Get a Sri Lanka Visa

1. When is the best time to apply for my Sri Lanka visa? The best time to apply for your Sri Lanka visa is 1-2 months before your travel date.
2. Do I have to send you my passport to get a Sri Lanka visa? Is it safe to send a passport? You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Sri Lanka visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa requests cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application and passport to CIBTvisas in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx, UPS, Express Mail or Certified Mail.

Business Visa Application Requirements for a Sri Lanka Visa

1. Passport

   You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:

   • Be valid for the next six months
   • Have at least one blank visa page (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement)
   • Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way

   If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact CIBTvisas at 800-929-2428 for further details.

2. Photographs

   You must provide two color, passport-type photographs that meets the following criteria:

   • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high-quality photo paper
   • Be taken against an all white background
   • Be two inches by two inches
   • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
   • You may wear neither eyeglasses nor headwear except for religious purposes
   • Your photos should not be affixed to your application and it may not display evidence of adhesive tape or staples

3. Business Cover Letter

   You are required to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a U.S. mailing address. Use the included sample Business Cover Letter to complete your letter.

4. Visa Application Form

   You must provide one fully completed copy of the visa application form found in this kit. The application form must:

   • Include answers for all fields
   • Display your full name as it appears in your passport
   • Be signed

5. Letter of Invitation

   You must obtain a letter of invitation. The organization you will be visiting is responsible for providing the invitation. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

   • Include the full local address and phone number of the organization or person to be visited
   • Request the same validity of visa as in the Business Introduction Letter
   • Specify the number of entries you are requesting for your visa

6. CIBTvisas Order Form

   Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.

7. Media Professionals

   Approval from the appropriate authorities in Sri Lanka is required for travelers participating in one or more of the following activities:

   • Media/Journalist conferences, workshops or seminars
   • Political or group meetings, seminars or conferences
   • Activities carried out by an NGO or INGO

   If you will be engaging in any of the aforementioned activities while in Sri Lanka, then you must contact the appropriate Sri Lanka Overseas Mission and the Visa Section of the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Sri Lanka in order to obtain the appropriate approval.

8. Proof of Sufficient Funds

   You must provide proof that you possess sufficient funds. Your financial details must:

   • Include a copy of your most recent bank statement
   • Display your full name

9. Proof of Travel Arrangements

   You must provide proof of travel arrangements for the duration of your trip. Details of your intended arrangements must:

   • Include a copy of an itinerary or e-ticket that displays your round trip travel and entry and exit dates for your destination
   • Show the traveler's full name (as printed in his or her passport)

Tourist Application Requirements for a Sri Lanka Visa

1. Application Process

   The government of Sri Lanka issues this transit visa for stays of up to 2 days. Applicants transiting for less than 8 hours and not clearing customs do not need to apply for a visa. For information about how to transit without a visa, please select "Connecting/Transit" from the drop down menu on the homepage.

2. ETA Eligibility

   The Sri Lankan Government has replaced their Visa On Arrival facility with a web-based visa issuance system. The ETA is an electronic authorization from the Government to enter Sri Lanka. It is the equivalent to a visa, but no stamp or label is placed in the passport.

   To be eligible the traveler must:

   • Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
   • Apply within 90 days before arrival in Sri Lanka
   • Hold proof of sufficient funds
   • Hold proof of onward/return flights
   • Hold all documents required for the next destination

   All questions on the Sri Lanka ETA order form must be answered correctly as mistakes cannot be rectified once submitted.

3. Copy of Passport Identification Page

   A clear color photocopy of the information page(s) from the applicant's passport. Please securely upload this document to https://cibtvisas.com/upload-forms?service=eta&destination=LKA.

4. ETA Questionnaire

   One fully completed Sri Lanka ETA Questionnaire which can be found within the CIBTvisas Application kit. Please securely upload to https://cibtvisas.com/upload-forms?service=eta&destination=LKA.

5. CIBTvisas Order Form

   You must provide one completed CIBTvisas Order Form. Please securely upload to https://cibtvisas.com/upload-forms?service=eta&destination=LKA

6. Have You Completed All Necessary Steps

   Have you completed all the fields on your ETA questionnaire?  Incomplete application requests cannot be processed and will be returned for additional information. This could delay the processing of your request. Please securely upload to https://cibtvisas.com/upload-forms?service=eta&destination=LKA the questionnaire as well as the following documents:

   • A color photocopy of the personal information pages of your passport
   • A completed order form

   If you are unable to upload these documents include all of the documents listed above, (you will still need to securely upload your photograph), and send your complete application to the address listed at the top of application kit checklist.

7. U.S. Embassy Registration (Recommended)

   The U.S. State Department recommends U.S. citizens register with the U.S. Embassy(s) in the countries they plan to visit. Feel more secure about your international travels by having CIBTvisas register your trip with the U.S. Department of State. Registration notifies the U.S. Embassy in each country of your travel plans and enrolls you in the State Department travel advisory and warnings program. To enroll in this optional service complete the registration form in this kit and send it to us with the rest of your documents.