Sri Lanka

In recent years, more Sri Lankans have been traveling overseas for tourism, work, education, and family visits. So, Sri Lankans might need different visas when they travel to other countries.

Currently, Sri Lankan passport holders can apply for an eVisa or ETA for 64 countries through online systems. In addition, 11 countries offer Visa on Arrival facilities. With a global passport ranking of 86, Sri Lankan passport holders can travel to 15 countries without a visa. 

Some destinations still require a traditional sticker or stamped visa. In these cases, you must apply in person at the relevant embassy or consulate, and you may need to book an appointment in advance.

For all international travel, Sri Lankan citizens must carry a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry. 

As members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), some Sri Lankan officials and dignitaries are eligible to travel under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.

Visa requirements can vary from country to country, so we recommend taking a moment to review the specific rules for your destination before starting your application. It can save you time and help things go a lot more smoothly.

An eVisa is a digital visa you can get online. You don’t need to visit the country’s embassy or consulate. Once approved, you can save it on your phone or print it out and show it at the airport.

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a travel permit that lets you enter a country without getting a visa in advance. You get your visa from immigration when you arrive.

Like an eVisa, you can apply for an ETA online, and it will be sent to your email. But unlike an eVisa, an ETA is only valid for a certain period. And for that, you must arrive in the country and get your visa within that time. If you miss it, the ETA will expire, and you’ll need to apply again.

Here is a list of countries that offer an eVisa and ETA for Sri Lankan citizens: 

A VoA (Visa on Arrival) lets travelers get a visa when they arrive at a country’s airport or border. Sri Lanka brought back its VoA system on October 3, 2024, so eligible tourists can get a visa when entering the country.

Immigration rules for VoA can change at any time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest policy of your destination before traveling. The visa period usually lasts 30 to 90 days.

The countries mentioned below allow Sri Lankan citizens to get a VoA:

The Sri Lankan passport ranks 86th in the world and allows citizens to visit 15 countries without a visa. The allowed stay ranges from 30 to 180 days, depending on the country.

Here is a list of countries Sri Lankan citizens can visit visa-free:

Sri Lankan citizens need a sticker visa to travel to 108 countries. You can apply for these visas online or offline.

For some countries, the online application can be completed entirely from home without visiting the embassy or sending your passport by mail. This depends on the destination country’s visa application policy.

The offline application process requires you to be present in the embassy or consulate of the desired country to submit your documents, visa application form, and passport for the visa. 

Visa duration and rules vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. Always check the specific requirements before starting your application.

Here is the list of countries that require a visa from Sri Lankan citizens:

Some visa requirements are common across most countries. If you’re traveling abroad with a Sri Lankan passport, you’ll usually need the following:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your entry date and have one or two blank pages available.
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form must be submitted either online or in person at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The form will ask for your personal information, travel details, documents, and the purpose of your visit.
• Photographs: You will need to provide one or more passport-size photographs taken within the last three months. These should have a white background and clearly show your face from all angles.
• Flight Tickets: Some countries require proof of your travel plans, including both inbound and outbound flight tickets.
• Proof of Accommodation: You must show evidence of where you will be staying, whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or with friends or family. You can either provide a booking confirmation or include a valid address on your visa application form.

Sri Lanka is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). At the 1988 SAARC summit, it was agreed that certain dignitaries would receive visa exemptions within the region. Under this scheme, tourists can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay.

These dignitaries are:

With a Sri Lankan passport, you can travel to about 198 countries and territories in some form. Out of these, you can visit around 15 countries without a visa. 

Sri Lankan citizens can visit 15 countries visa-free. The full list is available above, and it’s a good idea to confirm before you pack.

No. Sri Lanka allows only dual citizenship. It means you can hold two passports legally. Holding three passports is not permitted under current laws.

The easiest way is with your Sri Lankan passport. If you have dual citizenship, carry your Dual Citizenship Certificate along with your passport for smooth immigration clearance.

Yes. Sri Lankans can apply for dual citizenship through the Department of Immigration or a Sri Lankan embassy, or a consulate abroad. Once approved, you can hold another country’s passport along with your Sri Lankan passport.

Transit visa requirements depend on the country you are passing through. Some countries require Sri Lankan travelers to have a transit visa, especially if they need to leave the airport, change terminals, or have a long layover. Other countries allow short airport transits without a visa.

It depends on the destination. Some countries require Sri Lankan citizens to have valid travel insurance as part of the visa application, while others do not. 

Even when it is not mandatory, having travel insurance is highly recommended, as it can cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other emergencies while abroad.

Yes. You can renew your passport at a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in the country where you are. Make sure to check the requirements, fees, and processing time before visiting.

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document so you can continue your journey or return home safely. Always report the loss before your traveling.