Issuance of Visa for Sri Lanka

Important Notice

1. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has been restored, and you may now apply for ETA for the following Non Residence Visa categories through  ETA Official Website.

1. Visitor Visa
2. Business Visa
3. Transit Visa

(Please be aware that there are third-party websites offering services to apply for the Sri Lankan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). These websites are not official and often charge higher fees, which are not the responsibility of the Sri Lankan government. Additionally, these third-party websites are not maintained by Sri Lankan government authorities.

To avoid unnecessary charges and ensure the legitimacy of your application, all applicants are strongly advised to use the official website for ETA applications: https://eta.gov.lk.)

2. A visa-free regime is now in effect for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. Key details of this scheme are as follows:

1. Nationals from the above-listed countries holding Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Service, or Ordinary passports are eligible for the visa-free regime.
2. Visitors from these countries must apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. The ETA will be issued free of charge.
3. This scheme allows a 30-day visa-free period with a double entry facility, valid for 30 days from the date of the first arrival.
4. Visitors wishing to stay longer than 30 days can apply for an extension by paying the required visa fees.
5. Please note that this visa-free regime applies exclusively to the above seven countries. Nationals of other countries must follow the general ETA application process and rules.

3. Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana must apply for their ETA through a Sri Lankan sponsor. This process must be completed via the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka.

For applicable visa fees, click here

Residence Visa

A residence visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes. There are sub-categories which come under residence visas –

1. Employment Category
2. Investor category
3. Religious category
4. Student Category
5. Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo-Lanka Agreement
6. Ex-Sri Lankans and their dependents
7. Family members of a Sri Lankan
8. Diplomatic and Official visa
9. My dream home visa programme
10. Residence guest visa programme

Steps to be taken

1. In this case, the visa process should originate from Sri Lanka-end by the individual/institution who/which sponsor/facilitate the applicant. The concerned individual/institution in Sri Lanka should submit the application for residence visa on behalf of the applicant directly to the Controller General/Immigration and Emigration (CG/I & E) of Sri Lanka.
2. If the CG/ I & E approve the completed application form, they will then authorize the Sri Lanka High Commission or Consulate offices to issue entry visa (valid for 30 day) to the applicant. An entry visa allows one entry into the country and is valid for 30 days only. The applicant should then contact the High Commission or relevant consulate office to obtain the entry visa.
3. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka the applicant must visit/contact the Immigration and Emigration Department of Sri Lanka to obtain his/her residence visa.

Visas for Official and Diplomatic passport holders

Diplomatic and Official passport holders if travelling for a purpose listed below are also expected to apply online. However if they are travelling on official government business other than the purposes indicated below, they need to apply through the Sri Lanka High Commission/CG. If they are travelling for private purpose, issuance of visa on gratis basis will be considered on the basis of reciprocity.

1. Visiting friends and relatives
2. Tourism/ Sightseeing/ Holiday
3. Medical treatment
4. Participation in sports, cultural performances
5. Business meeting
6. Conference, workshops & Seminars
7. Short training
8. Participation in art, music and dance performance/workshops

Documents required:

1. Duly filled application – Download Application for Official/Diplomatic Purpose
2. A valid passport with a photocopy (six months validity is required from the date of arrival)
3. Formal note [TPN] from the respective government stating the purpose of visit
4. Applicable return postage. If needed, courier service should be arranged by the applicant.
5. Applicable visa Fee

Gratis Visa

The holder of a Diplomatic or Official Passport or a passport with a valid Diplomatic or Official endorsement, and decided by the Diplomatic Mission based on request.