CBR 008 – Issuance of Visa for Sri Lanka

Important Notice

 

1. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has been restored, and you may now apply for ETA for the following Non Residence Visa categories through  ETA Official Website

• Visitor Visa
• Business Visa
• Transit Visa

(Please be aware that there are third-party websites offering services to apply for the Sri Lankan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). These websites are not official and often charge higher fees, which are not the responsibility of the Sri Lankan government. Additionally, these third-party websites are not maintained by Sri Lankan government authorities.

To avoid unnecessary charges and ensure the legitimacy of your application, all applicants are strongly advised to use the official website for ETA applications: https://eta.gov.lk.)

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2. A visa-free regime is now in effect for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. Key details of this scheme are as follows:

• Nationals from the above-listed countries holding Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Service, or Ordinary passports are eligible for the visa-free regime.
• Visitors from these countries must apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. The ETA will be issued free of charge.
• This scheme allows a 30-day visa-free period with a double entry facility, valid for 30 days from the date of the first arrival.
• Visitors wishing to stay longer than 30 days can apply for an extension by paying the required visa fees.
• Please note that this visa-free regime applies exclusively to the above seven countries. Nationals of other countries must follow the general ETA application process and rules.

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3. Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana must apply for their ETA through a Sri Lankan sponsor. This process must be completed via the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka.

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For applicable visa fees, click here

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Residence Visa

A residence visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes. There are sub-categories which come under residence visas –

• Employment Category
• Investor category
• Religious category
• Student Category
• Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo-Lanka Agreement
• Ex-Sri Lankans and their dependents
• Family members of a Sri Lankan
• Diplomatic and Official visa
• My dream home visa programme
• Residence guest visa programme

Steps to be taken

• In this case, the visa process should originate from Sri Lanka-end by the individual/institution who/which sponsor/facilitate the applicant. The concerned individual/institution in Sri Lanka should submit the application for residence visa on behalf of the applicant directly to the Controller General/Immigration and Emigration (CG/I & E) of Sri Lanka.
• If the CG/ I & E approve the completed application form, they will then authorize the Sri Lanka High Commission or Consulate offices to issue entry visa (valid for 30 day) to the applicant. An entry visa allows one entry into the country and is valid for 30 days only. The applicant should then contact the High Commission or relevant consulate office to obtain the entry visa.
• Upon arrival in Sri Lanka the applicant must visit/contact the Immigration and Emigration Department of Sri Lanka to obtain his/her residence visa.

Visas for Official and Diplomatic passport holders

Diplomatic and Official passport holders if travelling for a purpose listed below are also expected to apply online. However if they are travelling on official government business other than the purposes indicated below, they need to apply through the Sri Lanka High Commission/CG. If they are travelling for private purpose, issuance of visa on gratis basis will be considered on the basis of reciprocity.

• Visiting friends and relatives
• Tourism/ Sightseeing/ Holiday
• Medical treatment
• Participation in sports, cultural performances
• Business meeting
• Conference, workshops & Seminars
• Short training
• Participation in art, music and dance performance/workshops

Documents required:

• Duly filled application – Download Application for Official/Diplomatic Purpose
• A valid passport with a photocopy (six months validity is required from the date of arrival)
• Formal note [TPN] from the respective government stating the purpose of visit
• Applicable return postage. If needed, courier service should be arranged by the applicant.
• Applicable visa Fee

Gratis Visa

The holder of a Diplomatic or Official Passport or a passport with a valid Diplomatic or Official endorsement, and decided by the Diplomatic Mission based on request.

Visa for Foreign Media Personal and Filming Crew

Sri Lanka has a long standing democratic tradition and therefore respects the freedom of speech and expression. In keeping with this spirit, foreign media personnel are welcome to visit Sri Lanka.

