Sri Lanka is a small island and because of the unique shape, it is known as the ‘teardrop of India’. There was a fascinating history, old culture and many ancient structures in this country. Lying on the Indian Ocean, it also has endless spectacular beaches, diverse biology and especially too many beautiful waterfalls.
This country is also famous for tea and cinnamon: being the fourth largest tea exporter and supplying 80-90% cinnamon for the world. Welcoming people and the tropical climate will give an amazing experience for your trip.
There are four kinds of visas which permit a person to enter and/or stay in Sri Lanka.
VISIT VISA
Tourist Visit Visa
Business Purpose Visa
RESIDENCE VISA
GRATIS / OFFICIAL VISA
TRANSIT VISA
Department of Immigration and Emigration Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla,Sri Lanka.
Hotline: 0094 71 9967888
Telephone: 0094 70 1777555, 0094 11 5329422
Fax: 0094 11 2674631
E-Mail: eta@immigration.gov.lk
Web Site: www.immigration.gov.lk
Email: controller@immigration.gov.lk
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.
Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration may grant or issue a visa to you if –
Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration is satisfied that you are suitable to enter Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration approves the purpose for which you are entering Sri Lanka.
You hold a passport valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive in Sri Lanka.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
With effect from 1st January 2012, all Holiday or Business travelers to Sri Lanka must have Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering in to Sri Lanka. Please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk for more information.
The facility for applying Business Purpose Visa is at present available only at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
When applying ETA by third parties payments are to be made through the arrangement made in our website www.eta.gov.lk and obtain acknowledgement of ETA application. Any payments made to other websites or agencies are not valid to process a valid ETA. Therefore, always ensure that the payments made by accessing to Sri Lanka ETA website and avoid making repayment at the port of entry to Sri Lanka.
Working Hours of Department of Immigration & Emigration – Sri Lanka.
Acceptance of all applications -8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Collection of visa after submitting the applications -8.30 a.m. to 12.oo p.m.
The office closes on weekends and Public Holidays.
Below mentioned persons are eligible for Visa Exemptions
Sri Lankan dual citizens.
Children whose birth has been registered under section 5(2) of Citizenship Act – 1948 up to 21 years of age.
Children born in Sri Lanka for Sri Lankan parents under 21 years of age
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.
New procedure for visit visa
https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain
How To Extend Short Visit Visa
A visitor wishing to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka, may apply for an extension. The Short Visit visa may be extended up to 90 days from the date of arrival at the first instance and further 90 days at the second instance.
Application for an extension should be submitted to the Visa Section of the Department of Immigration (head office) by visiting the Department or through an Authorized Agent.
For more details visit. www.immigration.gov.lk
General conditions of a Visit Visa
You should not engage in any form of employment, paid or unpaid, or in any trade or business other than that specified in the visa during the period of your stay in Sri Lanka.
Your visa must be utilized before the date of expiry noted on the visa.
Validity of your visa is subject to entry into Sri Lanka during the indicated entry period.
Applications for the extension of all visas should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
A Transit Visa is an entry permit granted to a foreign national for admission into Sri Lanka for a brief period which is incidental and in the course of his journey to another destination.
ETA for Transit up to 02 days Free of Charge basis (Documentary proof needed)
A Transit Visa is an entry permit granted to a foreign national for admission into Sri Lanka for a brief period which is incidental and in the course of his journey to another destination.
Please note that if you do not exit the airport during your transit, a transit visa is not required.
The applicants themselves or a third party on their behalf can apply for a transit ETA by submitting an ETA application online via the ETA website, www.eta.gov.lk
However, if you wish our High Commission to submit your ETA online application on your behalf or if you are unable to submit the online application through the ETA website due to technical reasons, please hand over your dully completed application form which can be downloaded from www.slhcpakistan.org website, to us together with other required documents mentioned, for the process of obtaining ETA approval.
Transit visa is FREE up to 2 working days.
The holder of a Diplomatic or Official Passport or a passport with a valid Diplomatic or Official endorsement will not be required to pay any fees for the visa.
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.
