Sri Lankan visa resources
Who is eligible for a Sri Lankan visa
Eligibility for entering or residing in Sri Lanka depends on nationality, purpose of travel and, for longer stays, meeting the conditions of a specific residence-visa category.
Important
For short visits, eligibility turns mainly on nationality and purpose. The ETA covers tourism, business and transit; some nationalities receive reduced (SAARC) fees, some may obtain a visa on arrival, and certain nationals may enter without a fee — the applicable category is set by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
For longer stays, you must qualify under one of the residence-visa categories — for example employment with a BOI-registered or government-approved employer, enrolment at an approved educational institution, marriage to a Sri Lankan citizen, investment, or a scheme such as the Resident Guest Scheme or Digital Nomad visa. Each category has its own sponsorship, financial and documentary conditions.
Citizenship and dual-citizenship routes have separate statutory eligibility rules under the Citizenship Act.
Next steps
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.