iVisa Sri Lanka

Get your Sri Lanka visa

Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle. It's fast and secure. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit, our simplified Sri Lanka visa application process and expert support make it easier from start to finish.

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Our Sri Lanka visa application process

How to apply for your Sri Lanka ETA with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, upload your documents, see when you’ll get your visa, and pay using secure methods. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in under 10 minutes.

The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA and the Sri Lanka Business ETA are our most popular travel documents for this destination. We’ll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

We review your application

The Sri Lanka visa system is known for being a bit picky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays. One of our experts checks everything for errors or missing information to make sure it’s ready to go. This review is quick but thorough.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

Get your Sri Lanka visa

We’ll email your approved ETA and let you know how to use it for your trip.

Woman at an airport holding a passport and boarding pass

Visa types needed for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA
Sri Lanka Business ETA
Tourist Visa*
Business Visa*
Study Visa*
Transit Visa*
Additional Visas*

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA is an online travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter the country for short visits by land, air, or sea. It is valid for six months and permits two entries, with each stay limited to 30 days.

Extensions are possible while in Sri Lanka by applying through the Department of Immigration in Colombo.

Required Documents

🪪 A valid passport
🎟️ Round trip confirmation (if traveling by air)
💵 Proof of enough funds to cover your expenses while in Sri Lanka
💉 Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
💳 Credit or debit card – to pay the processing and government fees
📧 A valid email address – to receive the approved ETA and updates

Sri Lanka Business ETA

The Sri Lanka Business ETA is an online authorization for foreign nationals traveling for business purposes. It is valid for six months and allows multiple entries, with each visit limited to 30 days.

Extensions can be arranged in Sri Lanka through the Department of Immigration in Colombo.

Required Documents

🪪 A valid passport
🎟️ Round trip confirmation (if traveling by air)
💵 Proof of enough funds to cover your expenses while in Sri Lanka
💉 Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
💳 Credit or debit card – to pay the processing and government fees
📧 A valid email address – to receive the approved ETA and updates

Tourist Visa*

The Tourist Visa is a paper visa issued to travelers not eligible for an ETA who wish to visit Sri Lanka for tourism or leisure. It is valid for up to 30 days and may be issued as a single- or double-entry visa. Stays are limited to 30 days, with extensions available through Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Business Visa*

The Business Visa is a paper visa for travelers not eligible for an ETA who intend to enter Sri Lanka for business activities, including meetings, negotiations, conferences, or workshops. It is valid for up to 30 days, with single- or double-entry options. Stays are capped at 30 days, and extensions may be requested while in the country.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Study Visa*

The Study Visa is granted to students enrolled at accredited educational institutions for programs longer than those covered by an ETA. It is usually valid for one year, may be issued as a single- or multiple-entry visa, and aligns with the academic course duration. Extensions are available through the Immigration Department.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Transit Visa*

The Transit Visa is required for travelers passing through Sri Lanka on their way to another destination. It is typically valid for 48 hours, issued as a single-entry visa, and cannot be extended. Longer stays require an ETA or standard visa.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Additional Visas*

Medical Visa: The Medical Visa is granted to patients undergoing treatment in Sri Lanka and their accompanying medical assistants. It is generally valid for one year, with multiple entries permitted. The stay period is set according to the visa issued, and extensions can be arranged through the Department of Immigration.
Gratis Visa: The Gratis Visa is issued to official or diplomatic travelers undertaking duties in Sri Lanka. Validity, entries, and stay periods are determined case by case and align with the length of the mission. Extensions are available through official state channels.
Employment Visa: The Employment Visa is granted to foreign nationals offered general employment in Sri Lanka. It is typically valid for one year with multiple entries and usually aligns with the duration of the government-approved employment contract. Extensions may be obtained locally through the Immigration Department.
Investor Visa: The Investor Visa is intended for individuals seeking to invest in Sri Lanka’s economy under government-defined thresholds. It is valid for up to ten years and permits multiple entries. Stays correspond to the visa issued, with extensions possible if the investment is maintained.
Private Sector Visa: The Private Sector Visa is for foreign nationals offered employment in Sri Lanka’s private sector. It is generally valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and aligns with the duration of the approved employment contract. Extensions are handled by the Immigration Department.
Banking Sector Visa: The Banking Sector Visa applies to foreign nationals employed in Sri Lanka’s banking sector. It is usually valid for one year with multiple entries, and the stay corresponds to the terms of the employment contract. Extensions are available through the Immigration Department.
NGO Visa: The NGO Visa is issued to individuals employed by non-governmental organizations operating in Sri Lanka. It is typically valid for one year, permits multiple entries, and aligns with the length of the employment contract. Extensions can be arranged through the Immigration Department.
Religious Visa: The Religious Visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Sri Lanka for religious work not covered by an ETA or short-stay visa. Validity, entries, and stay periods are determined case by case. Extensions are possible while in Sri Lanka through the Immigration Department.
Court Visa: The Court Visa is issued to foreign nationals required to participate in court proceedings in Sri Lanka. It is generally valid for 14 days from the hearing date, issued as a single-entry visa, and may be extended to cover the duration of the proceedings.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Sri Lanka visa policy

Most visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, which permits short stays for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The ETA can be applied online and is available to travelers from most countries, except for nationals of visa-exempt nations such as the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, who may enter Sri Lanka without prior authorization. For those transiting through Sri Lanka, a separate transit ETA is available for short stays of up to 48 hours.

