Consular Assistance - Visas

With effect from 1st of January 2012, the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for short-term travel to Sri Lanka is permanently implemented by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. For short-term visits of a maximum of 30 days, travelers need obtain Electronic Travel Authorization for the purpose of tourism, business, education, recreational visits and transits. Please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk for more information and application,

Sri Lanka Missions abroad are authorized to issue single-entry visit visas valid for a maximum period of three months only. Visitors could get their visas extended for another three months at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Except short-term visas, all other visa requests may require up to 30 days processing time and in some cases an approval from the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka. Such requests should be made well in advance in order to obtain the necessary clearance. However, if all the relevant documents are included, if the application is filled out correctly and no approval from relevant authorities in Sri Lanka is required, the Sri Lanka Mission in Stockholm can usually issue visit visas within 05 working days.

Those who intend to apply for a residence visa should contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration either themselves or through their local sponsor in order to obtain a pre approved visa prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka.

For business visas with more than 30 days validity, a letter from the employer detailing the reasons for the visit to Sri Lanka, and a sponsor/invitation letter from the business contact in Sri Lanka has to be submitted along with other required documents.

Multiple entry visas for Sri Lanka are usually issued for genuine investors and businessmen and not for tourists and other categories of visitors. Multiple entry visas valid up to 12 months are issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo or Sri Lanka Missions abroad with the approval of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Residence Visa - A residence visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes.There are eight sub-categories which come under residence visas . For further details please visit

http://www.immigration.gov.lk

Please note that under any circumstances, the status of visas will not be changed after arrival in Sri Lanka (i.e no visitor visas will be converted to Residence/Working visas). If changes are required, such applicants will have to leave the country first and then apply for a fresh visa from the nearest Sri Lanka Mission abroad.

Further details can be obtained from the website of the Department of Immigration & Emigration http://www.immigration.gov.lk


Documents required for a visit visa for Sri Lanka 

1. Visa application Duly filled and signed application form.

► ETA Application for Tourist Purpose – Individual

► ETA Application for Tourist Purpose – Group

► ETA Application for Business Purpose – Individual

► ETA Application for Business Purpose – Group

► ETA Application for Transit Purpose – Group

► ETA Application for Transit Purpose – Individual

► ETA Application for Tourist / Business / Transit By Third Party – Group / Individual

► ETA Application for Official/Diplomatic Purpose - Individual

► ETA Application for Official/Diplomatic Purpose – Group

(To view the application form you need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)

2. Original passport (minimum validity of 6 months beyond the period of stay).

4. Visa Fee/ Processing Fee must be paid as applicable when submitting an application, either at the counter or through Postgiro or Bankgiro. When sending the documents by post, please enclose copy of payment receipt. Please call the Embassy on Tel No 0046 8 6636523/25 for more details.

5. Confirmation is required of the travel arrangements. Please attached the copy of copy of flight itinerary.

6. Self-addressed envelop. 

7. For other nationals:photocopy of the Resident/Stay Permit is required

Applicants are adviced to submit their application at least one month before scheduled journey.