Sri Lanka Visa for Bangladeshis 2026: Types, Fees, Requirements & Application Process

Planning a trip from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka? The visa process is not very complicated, but choosing the correct visa type matters.

A tourist coming for a one-week holiday, someone attending a business meeting, a student moving to Sri Lanka, and a Bangladeshi taking up a job in Sri Lanka cannot use the same visa.

There have also been some changes to Sri Lanka’s visa rules in 2026. From 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries became eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA. Bangladesh is not included in that list, so Bangladeshi passport holders still need to pay the applicable SAARC-country ETA fee.

This guide explains the main Sri Lanka visa options for Bangladeshis, current fees, documents, extensions, and a few things that can save you trouble at the airport.

Sri Lanka Visa for Bangladeshis at a Glance

Purpose	Visa Type	Initial Stay	Entry	Fee for Bangladeshi Passport
Holiday/sightseeing	Tourist ETA	30 days	Double entry	US$20 online
Tourist visa on arrival	Tourist ETA	30 days	Double entry	US$25
Business meetings/conferences	Business ETA	30 days	Multiple entry	US$30
Transit through Sri Lanka	Transit ETA	Up to 2 days	Single entry	Free
Tourist stay 31-90 days	Tourist Visa Extension	Up to 90 days	Based on extension	US$60
Tourist stay 91-180 days	Tourist Visa Extension	Up to 180 days	Based on extension	US$150
Tourist stay 181-270 days	Tourist Visa Extension	Up to 270 days	Based on extension	US$200
Employment	Residence Visa	Usually 1 year	Subject to approval	US$200/year
Study	Residence Visa	Usually 1 year	According to approval	US$200/year
Medical residence	Residence Visa	According to treatment	Subject to approval	US$200/year
Digital nomad	Digital Nomad Visa	1 year	Subject to approval	US$500
Investor	Investor Residence Visa	5 or 10 years	Subject to approval	Residence visa fees apply
Spouse of Sri Lankan citizen	Spouse Residence Visa	Usually 1 year initially	Subject to approval	Free for qualifying spouse

Visa rules and fees can change. For Tourist, Business, and Transit ETA applications, check the official Sri Lanka ETA website before applying or making payment.

1. Tourist Visa for Sri Lanka from Bangladesh

For most Bangladeshi travelers, this is the visa that matters. Sri Lanka calls its short-stay online authorization an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA.

You can use a Tourist ETA for:

• Sightseeing and holidays
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Ayurveda or yoga treatment
• Certain sporting events
• Cultural activities and performances

Tourist ETA Fee for Bangladeshis

Because Bangladesh is a SAARC country, the current fee is:

Application Method	Fee
Apply online before travel	US$20
Application through a third party	US$20
Sri Lankan overseas mission	US$20
Department of Immigration in Sri Lanka	US$20
ETA on arrival	US$25
Children under 12	Free

For most travelers, applying online before flying is the better option.

The extra US$5 for a visa on arrival is not the biggest issue. The bigger issue is that on-arrival approval is not guaranteed. If your application is referred or refused at the airport, you could be denied entry.

There is little reason to take that risk when you can apply before leaving Bangladesh.

Extending a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa

Thirty days may be enough for a short holiday, but not everyone comes to Sri Lanka for one week.

A tourist ETA can be extended after arrival. For Bangladeshi passport holders, the current extension fee schedule is:

Total Stay Period	Visa Extension Fee
31 to 90 days	US$60
91 to 180 days	US$150
181 to 270 days	US$200

Tourist visa extensions can be requested through Sri Lanka’s online visa extension service or through the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Battaramulla.

Documents commonly required for extension include:

• Valid passport
• Return air ticket
• Accommodation address
• Local contact number
• Application
• Applicant photograph

Do not wait until your visa has already expired to think about an extension.

Visa for Children Travelling from Bangladesh

There are two rules parents should understand.

Children under 12

The Tourist ETA processing fee is free for children under 12 years of age.

Children with Their Own Passports

The application system indicates that children under 16 who hold separate passports should have separate individual applications.

This is particularly relevant for Bangladeshi families because children commonly travel with their own passports.

So, if a family of four is travelling and both children have separate passports, do not simply add them to one parent’s application without checking their passport status.

2. Sri Lanka Business Visa for Bangladeshis

A Business ETA is for short business-related visits rather than employment.

Typical purposes include:

• Business meetings
• Negotiations
• Conferences
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Short-term training
• Symposiums
• Certain religious events
• Art, music, or dance events

Business ETA Fee

For Bangladeshi passport holders: US$30 for a 30-day Business ETA

The current official fee schedule describes the 30-day Business ETA for SAARC nationals as a multiple-entry visa.

You should carry documents supporting your reason for visiting, such as:

• Invitation letter
• Conference registration
• Letter from your employer
• Sri Lankan company details
• Meeting schedule

Business Visa Is Not a Work Visa

This distinction is important. Coming to Sri Lanka for meetings is not the same as taking a job in Sri Lanka.

If a Sri Lankan company is employing you, you will normally need the appropriate entry and residence visa arrangement, not a Business ETA.

Extending a Business Visa

Business visitors who need to remain longer may also require an extension. For nationalities other than the United States, the current fee schedule lists:

Business Stay	Fee
After 30 days up to 90 days	US$100
After 90 days up to 180 days	US$200

Longer business stays can involve additional documentation and approvals, so confirm the correct process before your original permission expires.

Media, NGO and Certain Political Activities Need Special Attention

Do not automatically use the normal online business application if your visit involves:

• Journalism or media activities
• NGO or INGO work
• Meetings with political parties or political groups
• Certain media conferences or assignments

These activities may require prior approval from the relevant Sri Lankan authorities.