Guidelines for Media Personnel & Filming Crew Visiting Sri Lanka & Check list

	Description	Important Remarks
1.	Media	All journalists/media personnel travelling to Sri Lanka need to obtain visa from the relevant Sri Lanka Mission prior to their travel to Colombo.
2.		You are requested to apply for visa at least 14 days prior to expected date of travel
3.		Media accreditation issued by the Department of Information in Colombo which allows foreign media to operate in Sri Lanka will not be issued under any circumstances for media personnel who enter the country on a tourist visa.
4.		The Department of Customs strictly enforces regulations pertaining to the clearance of media equipment. Therefore visiting Journalists should obtain a temporary import document known as ‘international Carnet’ for their professional cameras and media equipment for customs clearance. In the absence of a ‘Carnet’, a bank guarantee should be submitted to the value of the imported items. If the visit is sponsored by any State institution, a guarantee letter from the institution to ensure the equipment will be re-exported, is required
5.		A list of equipment carried by audio/visual media should be sent to the Public Communications Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the relevant Sri Lanka High Commission/ Consulate in advance, to facilitate Customs clearance at airport. The list should be accompanied by a letter of undertaking from the relevant media organization stating that all equipment will be taken out of the country at departure.
6.		All foreign media personnel working in Sri Lanka are required to obtain media accreditation from the Department of Government Information, issued upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Media accreditation requests submitted to Sri Lanka High Commission will be forwarded to Department of Government Information through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo. Journalists who wish to obtain media accreditation are advised to visit Department of Government Information Centre in Colombo.
7.		Journalists may contact the Public Communications Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they wish to contact the for courtesy meetings, or for requesting interviews with VVIP’s and for any other assistance.
8.	FILMING DOCUMENTARIES / FEATURE FILMS	Filming of documentaries and feature films, other than tourism promotional films and wildlife related documentaries, require prior approval from the National Film Corporation (NFC). Please visit nfc.gov.lk “foreign Shootings “for more information.
9.		Media teams are required to complete the NFC agreement, and submit it along with the synopsis of the documentary, itinerary of the media team while in Sri Lanka as well as locations of filming. 24 working days are required to process these documents, prior to issuance of visa.
10.	TOURISM PROMOTIONAL DOCUMENTARIES	Media teams travelling to Sri Lanka to film tourism promotional documentaries, or taking part in Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) familiarisation tours, are required to fill the “SLTB Selection Criteria for Journalists/TV crews for FAM tours” form. The SLTPB requires at least 30 working days for processing the relevant documents prior to the scheduled commencement of the project. Such media teams should also identify a local ground handling team who will be coordinating the project in Sri Lanka.
11.	FILMING IN WILD LIFE PROTECTED AREAS	Filming in Wildlife protected areas requires prior approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. [DWC] The duly completed “Application for filming in wildlife protected areas”, available at DWC(please see below for details), must be completed and handed over to the relevant Mission. The Department of Wildlife Conservation requires at least 14 working days for processing the documents.
12.	General Visa Requirements	Visa Application Download application– Compulsory
13.		Passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival– Compulsory
14.		Two  recent (passport size) colour  photographs– Compulsory
15.		Confirmed Travel Itinerary– Compulsory
16.		Letter of Invitation from Sri Lankan Authority, if applicable [with their contact details] – Compulsory
17.		Credentials [letter from employer/organization] – Compulsory
18.		Synopsises of the production – a fairly comprehensive report is required. – Compulsory
19.		List of media equipment to be cleared by Sri Lanka Customs on arrival
20.		Visa Fee as applicable (please refer visa fee schedule under ‘Business Visa’ category and payment method therein – Compulsory
21.		Declaration at “Annex A” to be signed by the applicant. Annex ‘A’ can be obtained as a Word Document by clicking on the link Journalist Declaration Annex A– Compulsory
22.	Special Notes (Important)	Fees will not be refunded under any circumstance, after issuance of an official receipt; Translations will not be accepted as originals; All photocopies should be on A4 size paper; High Commission will attest the documents and return the originals to the applicant If the applicant needs to send/receive documents (by express courier service or speed post etc) on an urgent basis, he/she must organise them independently. The High Commission is unable to take any responsibility for documents lost or delayed in the post/courier.

 

13. Guidelines for Issuance of Visas and Work Permits for Expatriates working and seeking to work in a Voluntary capacity in Social Service Organizations/NGOs

Following are some of the key requirements laid down in the guidelines:

• All Voluntary Social Service Organizations/NGOs registered under the Voluntary Social Service Organizations Act No. 31 of 1980, who wish to obtain visas should submit their NGO/INGO registration certificate and MOU signed with the Government of Sri Lanka to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Visa will only be processed for the organizations that fulfil the above requirement.
• All foreign nationals who intend to work in NGO/INGO sector in Sri Lanka should apply for entry visa prior to travel.
• Residence visas are issued by the Controller-General of Immigration and Emigration for foreign nationals holding entry visas on the recommendation of the Director of National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations, subject to a minimum period of one year. Extension of residence visa will not exceed three years.
• Foreign nationals travelling on tourist visas will not be able to obtain Residence visa.
• Visa fee applies.

Comprehensive details on the new procedures can be obtained from the respective authorities in Sri Lanka [Gov. Information Centre www.gic.gov.lk]

Granting or termination of visas is at the sole discretion of the Controller General, Immigration and Emigration as per Section 14 of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948 and Immigrants and Emigrants Regulations.