Sri Lanka

Professional Immigration Services for Sri Lanka Travel

If you're planning to explore Sri Lanka's pristine beaches, ancient temples, or pursue business opportunities in Colombo, understanding visa requirements is essential for seamless entry into this island nation.

Whether you're seeking tourist adventures through Kandy's cultural sites, business ventures in emerging markets, or educational opportunities, Sri Lanka maintains a structured yet accessible visa framework designed to welcome international visitors while ensuring proper documentation.

Comprehensive Visa Category Analysis

Our expert guidance covers:

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) processes
• Business visa requirements
• Transit and extended stay documentation
• Specialized permit categories

Sri Lanka's strategic position as a South Asian hub makes it increasingly attractive for international travelers, requiring clear navigation of immigration protocols.

Expert Legal Documentation Support: Transform complex government requirements into actionable strategies tailored to your specific travel purpose and timeline.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Sri Lanka, with limited exceptions for specific nationalities. The country operates a comprehensive visa system, though certain passport holders enjoy visa-free access for short stays.

Visa-Free Entry

The following nationalities can enter Sri Lanka without a visa:

• Singapore and Maldives - 30 days visa-free stay
• Seychelles - 30 days for tourism purposes only

All other nationalities, including citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, European Union countries, and India, must obtain a visa before arrival.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Sri Lanka requires most visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance. This applies to:

• Tourist visits up to 30 days
• Business trips up to 30 days
• Transit passengers (with exceptions)

Transit Requirements

Transit passengers require a visa unless:

• Continuing journey within 24 hours
• Holding confirmed onward tickets
• Not leaving the airport transit area
• From visa-exempt countries listed above

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
• Minimum one blank page for entry stamp
• Return or onward travel documentation

Special Cases

Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders: Many countries have bilateral agreements allowing visa-free entry for diplomatic missions. Check with Sri Lankan diplomatic missions for current agreements.

Verification: Always verify current requirements through the official Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website or consult your nearest Sri Lankan embassy, as visa policies can change without notice.

Sri Lanka offers diverse visa options designed to accommodate various travel purposes, each with specific conditions and validity periods. Understanding these categories ensures you select the appropriate visa type for your intended visit.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) serves most short-term visitors with 30-day validity, extendable to 90 days. The Tourist Visa accommodates longer stays up to 6 months, ideal for extended leisure travel. Both options offer single or multiple-entry privileges.

Business Visa Categories

Professional travelers benefit from several specialized options:

• Business ETA: Short conferences and meetings (30 days)
• Business Visa: Extended commercial activities (up to 1 year)
• Investment Visa: Long-term business establishment

Employment and Work Visas

Employment Visa requires pre-approved work permits and typically grants 1-year validity with multiple-entry privileges. Processing involves employer sponsorship and Department of Immigration approval.

Academic and Student Visas

Student Visa accommodates educational pursuits at recognized institutions, with validity matching course duration. Requirements include institutional acceptance letters and financial proof.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit Visa permits 48-hour stopovers for onward travel. Diplomatic and Official Visas serve government representatives, while Family Reunion Visas accommodate relatives of Sri Lankan citizens.

Processing times vary from 24 hours for ETAs to 5-10 days for complex categories, with fees ranging accordingly.

Processing Times

Tourist visa (ETA): 24-72 hours online processing. Business visa: 5-7 working days through embassy channels. Work visa: 4-6 weeks with Department of Immigration approval. Student visa: 3-4 weeks including university endorsement verification.

Cost Structure

• Tourist ETA: $20-50 USD depending on nationality
• Business visa: $50-100 USD plus service fees
• Work visa: $200-500 USD including permits
• Rush processing: Additional 50-100% fee surcharge

Application Channels

Primary portal: eta.gov.lk for electronic travel authorization. Embassy applications accepted at Sri Lankan diplomatic missions worldwide. Visa-on-arrival available at Colombo Airport for eligible nationalities with $35 USD fee.

Peak Processing Periods

High season delays: December-March and July-August experience 2-3x longer processing times. Recommended application window: Submit 2-4 weeks before travel during peak periods.

Essential Documents

• Passport valid 6+ months
• Return flight confirmation
• Accommodation proof
• Financial statements ($15 per day minimum)

Key Contacts

Immigration hotline: +94-11-532-9300
ETA support: info@eta.gov.lk
Success rate for complete applications exceeds 95% within standard timeframes.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose. Tourist visas are suitable for leisure travel up to 30 days, while business visas accommodate commercial activities. Transit visas apply for airport layovers exceeding 12 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

Gather essential documents systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
• Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings
• Financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds
• Travel insurance coverage documentation

Important: All foreign documents require certified translation into English or Sinhala.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Submit applications through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system at eta.gov.lk for most visa categories. Alternative paper applications are available at Sri Lankan diplomatic missions worldwide. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Online applications accept major credit cards and PayPal. Processing fees vary by nationality and visa type, typically ranging from USD 20-50. For embassy submissions, verify accepted payment methods in advance.

Step 5: Track and Collect Your Visa

Monitor application status through the ETA portal using your reference number. Standard processing takes 1-3 business days for online applications. Upon approval, print the ETA authorization for immigration presentation at Colombo airport.

If your application faces rejection, review the specific grounds provided and consider resubmitting with additional supporting documentation or seeking consular guidance.