Sri Lanka (LK)

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. Required for ETA/visa applications, hotel check-in, bank account opening and all official transactions. Keep a certified colour copy separate from the original.

Most nationalities require an ETA before travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism, business or short stays. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure. Standard ETA: USD 50 (single entry, 30 days, extendable to 90 days); nationals of 48 countries receive free ETA. The ETA is valid for 6 months from issue date; process on-arrival is slower and not guaranteed.

Required for stays beyond 90 days. Applied for at the Department of Immigration and Emigration (immigration.gov.lk). Main types: Business Visa (for employed workers), Resident Guest Visa (retirement or lifestyle), and Student Visa. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks; apply before the ETA expires.

Foreign nationals employed in Sri Lanka require a work visa issued by the Department of Immigration. The Sri Lankan employer or BOI (Board of Investment)-registered entity sponsors the application, providing the employment contract and company registration documents. Processing takes 4–8 weeks; do not start work before the permit is granted.

Required for all persons with taxable income in Sri Lanka. Register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) at ird.gov.lk. Required for employment payroll, tax returns and business bank accounts. Your employer may handle registration as part of onboarding; self-employed individuals register independently.

Required for work permit applications and regulated profession licensing. Sri Lanka is a Hague Apostille member (since 2001); certificates from Hague member countries may use apostille. Regulated professions have dedicated recognition bodies: SLMC for medicine, IESL for engineering, AASL for architecture. English is accepted officially; some regulatory bodies may request a Sinhala or Tamil translation.

Criminal background check from your home country required for work permit applications, some professional licences and long-stay residence applications. Must be recent (within 6 months of application). Apostille is valid from Hague member countries; non-Hague countries require consular authentication at the Sri Lankan Embassy. A Sri Lanka Police clearance may also be requested for extended-residency applicants.

Required for spouse and dependant visa applications and joint property transactions. Sri Lanka is a Hague Apostille member; foreign marriage certificates from Hague member countries require apostille plus certified English translation where the original is not in English.

Required for child dependant visa applications and school enrolment. Sri Lanka is a Hague Apostille member (acceded 2001); foreign birth certificates from Hague member countries require apostille. Non-English documents require certified translation.

A valid foreign driving licence accompanied by a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Sri Lanka for the first 3 months. After 3 months, apply to the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) for a Sri Lankan driving licence. Obtain the IDP from a motoring association in your home country before travelling.

Required for importing cats and dogs into Sri Lanka. An import permit from the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), a current rabies vaccination record, a microchip certificate and a veterinary health certificate from an accredited vet are required. Sri Lanka imposes quarantine on arrival for pets from many countries. Start preparations at least 6 months before travel.

Required for residence visa and long-stay permit applications to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Typically 3–6 months of statements from your home-country bank are expected. Also required for some landlord checks and school admissions.