Visa for Volunteers and Personnel Attached to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Applicants intending to travel to Sri Lanka to engage in voluntary work or to serve with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are required to obtain prior approval from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.

Prior Approval Requirement

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

Accordingly, the relevant NGO operating in Sri Lanka must:

• Submit an application on behalf of the applicant to the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka
• Provide the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Provide a copy of the applicant’s passport bio-data page
• Include details of the assignment, duration of stay, and nature of work

For further information, please visit: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=18

Visa Issuance Process

• Upon review, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka, will communicate its decision and necessary instructions to the Sri Lanka High Commission.
• Once approval is granted, the High Commission will proceed with the issuance of the entry visa, subject to submission of the required documents.

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.     Letter from the NGO in Sri Lanka confirming engagement and duration

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

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

8.     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:

·        Entry visa processing times depend on the approval of the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka.

·        The High Commission reserves the right to request additional documentation where necessary.

·        Persons entering Sri Lanka on an entry visa issued with the approval of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration may, upon arrival, apply for a Residence Visa / Work Permit through the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.

·        Applicants must not engage in voluntary or NGO-related activities without the appropriate visa and prior approval.