Visa Types
Sri Lanka Student Visa Insights
Apply to study in Sri Lanka as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.
Key Points for Sri Lanka Student Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, biometrics are not required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Sri Lanka visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Sri Lanka Study visa.
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
Head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Student visa?
Your residence visa is valid for one year or time period recommended by the line Ministry or academic institution. It can be renewed.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Sri Lanka?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Please click here for information about visa fees
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to Sri Lanka, it is crucial to determine the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or employment.
- Different visa categories exist for Sri Lanka, each with specific requirements and conditions, so it is essential to identify the correct visa type to ensure a successful application.
- To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on visa types and requirements, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration or reach out to the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your country.
Before applying for a visa, it is important to gather the necessary information and documents. This includes a valid passport with sufficient validity, personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information, as well as travel details including the intended date of arrival and purpose of the visit. Having these documents ready will help facilitate a smooth visa application process.
You can obtain a Residence visa application form the Head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Below are 3 type of Category comes under Education in Sri Lanka.
- University Students
- Students in Educational Institutions approved by the Government
- Volunteers
For University Students
- Recommendation from Ministry of Higher Education.
- Letter from the university
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of applicant’s passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
- Passport/s
For Other Students & one guardian of student under 16 years of age
- A request letter from the Academic institution
- Duly filled DIE Form (download here)
- Recommendation from the relevant Embassy / High Commission
- Bank Encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of applicant’s passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
- Passport/s
For volunteers
- A request letter from the volunteer organization
- Recommendation from the line ministry
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of applicant’s passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
- Passport/s
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
- Head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms
How can I submit my Residence visa application?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
What is the validity period of my Residence visa?
Your residence visa is valid for one year or time period recommended by the line Ministry or academic institution. It can be renewed.
How can I renew my Residence visa?
For University Students
For Other Students & guardians of students under 16 years of age
- A request letter from the Academic institution/University
- Recommendation from the line Ministry/relevant Embassy / High Commission
- Bank Encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person
- Current year performance report of the student
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of applicant’s passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
- Passport/s
For volunteers
- Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry and the Institution.
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form ?
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa ?
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.