Sri Lanka offers a variety of residence visa categories for more extended stays or purposes beyond tourism and business. These include visas for employment, investment, studies, family reunification, religious work, and volunteer activities. Residence visas are granted after obtaining the relevant approvals from government ministries, boards, or sponsoring institutions.

Foreign nationals engaged in employment, study, or religious activities must comply with additional local requirements, such as registering with the appropriate authorities and, in some cases, maintaining health insurance coverage.

Diplomatic and official passport holders from certain countries may qualify for visa exemptions or gratis visas under reciprocal agreements. Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities maintain strict entry conditions and reserve the right to request additional documentation or deny entry if security or compliance concerns arise.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, travelers should consult the official Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website before applying.

Sri Lanka visa prices

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

Prices starting from $88.99

Valid for 6 months after issued

Double entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Sri Lanka Business ETA

Prices starting from $59.99

Valid for 1 month after issued

Multiple entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Fast facts

iVisa approval rate:

99%

Main reason for denials:

Unclear photo scans

Average time it takes to apply:

10 mins

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind

Applying by yourself

Simple, easy forms

24x7 support from visa experts

Error detection to prevent rejections

World's easiest passport scan

Multiple payment methods

1.4M happy customers

24/7support

67,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to Sri Lanka rated this product a 4.9 out of 5 based on 56 reviews.

4.9 out of 5

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Salim L.

May 25, 2025

"The entire process was fast and effortless"

Emil R.

May 22, 2025

"Great app works perfectly."

Esther Q.

May 21, 2025

"Very user friendly experience."

Esther Q.

May 21, 2025

"Very user friendly experience."

Sebastian B.

May 14, 2025

"The whole process was clear and uncomplicated."

Naomi E.

May 5, 2025

"The steps were simple and easy to understand."

Martin A.

May 2, 2025

"Everything went smoothly and quickly"

Livia G.

April 29, 2025

"Got a quick response, which I really appreciated"

Elina N.

April 22, 2025

"Amazing service and overall experience! The steps were clear, making it very convenient to apply for a visa. I got approval in just a few days such a relief since my flight was near and I was worried. Thank you so much!"

Juliette J.

April 8, 2025

"Professional service with efficient processing"

FAQs

What is the Sri Lanka ETA for tourists?

The Sri Lanka ETA for tourists is an online travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, or short-term medical treatment. It is valid for short stays and must be obtained before arrival.

How do I apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA?

You can apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA online through the iVisa Platform. The application requires your passport details and a valid method of payment.

What is the validity period of the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA?

The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA is valid for 6 months, with the possibility of extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

What is the Sri Lanka Business ETA?

The Sri Lanka Business ETA is an electronic travel authorization that allows travelers to enter Sri Lanka for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, workshops, or short-term training. It must be obtained before traveling to Sri Lanka.

How do I apply for a Sri Lanka Business ETA?

You can apply for a Sri Lanka Business ETA through the iVisa platform. The application requires your passport details and a valid method of payment.

Can the Sri Lanka Business ETA be extended?

Yes, the Sri Lanka Business ETA can be extended after arrival by applying at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, subject to approval.

Do I need a visa to transit through Sri Lanka?

Travelers transiting through Sri Lanka for less than 48 hours may apply for a Transit ETA. If you remain in the transit area of the airport and your layover is less than eight hours, a visa may not be required.

Which nationalities are exempt from the Sri Lanka ETA requirement?

Citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are exempt from the Sri Lanka ETA and may enter Sri Lanka without prior authorization for short stays.

Can I extend my stay in Sri Lanka beyond the ETA validity period?

Yes, visitors can apply to extend their stay by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are subject to approval and the purpose of your stay.

Where can I check the status of my Sri Lanka ETA application?

When you apply through the iVisa platform, you can check the status of your application on our website or through the iVisa app. We’’ll keep you updated regularly as your application goes through the review process.

What are the requirements for a Sri Lanka Residence Visa?

A Sri Lanka Residence Visa is required for long-term stays for purposes such as employment, investment, studies, or family reunification. Applicants must obtain prior approvals from relevant government bodies and submit supporting documentation to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Can diplomatic and official passport holders travel to Sri Lanka without a visa?

Diplomatic and official passport holders from countries with reciprocal agreements may be eligible for visa exemptions or gratis visas. These travelers should consult their local Sri Lankan mission for specific entry requirements.