Sri Lanka Business Visa (ETA)
For meetings, conferences and short-term technical work. The business ETA is a separate category from the tourist ETA - and the May 2026 fee waiver does not apply to it.
The 40-country waiver introduced on 25 May 2026 applies to tourist ETAs only. Business applicants pay the published fee whatever their nationality.
Business ETA fees
| Applicant | Fee | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian (SAARC) nationals | USD 30 | 30 days, double entry |
| All other nationalities | USD 55 | 30 days, double entry |
Fees per the official schedule at eta.gov.lk.
What the business ETA covers
✅ Permitted
Business meetings and negotiations, conferences and seminars, workshops and short-term training, site inspections, technical support and installation work.
❌ Not permitted
Paid employment with a Sri Lankan employer, long-term residence, journalism or research without separate clearance, and any activity requiring a work permit.
If you will be employed and paid in Sri Lanka, your employer must sponsor a residence visa through theDepartment of Immigration & Emigration. The business ETA does not convert into one.
Documents required
Passport valid 6+ months
At least six months beyond your intended departure date, with blank pages for stamps.
Invitation letter
From the Sri Lankan host organisation, stating the purpose of the visit, the dates, and their contact details.
Employer letter
From your own company confirming your role and the business purpose of the trip.
Return or onward ticket
A confirmed ticket out of Sri Lanka within the permitted period.
Accommodation details
Hotel booking or the host company's arranged address.
Card for payment
Credit or debit card to pay the business ETA fee on the official portal.
How to apply
- Open the official portal
Go to eta.gov.lk and choose the business visa category - not tourist.
- Enter passport and company details
Match your passport exactly, and give the host organisation's full name and address.
- Upload supporting letters
Invitation letter and employer letter, as PDF or image files.
- Pay the fee
USD 55 for most nationalities, USD 30 for SAARC nationals.
- Allow extra processing time
Business applications are frequently referred for further checks. Apply at least two weeks before departure.
- Carry the approval and your letters
Bring printed copies of the ETA approval and the invitation letter - immigration may ask for both on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as business travel?
Meetings, negotiations, conferences, workshops, site visits, technical work and short-term training. Taking up paid employment in Sri Lanka is not covered - that requires a residence visa arranged through your employer.
How much does the business ETA cost?
USD 55 for most nationalities and USD 30 for SAARC nationals. The May 2026 free-ETA scheme applies to tourist visas only, so business applicants pay regardless of nationality.
How long is the business ETA valid?
The standard business ETA permits 30 days per entry with double entry, and the approval is generally valid for six months from issue.
Do I need an invitation letter?
Yes in practice. A letter from the Sri Lankan host company stating the purpose and dates of your visit, plus a letter from your own employer, are routinely requested.
Can I switch from a tourist to a business visa?
No. Apply under the correct category before you travel. Conducting business activities on a tourist ETA can lead to fines and removal.
How long does approval take?
Business applications are often referred for additional checks, so allow longer than the 24–72 hours typical of tourist ETAs. Apply at least two weeks ahead.