Country Type of Passport Duration of the Visa period
Socialist Republic of Vietnam Diplomatic, Official 90 Days
Republic of Cuba Diplomatic 90 Days
Republic of Indonesia Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 Days
Union of Myanmar Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 Days
Islamic Republic of Pakistan Diplomatic, Official 30 Days
Federative Republic of Brazil Diplomatic, Official, Service 90 Days
Republic of Chile Diplomatic, Official 90 Days
Republic of Seychelles Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary 60 days at each visit and cumulative duration of 90 days in a year
Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Diplomatic, Official, Service, Public Affairs Up to 30 days
Kingdom of Thailand Diplomatic, Official Not exceeding 90 days
Republic of Kenya Diplomatic, Official Up to 30 days
Republic of Belarus Diplomatic, Official Up to 30 days
Islamic Republic of Iran Diplomatic, Official, Service Up to 30 days
Republic of Maldives Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary Exemption of Ninety days Visa fee
Republic of Singapore Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary Up to 30 days
Republic of India Diplomatic, Official (for diplomatic and
official visits only) (If employed by an International body or agency, Visa/ETA should be obtained for official and private visits) 30 days
Russian Federation Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 days
Republic of Philippines Diplomatic, Official 30 days
Republic of Kazakhstan Diplomatic, Service 30 days
Government of Georgie Diplomatic, Official/Service Not exceeding 90 days in any 180 days period
Republic of Romania Diplomatic Not exceeding 90 days within any 180 days
Hong Kong SAR Citizens of Hong Kong SAR 30 days
Bangladesh Diplomatic, Official 30 days
State of Qatar Diplomatic and Special passport Up to 30 days
A Residence Visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes. It is issued to persons of non-Sri Lankan nationality to whom it has been decided to extend residence facilities for the purpose of investment or otherwise, in circumstances where the prescribed authority is satisfied that their stay in Sri Lanka and the pursuit of their vocations are not prejudicial to the best interests of the population.
Important: To obtain a Residence Visa, it is necessary to arrive in Sri Lanka on an Entry Visa issued by a Sri Lankan Mission abroad with the concurrence of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. The fact that you wish to apply for Sri Lankan Residence Visa has to be mentioned when obtaining the entry visa and necessary supporting documents has to be submitted.
Visit Visas can’t be considered for conversion into Residence
There are 08 sub-categories which comes under Residence visas –
Employment Category
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY
A) Project Professional personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the state Expatriate personnel employed in projects under Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka to obtain Residence visa application forms-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit your visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
For BOI (Board of Investment)-
BOI certificate
Request Letter from the representing Company
BOI Agreement
Company Registration certificate
Recommendation from the respective Ministry
A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
For Projects-
Project Office Request
Recommendation of Line Ministry OR Recommendation of Dept. of External Resources
Agreement of Project
A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
Fees applicable to Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
validity period of Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year or Period recommended by the respective authority. It can be renewed annually
Two years valid Residence Visa is issued for Directors of the Company
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Residence visa renewal Application Forms available at-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa
your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
B. Personnel employed at Banks and their dependents
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit Residence visa application-
You can submit the visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Bank Request
-Recommendation of Central Bank of Sri Lanka
-A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
-Your residence visa is valid for one year or Period recommended by the respective authority.
-It can be renewed annually
To renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Residence visa renewal Application Forms available at-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
C. Volunteers/ Personnel attached to Non-Governmental Organizations
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Personnel attached to Non-governmental Organizations
–Request of the organization
–Recommendation of the Non- Governmental Organization Secretariat (NGO Secretariat) through
The Ministry of Defense
–Work permit issued by the Ministry of Defense
–If provided for, the agreement or Memorandum of Understanding signed between Sri Lanka and
The country concerned.
Volunteers
-Request of the organization
-Recommendation of the line ministry
-If provided for, the agreement signed between Sri Lanka and the country in concern
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year or time period recommended by the line Ministry.
It can be renewed
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
D. Personnel employed in a Project, institution or organization under Diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Request of the institution
-Recommendation of the Ministry of External Affairs or relevant line ministry
-If provided for, the agreement or agreement signed between Sri Lanka and the country in concern
fees applicable to my Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for two (02) years or Time period recommended by the line Ministry.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew of the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
E. Personnel employ in a Private Company and their dependents
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application –
-Form 48
-Form 65
-Company Request
-Memorandum of association & Article of association
-Recommendation of Line Ministry
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew of the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
to obtain Residence visa application forms-
Investor Category
Who desire to invest monetary capital in Sri Lanka
Who engage in business activities in Sri Lanka
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT INVESTOR CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Form 48
-Form 65
-Memorandum of association & Article of association
-Recommendation of Line Ministry & Board of Investment (BOI)
-BOI Agreements.
