Sri Lanka
General visa requirements for travelling to Sri Lanka. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (Business e-Visa (ETA) - Short Stay (up to 30 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
- Fee
- $35 USD (non-SAARC countries)
- Validity
- 30 days from arrival
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for business purposes for less than 30 days. Multiple entry permitted. Can be applied online via the ETA system. SAARC nationals pay $15 USD. Not for employment - strictly business visits, meetings, conferences, etc.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
For business meetings, conferences, negotiations, market research, and other commercial activities. Not for employment or paid work.
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Financial
Must show bank statement proving adequate funds for stay and return passage.
Minimum funds: Adequate for duration of stay
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Adequate funds for stay and return passage; Months required: 3
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Sri Lankan business partner or organization confirming purpose of visit
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Business; Form url: https://eta.gov.lk
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather required documents including passport, bank statements, and invitation letter from business partner in Sri Lanka.
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Online application
Apply online for Business ETA through the official portal, selecting 'Business' as the visa type.
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Fee payment
Pay business ETA fee online: $35 USD for most countries, $15 USD for SAARC countries.
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Processing wait
Wait for approval which typically takes 24-48 hours. Receive ETA via email.
Business visa (Business Visa - Medium Stay (30-90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- Varies by duration and entries
- Validity
- Up to 90 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For business visits between 30-90 days. Must apply through Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission or Consular Division. Can be issued as single, double, or multiple entry. Online ETA system not available for this category - must submit application to nearest Sri Lankan mission.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
For extended business activities including negotiations, training, consultations, and business development requiring more than 30 days.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Adequate funds for stay and return passage; Months required: 3
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Detailed letter from Sri Lankan business partner stating purpose, duration, and nature of business activities
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
How to apply
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Document gathering
Prepare all required documents including passport, bank statements, invitation letter, and cover letter explaining business purpose.
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Document submission
Submit application to the Consular Division of nearest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission with all supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee at the diplomatic mission based on duration and number of entries requested.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing which typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the mission workload.
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Visa collection
Collect visa from the diplomatic mission or receive via courier if available.