Sri Lanka visas
Whether you need a visa for Sri Lanka, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay — from short tourist and business visits made under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to longer-term residence, investment and citizenship routes. Most short-stay visitors apply online before travel rather than on arrival. All visa, residence and citizenship matters are administered by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, whose official guidance should always be checked before applying, as fees and rules change.
Sri Lankan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Sri Lanka — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to Sri Lanka to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Sri Lanka — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Sri Lanka.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Sri Lanka as a highly skilled individual.4 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Sri Lanka long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Sri Lankan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Sri Lanka — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration and Emigration
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Time zone
- Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.