About Sri Lankan Visa
Planning a trip or move to Sri Lanka? Understanding the visa process is your first step to a smooth entry.
Sri Lanka offers various visa types based on your purpose—tourism, business, employment, study, or family reunion. All visas are issued under the authority of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Whether you're applying for a short stay or a long-term residence visa, it's important to meet all entry requirements including passport validity, sufficient funds, and correct documentation. Some travelers may qualify for visa-free entry or ETA exemptions.
Objective
The objective of Sri Lankan Visa is to facilitate the legal entry of non-Sri Lankans and to regulate the period of their stay and the conditions governing their stay.
Competent Authority for issuing Sri Lankan visas is the Department of Immigration and Emigration. On behalf of the Department, Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions Overseas have been authorized to issue visas.
Visa Types
The following types of Sri Lanka visa are issued to foreign nationals according to the purpose of their visit:
Visit Visa
- Online visa ETA - for 30 days
- Tourist visa - for three months by Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions
- Business visa - for three months by Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions
Residence Visa
- Employment visa
- Student visa
- Spouse visa
- Retirement visa
- Visa for Ex-Sri Lankans and dependants
- Visa for Journalists
- Visa for Investors
- Visa for highly skilled persons
- Visa for Religious Workers
- Visa for Diplomats and Officials
Transit Visa - Gratis Visa
Similar categories apply for transit visas and gratis visas.
Requirement for Sri Lankan Visa
Irrespective of the purpose of travel, all travelers to Sri Lanka now need to have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a Visa for entering Sri Lanka.
Exemptions
The requirement for a Sri Lankan Visa or ETA is exempted for:
- Citizens of Sri Lanka
- Dual citizens of Sri Lanka
- Children born abroad to Sri Lankan parents, registered under section 5(2) of the Citizenship Act 1948, who are below 21 years
- Passengers transiting to a third country by the same or connecting aircraft within 8 hours, holding valid onward tickets and documents
- Citizens of Maldives and Singapore for tourism and business up to 30 days
- Persons issued with a SAARC Visa exemption endorsement on their passport
General Conditions of Visa
- Every visa granted shall expire at least two months before the expiry date of the holder's passport.
- Visa validity is subject to entry during the indicated period.
- Permission to enter is at the discretion of immigration officers.
- Holders must not engage in any activity beyond what the visa permits.
- Visas must be used before the expiry date.
- Immigration authorities may request relevant documents or information.
- Visas may be cancelled, varied, or amended at the discretion of immigration authorities.
When a Visa Ceases to be Valid
- On expiration of the period for which the visa was granted.
- On cessation of the purpose for which it was issued.
- On cessation of the terms and conditions subject to which it was issued.
- On non-fulfilment of conditions subject to which it was issued.
- On cessation of the criteria on which it was issued.
- On revocation by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
- For any other reason deemed by the Immigration authority that the presence is not in the interest or well-being of Sri Lanka.
Entry Requirements for All Travellers to Sri Lanka
- A passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Valid Sri Lanka visa or ETA, if applicable.
- Sufficient funds for the intended period of stay.
- Confirmed onward/return tickets, if applicable.
- Entry facilities for onward destinations, if applicable (e.g., visas).
- Completed Disembarkation Card.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable.