the necessary ETA 

The application for ETA should be submitted electronically using one of the six submission methods mentioned above. The Department maintains a NO REFUND policy. 

An ETA holder is entitled to enter Sri Lanka within three months from the date of issue of ETA. 

In the event of ETA being rejected, the system will send a referral notification to the applicant and he/she needs to contact the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission for necessary assistance  

View sample ETA approval notice and/or referral notice.  - https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/sample.jsp?locale=en_US  

ETA application can be submitted using one of the following options: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/apply.jsp?locale=en_US#byapp 

1. By the applicant –  

If you are planning a short visit to Sri Lanka, you can submit your ETA application online to the Department of Immigration & Emigration 

Steps to be followed 

Step 1 - Click on the Apply button and fill in the ETA application.  

Step 2 - Pay the relevant ETA processing fee using your electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and submit the application. Only Visa, Master and American Express Cards are accepted. If you are unable to pay by electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards), you have to select one of the alternative options.  

If your application is successfully submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment promptly. 

To check your ETA application status you may log onto the ETA website or contact 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888 

It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. All ETA holders should fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry; 

• A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival. 
• A confirmed return ticket 
• Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay 

The ETA is initially limited up to 30 days from the date of arrival and it can be extended up to six months 

2. By Third party –  

If you are planning a Short Visit to Sri Lanka, you can obtain the services of a third party such as travel agents, airlines, friends, or relatives etc., to apply for an ETA on your behalf. 

Steps to be followed: 

Step 1 - Contact your preferred third party and advise them to lodge your ETA application 

Step 2 - The third party may pay the relevant ETA processing fee and submit your application. Only Visa, Master and American Express Cards are accepted.   

If the application is submitted successfully, an acknowledgement will be sent as requested in the application. https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/sample.jsp?locale=en_US  

Receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice. If a referral notice is served, you may contact Department of Immigration and Emigration for necessary assistance. 

To check your ETA application status you may log on to the ETA website or contact the 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888 

It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. All ETA holders should fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry; 

• A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival 
• A confirmed return ticket 
• Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay 

The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival but it can be extended for up to six months 

3. At Sri Lanka Overseas Missions 

Submission of ETA application through Sri Lanka Overseas Missions 

If you are planning a Short Visit to Sri Lanka, you can submit your ETA application through a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission.  This method is recommended for those who wish to obtain ETA from a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission and have a visa endorsed on their passports. 

Sri Lanka Overseas Missions are authorized to issue ETA for up to 30 days and Short Visit visas (Tourist Visa with single or double entry and Business Purposes ETA with single, double or multiple entries) for up to 03 months. Charges may vary according to the category of visa. 

OM ETA processing fee and visa fee -https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp?locale=en_US  

Please bear in mind that the ETA Processing fee paid by you is not Refundable and Non Transferable

ETA processing fee and Short Visit Visa fee charged by the Sri Lanka Overseas Missions. 

ETA Processing Fee(US$).

    Online    On Arrival 

ETA processing fee and Short Visit Visa fee charged by the Sri Lanka Overseas Missions. 

Charges in United States Dollars 

• Please refer Extra Ordinary Gazette No: 2241/37 dated 18.08.2021 for the details of visa fee applicable from 30 to 90 days.  Please click here for download this gazette. Annex - 28 
• The payment can be made at the Bandaranaike International Airport, in designated foreign currencies equivalent to the value of US Dollars. Balance will be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees only. 

Steps to be followed: 

Step 1 - Proceed to the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission.  

Step 2 - Fill in the ETA application and/or visa application and hand it over to the visa officer together with the relevant fee 

• Sri Lanka Overseas Mission, with the concurrence of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E), will issue ETA or short stay visa within 03 business days. 
• Upon submission of the application, an acknowledgement with a reference number will be sent to the respective Overseas Mission and to the main applicant as requested in the application.   

Step 3 - Application status can be viewed by the Overseas Mission. 

Step 4 - Receive your ETA approval notice or collect your passport with the endorsed visa 

• To check your ETA application status you may log on to the ETA website or contact our 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888 

1. At the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Colombo 

If you wish to invite a foreign national for a holiday visit or short business trip to Sri Lanka, you may submit an ETA application by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration Head office at Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla. 

Steps to be followed: 

Step 1 - Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration office in Colombo.  

Step 2 - Fill in the ETA application form and hand it over to the visa officer together with the relevant fee for ETA processing 

Step 3 - A notification of approval or referral will be sent as requested in the application to the applicant with a copy to the party who submitted the application 

• Receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice. If referral notice is served, you may contact Department of Immigration and Emigration for necessary assistance 

• To check your ETA application status you may log onto the ETA website or contact our 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888

5. On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka 

For travellers who wish to visit Sri Lanka without prior ETA approval, a limited facility to obtain ETA at BIA is available. Additional fees will apply 

Steps to be followed 

Step 1 - Upon arrival at the BIA, report to the ETA issuing counter and fill in the ETA application form and pay the relevant ETA processing fee only in US$.  Only electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and cash in US$ are accepted 

If your application is approved, the ETA will be issued for up to 30 days 

Step 2 - Receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice. If referral notice is served, you will be refused entry and returned to your original destination.

Step 3 - Once you have received your ETA, please proceed to the Immigration Counter and submit your passport 

Diplomatic and Official Visits 

• Diplomatic and Official passport holders are exempt from ETA processing fee, only when their applications are submitted through the state agencies such as Ministries, Statutory Bodies, Sri Lanka Overseas Missions etc. 
• 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 

Note: 

• 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 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 at 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. 

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate 

Yellow fever vaccination certificate should be produced to the immigration and emigration counter at the Airport by the passengers from the following countries. If they fail to do so, they will not be allowed to enter into the country. 

African Region 

• Angola 
• Burundi 
• Benin 
• Burkina Faso 
• Cameroon 
• Chad 
• Central African Republic 
• Congo 
• Equatorial Guinea 
• Ethiopia 
• Gambia 
• Gabon 
• Guinea 
• Guinea-Bissau 
• Ghana 
• Ivory Coast 
• Kenya 
• Liberia 
• Mali 
• Mauritania 
• Niger 
• Nigeria 
• Sierra Leone 
• Sao Tome and Principe 
• Senegal 
• Somalia 
• Sudan 
• South Sudan 
• Rwanda 
• Tanzania 
• Togo 
• Uganda 
• Zaire 

South American Region 

• Argentina 
• Bolivia 
• Brazil 
• Colombia 
• Ecuador 
• French Guiana 
• Guyana 
• Panama 
• Parauay 
• Peru 
• Suriname 
• Trinidad and Tobago 
• Venezuela