Last update: April 2008

Sri Lanka Visa Information

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Introduction

Visitors in Sri Lanka need visa to enter the country unless they are Sri Lankan citizen. Non resident Sri Lankans that hold citizenship of another country are also required to obtain visas before arriving in Sri Lanka. Visa should be obtained from the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.

General Visa Requirements

a). Completed application form

b). Two recent photographs - passport size - (Colour or Black & White)

c). Valid Passport (at least valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka)

d). Appropriate fee: (fee for issue of single entry visa for a British National is £38/-) Payment should be made in cash at the counter or if sent by post, Postal Order / Bank Draft drawn in favour of "Sri Lanka High Commission, London" should be sent. Cash should not be sent by post. Personal cheques are not accepted.

e). A self-addressed prepaid Special Delivery cover to correct weight , if the passport is to be returned by post.

f). Should hold a return or onward air ticket.

g). Should possess sufficient funds in foreign exchange at the rate of US$ 30/- (minimum) per day for the duration of stay in Sri Lanka.

It should be noted that under no circumstances will the status of visa be changed after arrival in Sri Lanka. For example, a person who visits Sri Lanka on holiday cannot engage in any business / profession, social work, charity or any other form of voluntary work or employment paid or unpaid without obtaining prior visas for such purposes. If such changes are required after arrival in Sri Lanka, the person should leave the country and apply for the appropriate visa from the nearest Sri Lanka Mission

Visa Application

Tourist visa

a). British Nationals travelling to Sri Lanka as bonafide tourists need not obtain a prior visa. A visa will be endorsed on the passport for a period of 30 days on arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. If they so wish they may obtain, before the expiry of initial period of visa, an extension of the duration of their stay at the discretion of the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo by paying an appropriate fee. Prior visas could be obtained from the Sri Lanka High Commission in London as well, for a maximum period up to 3 months by paying the appropriate visa fee (Fee for British Nationals £ 38/- for single entry visa).

b). Applications should be submitted at least 3 working days in advance.

Business Visa

In addition to the requirements stated at (1) overleaf the applicant should forward a letter from the company or organisation in UK recommending the issue of visa and giving details of the status of the applicant, nature of business, duration of stay, sufficient funds, and details of the party in Sri Lanka with whom the business is to be conducted. A letter from the company / organisation in Sri Lanka is also required. Fee for British nationals £38/= for single entry visa up to three months.

Investors and Businessmen who wish to apply multiple entry visas, in addition to the aforementioned requirements should also submit the duly completed form "Multiple Entry". Fee for issue of multiple entry visa for a British national up to three months £114/=, up to 12 months £189/=.

Employment Visa

Work, Residence, Long term and Multiple entry visas are approved and issued only by the Controller of Immigration in Colombo. Applications should be forwarded to the following address.

Controller
Immigration & Emigration
Department of Immigration & Emigration
No:23, Station Road,
Colombo 3
Tel: 597513

Sri Lanka High Commission
13, Hyde Park Gardens
London
W2 2LU
Tel: 020 7262 1841
Website: www.slhclondon.org

Visa Fees

For further information please click here:

High Commission Contact details

Sri Lanka High Commission
13, Hyde Park Gardens
London W2 2LU
Tel: 020 7262 1841
Website: http://www.slhclondon.org/
CONSULAR HOURS 0930 - 1300 (MON - FRI)

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