Visa for Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

Applicants intending to travel to Sri Lanka for the purpose of attending conferences, seminars, or workshops are required to obtain prior approval from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka

Prior Approval Requirement

The Sri Lanka High Commission can issue an entry visa under this category only after receiving approval from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.

Applicants are advised to follow one of the options below:

1. Direct Approval

• Obtain prior approval directly from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka, before submitting the visa application.

2. Apply Through the High Commission

• Submit the visa application to the Sri Lanka High Commission at least two (2) weeks in advance of the intended date of travel.

• Provide a formal letter of invitation from the event organisers in Sri Lanka, including: (Nature and purpose of the event, duration & venue and full contact details of the organisers)

      This will enable the High Commission to obtain the necessary approval from the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka.

Required Documents

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.     Letter of Invitation from the conference/seminar/workshop organisers in Sri Lanka

8.     Proof of Registration or participation in the event (if applicable) 

9.     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:

·        Upon receipt of approval from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, the visa will be issued by the Sri Lanka High Commission, subject to submission of all required documents.

·        Processing times may vary depending on the time taken to obtain approval from authorities in Sri Lanka.

·        Applicants are strongly advised not to finalise travel arrangements until the visa has been approved and issued.

·        The High Commission reserves the right to request additional documentation where necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.