Consular Assistance - Visas

Bonafide tourists from 77 countries listed in the Schedule 'A' issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka are permitted entry into Sri Lanka without a prior visa. They will be issued with Landing Endorsements valid for a 30-day stay at the point of entry without any payment of visa fees. Nationals of  other countries should possess a valid visa to enter Sri Lanka, even if they are bonafide tourists. Those who, including  nationals of countries in Schedule A, want to visit Sri Lanka for purposes other than tourism, should obtain prior visit visas from the Sri Lanka Mission in their country or the nearest Sri Lanka Mission which is concurrently accredited to their country. If there is no Sri Lankan Mission accredited to their country, they can obtain entry visas upon arrival at the point of entry provided that prior permission of the Controller of Immigration and Emigration is obtained. Please note that from 1st November, 2006, all the tourists who are given 30 days landing visa on arrival are expected to leave Sri Lanka at the end of the stipulated period.

Moreover, bonafide tourists from the countries in Schedule A who want to visit Sri Lanka for more than 30 days should obtain prior visas to enter Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka Missions abroad are authorised 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. 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.  

Transit visas are issued by Sri Lanka Missions and in such cases, the  normal visa fee is recovered. 

For business visas, 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 upto 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.   

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.

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

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

3. Two recent passport-size colour photograph.

4. Visa Fee must be paid when  submitting an application, payable at the counter or through Postgiro or Bankgiro. If sending the documents by post, please enclose copy of payment receipt. Please call the Embassy on Tel No 0046 8 6636523/25  for visa fee particulars.

5. Confirmation is required of the travel arrangements, copy of return air ticket or flight itinerary obtained from a Travel Agent.

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.