Residence/ Work Visa

Entry Visa Requirements for Residence Visa Applicants

Applicants intending to obtain a Residence Visa for Sri Lanka must first enter the country on an Entry Visa issued by a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission abroad.

The issuance of an Entry Visa under this category is subject to prior approval from the Controller General of Immigration & Emigration (CG, I&E), Sri Lanka.

Required Documents

Upon receipt of approval from the Controller General of Immigration & Emigration, applicants must submit the following:

1.     Duly completed -Visa application FORM “B”

2.     Original passport with at least two blank visa pages (Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of expected arrival in Sri Lanka)

3.     Copy of passport (data/photo page)

4.     Copy of approval from the Controller General of Immigration & Emigration

5.     One recent passport-sized photograph (taken within the last six months)

6.     Valid UK visa (for non-British applicants)

7.     Applicable - visa fee

Postal Applications

·        If submitting your application by post, please include a postal order payable to “Sri Lanka High Commission”, with the relevant visa fee and a self-addressed prepaid (special delivery) envelope to return the passport.

·        The High Commission is not responsible for any lost or damaged documents sent by post.

Important Information

• Applicants must obtain prior approval from the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka, before applying for an Entry Visa
• The High Commission will issue the Entry Visa only upon receipt of this approval
• The Entry Visa allows the applicant to travel to Sri Lanka and subsequently obtain the Residence Visa from the Department of Immigration & Emigration
• Applicants must complete the Residence Visa formalities upon arrival in Sri Lanka

• For more information regarding the Resident visa, use the following link-https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=18