Sri Lanka Business Visa: Online Application

Apply today for the Sri Lanka Business Visa with us

Last updated: April 2024

If you’re planning a business trip to Sri Lanka, it’s important to know about the visa requirements.

Not only does Sri Lanka have a thriving tourism industry, but it also offers a variety of opportunities for business and investment. Many businessmen are attracted to the island due to its strategic location and connection to major Asian markets via sea routes.

We’re here to help you understand the Sri Lanka Business Visa, including who is eligible and how to apply for it. Let’s get started on your journey to this South Asian nation.

What is the Sri Lanka Business Visa?

The Sri Lanka Business Visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, is an online travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Sri Lanka for a short period of time for business purposes. This new eVisa system replaces the previous ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and aims to simplify the visa application process.

What can you do with the Sri Lanka Business Visa?

• Attend business meetings and negotiations.

• Participate in seminars, conferences and workshops.

• Take part in short-term learning programs (less than one month).

• Attend religious events.

• Participate in symposiums.

• Attend art, music, and dance events.

What can you not do with the Sri Lanka Business Visa?

• Engage in any form of employment or paid work.

• Take part in business or trade activities.

• Live in Sri Lanka through frequent or successive visits.

Who requires the Sri Lanka Business Visa?

Nearly all nationalities need to apply for a Sri Lanka Business Visa, including Australia, Brazil, and the US. To find out if you’re eligible for one, select the nationality of your passport at the top of this page and select your destination as Sri Lanka.

To be eligible for the Sri Lanka Business Visa, the following requirements must be met:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

• You must be a genuine business traveler with good intentions behind the purpose of your trip.

• You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka.

• You must have strong ties in your home country to ensure you will return home after your visit.

• You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. A Police Clearance Certificate may be requested to support this.

• You must meet the minimum health requirements outlined by the Sri Lankan authorities.

• You must have a genuine invitation from a Sri Lankan company who you will do business with.

Visa-exempt: Who doesn't need to apply for a Sri Lanka Business Visa?

• Nationals from the following countries do not need to apply for a Sri Lanka Business Visa due to visa-exemption agreements: Singapore, the Maldives, Seychelles, and the Czech Republic.

• Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for a Sri Lanka Business Visa and need to apply for one through a Sri Lankan embassy or the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Syria, and North Korea.

• Citizens of Kosovo who are only eligible for a Sri Lankan visa on arrival.

For up-to-date information about visa exemptions for Sri Lanka, you can visit the Department of Immigration & Emigration website or contact the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.

Sri Lanka Business Visa validity: How long can I stay in Sri Lanka?

There are 3 options for the Sri Lanka Business Visa:

• Double-entry visa valid for 6 months with a maximum stay of 60 days per visit.

• Multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

• Multiple-entry visa valid for 2, 5, or 10 years with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.

We currently only handle visa applications for the double-entry visa. If you would like to apply for any of the other Business Visa options, please visit the Department of Immigration & Emigration website.

Can I extend my Sri Lanka Business Visa?

Yes, you can extend your Sri Lanka Business Visa while in the country at the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

When applying for a visa extension, your intended duration of stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before your passport expires. You will also need to provide supporting documents provided by the Sri Lankan company that invited you.

Sri Lanka Business Visa required documents

To get a Sri Lanka Business Visa, the following documents are typically required from visa applicants:

• A recent, colored passport photo that meets the standards laid out by the Sri Lankan government.

• A scanned copy of the bio-page of your passport.

• Invitation letter from Sri Lankan company/organization.

Depending on the Business Visa option you need, you may be required to provide additional supporting documents:

• Citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries also need to provide a recommendation letter from a line ministry in Sri Lanka, proof of accommodation, and a travel itinerary.

• Applicants for 1, 2, 5, and 10-year visas also need to provide proof of accommodation and a travel itinerary.

Sri Lanka Business Visa costs and processing times

When you apply for the Sri Lanka Business Visa through our platform, we offer three different processing times to suit your travel needs:

• Standard Processing: Our most affordable option. Perfect for travelers who are applying well in advance of their journey.

• Rush Processing: This is designed for travelers who have a limited time to apply for their visas and need it faster than the Standard option.

• Super Rush Processing: For those who need their visas as fast as possible and are willing to pay for a quick turnaround time.

Each processing time has its own fee that is not inclusive of the government visa fee, which varies according to the option you choose:

• 6-month Business Visa for SAARC countries: USD$35

• 6-month Business Visa for non-SAARC countries: USD$75

• 1-year Business Visa: USD$200

• 2-year Business Visa: USD$300

• 5-year Business Visa: USD$500

• 10-year Business Visa: USD$1,000

  You can conveniently pay both fees online when applying with us.

Benefits of applying for a Sri Lanka Business Visa with us

Wondering why you should apply with us? Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits you can expect.

Do you have more questions about Sri Lanka Business Visa?

If you want to learn more about the Sri Lanka Business Visa or have questions about the application process, we’re here to help.

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat, or you can speak with them via WhatsApp.