Sri Lanka Visa: A requirement for non-Sri Lankan citizens planning travel to this beautiful island nation. Multiple visa types available, including tourist, work, student, and business visas. Application process can be done online or at the embassy, with required documents including passport, application form, and proof of funds. Fees vary based on visa type and duration. Processing times may take up to 30 days, but expedited options are available for an additional fee. Ensure passport validity exceeds six months from arrival date.
Table of Contents
Important informations
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa required: | Yes, everyone needs a Sri Lanka visa or travel authorization. |
| Types of visas: | Visit, Transit, Work, Family, Investor, Student, Religious, Retirement, Digital Nomad. |
| Requirements: | Valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of departure, documents for purpose of visit (if applicable). |
| Application methods: | On arrival (limited countries), online (ETA), at an embassy. |
| Visa validity: | ETA: 30 days, extendable; Embassy visa: 3 months. |
| Visa extension: | Possible for up to 6 months with valid reason and documents. |
| Cost: | ETA: $35-$40; Airport ETA: $40-$50; Embassy visa: varies. |
Eligible countries
- Maldives
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Citizens of all other countries
This list includes the countries whose citizens can get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival at the airport. Citizens of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore can get a free-of-charge visa on arrival for specific durations. All other countries must apply for a Sri Lanka visa through other means, such as online or at an embassy.
Summary
To visit Sri Lanka, everyone needs a visa or travel authorization. The main types of Sri Lankan visas are: tourism (Visit) visa, transit visa, work visa, family visa, investor visa, student visa, religious visa, retirement visa, and digital nomad visa.
Requirements for a Sri Lanka visa include a valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of a return ticket, and documents to prove the purpose of the trip.
Three ways to apply for a Sri Lanka visa are: on arrival (limited countries), online (Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA), or at an embassy (certain countries).
An ETA is valid for 30 days initially, extendable to six months. An embassy visa is valid for up to three months. A transit visa is issued for two days.
To extend a Sri Lanka visa, submit an application to the Department of Immigration with a valid reason, a valid passport, a recent passport-size picture, proof of financial means, proof of intent to leave Sri Lanka, and any additional documents related to the reason for the extension.
The cost of a Sri Lanka visa depends on the type and method of application. An ETA costs $35 for a single/double entry, $40 for multiple entries, and is slightly more expensive at the airport. Embassy visa fees are based on reciprocity.