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry & BOI.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Religious Category
Members of the Clergy
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT RELIGIOUS CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
-You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Request letter from Religious Organization
-Recommendation of Line Ministry
Student Category
University Students
Students in Educational Institutions approved by the State
Other Institutions
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT STUDENT CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
For University Students
-recommendation from Ministry of Higher Education
Please visit the web site of the Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka. https://www.mohe.gov.lk/
-Letter from the university
For Other Students & guardians of students, under 16 years of age
-A request letter from the Academic institution
-Recommendation from the relevant Embassy / High Commission
-Encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person
For religious Students
-A request letter from the religious organization
-Recommendation from the line ministry
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year or for a period recommended by the Institution/ High commission or Embassy.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
-For University Students
-For Other Students & guardians of students under 16 years of age
>A request letter from the Academic institution
>Recommendation from the relevant Embassy / High Commission
>Encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person
>Current year performance report of the student
-For religious Students
>Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration
And Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo-Lanka Agreement
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT REGISTERED INDIANS COVERED BY THE 1954 INDO-LANKA AGREEMENT CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Letter of request
Registration certificate
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates of children under 16 years of age
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
To obtain a Residence visa renewal application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Ex- Sri Lankans and their dependents
Residence visa request under this category will only be entertained upon continuous stay of 03 months from the date of final arrival to Sri Lanka only.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
-You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Birth certificates or Birth registration under section 5(2) of the Citizenship Act
-Citizenship certificates if citizen by registration
-Marriage certificate if applicable
-Birth certificates of dependents if applicable
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa renewal application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Family Members of a Sri Lankan
Spouses
Children holding foreign nationality.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT FAMILY MEMBERS OF A SRI LANKANCATEGORY
There are two category in this regard.
Foreign Spouse of a Sri Lankan
Dependent children holding foreign Passports
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Spouses
Residence visa request under this category will only be considered after 06 months of Marriage life and upon continuous stay of 03 months from the date of final arrival to Sri Lanka following the fulfillment of necessary documentary proof.
-Marriage certificate attested by a competent authority in Sri Lanka or abroad in support of the marriage
-Birth certificate of Sri Lankan spouse and if the person is citizen by registration, Documents to prove
-citizenship certificate.
-Passport or National Identity Card of Sri Lankan spouse.
-If divorced, divorce decree if ex-spouse deceased, death certificate
-Consent of Sri Lankan spouse
Children if not Sri Lankan
-Birth certificates of children
-Passport of applicant
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for two (2) years
To renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with a Letter of consent from Sri Lankan spouse.
To obtain a Residence visa renewal application form-
Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Diplomatic and Official visa
Sri Lankan Diplomatic & Official passport holders are privileged to obtain on arrival gratis visa (Free of charge basis) for the
following countries for their official and private visits.
Country Type of Passport Duration of the Visa period
Socialist Republic of Vietnam Diplomatic, Official 90 Days
Republic of Cuba Diplomatic 90 Days
Republic of Indonesia Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 Days
Union of Myanmar Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 Days
Islamic Republic of Pakistan Diplomatic, Official 30 Days
Federative Republic of Brazil Diplomatic, Official, Service 90 Days
Republic of Chile Diplomatic, Official 90 Days
Republic of Seychelles Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary 60 days at each visit and cumulative duration of 90 days in a year
Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Diplomatic, Official, Service, Public Affairs 30 days
Kingdom of Thailand Diplomatic, Official 90 days
Republic of Kenya Diplomatic, Official 30 days
Republic of Belarus Diplomatic, Official 30 days
Islamic Republic of Iran Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 days
Republic of Maldives Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary Exemption of Ninety days Visa fee
Republic of Singapore Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary 30 days
Republic of India Diplomatic, Official 30 days
Russian Federation Diplomatic, Official, Service 30 days
Republic of Philippines Diplomatic, Official 30 days
Government of Georgia Diplomatic, Official / Service Not exceeding 90 days in any 180 days period
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Valid passport holders of HKSAR 30 days
Republic of Kazakhstan Diplomatic, Service 30 days
Republic of Romania Diplomatic Not exceeding 90 days in any 180 days period
Bangladesh Diplomatic, Official 30 days
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