Check with the Sri Lankan High Commission or Department of Immigration before travelling.

3. Sri Lanka Transit Visa for Bangladeshis

If Sri Lanka is only a stop on your way to another country, you may qualify for a Transit ETA.

Transit Visa	Details
Maximum stay	2 days
Fee	Free
Purpose	Transit to another destination
Supporting document	Onward air or sea ticket

A transit visa cannot be used to extend your holiday or remain in Sri Lanka beyond the permitted period.

If you want to spend three or four days exploring Colombo, Negombo or another destination during the stopover, apply for a Tourist ETA instead.

4. Work Visa / Employment Residence Visa

If you are moving from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka because you have been offered a job, a tourist or business ETA is not the correct route.

Sri Lanka places foreign employees under its Residence Visa employment categories.

These include people working in:

• Government-approved projects
• BOI-approved companies and projects
• Banks
• Private-sector companies
• Other approved organisations

The employer normally has an important role in arranging the required recommendations.

Depending on the employment category, documents may include:

• Employer request letter
• Company registration documents
• BOI recommendation, where applicable
• Recommendation from the relevant ministry
• Passport copy
• Health Protection Plan documentation
• Original passport

Employment Residence Visa Fee

The general residence visa fee for employees is currently US$200 for one year or part of a year

Residence visas are commonly issued for one year or for the period recommended by the relevant authority and can usually be renewed.

One important point is that you should not enter Sri Lanka as a tourist assuming you can simply convert your visa after joining work.

For long-term employment, arrange the correct immigration route with the employer before travelling.

5. Student Visa for Sri Lanka

Bangladeshis coming to Sri Lanka for education generally fall under the Educational Residence Visa category.

This includes:

• University students
• Students at government-approved educational institutions
• Volunteers
• Internship holders

Student Residence Visa Fee

US$200 per year or part thereof. University applicants may need:

• University letter
• Recommendation from the Ministry of Higher Education
• Passport bio page
• Passport
• Health Protection Plan

For certain other educational institutions, Sri Lankan Immigration may also require evidence of funds.

The current guidance mentions bank encashment receipts equivalent to US$1,500 per year per person for certain student categories.

6. Medical Visa

There are two different situations involving medical treatment.

For a short visit for medical treatment, including Ayurveda and yoga, a Tourist ETA may be sufficient.

However, people requiring longer medical treatment can fall under Sri Lanka’s Medical Residence Visa category.

Eligible applicants can include:

• Patients receiving medical treatment
• A medical assistant accompanying the patient

Typical documents include:

• Doctor’s recommendation
• Medical report
• Passport
• Health Protection Plan
• Evidence of funds

The official guidance mentions bank encashment receipts equivalent to US$1,500 for a year per person for supporting medical expenses.

Medical Residence Visa Fee: US$200 per year or part thereof.

7. Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa

Sri Lanka now has a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa for foreigners who want to live in Sri Lanka while working remotely for companies or clients outside the country.

This can be useful for:

• Remote employees
• Freelancers
• Online business owners
• Location-independent professionals

The business or employer must be based outside Sri Lanka.

Main Requirements

The principal applicant must generally:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Work remotely, freelance, or operate a business outside Sri Lanka
• Show the required foreign income
• Have international health insurance
• Provide police clearance
• Complete medical requirements

Minimum Income

The main applicant must show a minimum monthly remittance of US$2,000.

If there are more than two dependants, an additional US$500 per month for each additional dependant is required.

Digital Nomad Visa Fee: US$500. Validity: 1 year.

If you work online and want to spend several months living near places such as Colombo, Galle, Weligama, Kandy or Ella, this is far more appropriate than repeatedly relying on tourist visas.

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8. Investor Visa

Sri Lanka also offers a residence route for foreign investors.

The current investor programme provides two major investment levels:

Minimum Investment	Visa Period
US$100,000	5 years
US$200,000	10 years

Investment must follow the approved banking and investment procedures in Sri Lanka.

The residence visa fee schedule lists investor residence visas under the US$200 per year or part thereof category.

Anyone considering this route should obtain professional financial, legal and immigration advice before transferring money.

9. Spouse Visa for Bangladeshis Married to Sri Lankan Citizens

A Bangladeshi married to a Sri Lankan citizen may qualify for a spouse residence visa.

For a qualifying foreign spouse whose marriage to the Sri Lankan citizen has been subsisting for more than six months at the time of application, the spouse visa is generally issued initially for one year.

The qualifying spouse visa itself is free of charge.

Dependent children may have separate fees depending on their age and status. The current visa fee schedule lists US$150 for dependent children of the non-Sri Lankan spouse.

Documents can include:

• Marriage certificate
• Sri Lankan spouse’s birth certificate
• Sri Lankan spouse’s NIC or passport
• Applicant’s passport
• Applicant passport bio page
• Consent of the Sri Lankan spouse
• Additional documents if either spouse was previously married

The Sri Lankan spouse may also need to attend an immigration interview.

10. Other Sri Lanka Residence Visa Categories

Sri Lanka has several other specialised residence categories.

These include:

Category	Typical Fee
Religious worker	US$200/year
NGO/INGO personnel	US$200/year
Medical residence	US$200/year
Court-related residence visa	US$200/year
Dependant of qualifying employee/investor/student	US$200/year
Ex-Sri Lankan and qualifying dependants	US$100/year
Digital Nomad	US$500
Foreign spouse of Sri Lankan citizen	Free in qualifying category

There are also specialised categories connected with the Port City Commission and certain relationships with Sri Lankan citizens.

Two older schemes, My Dream Home and the Resident Guest Scheme, are currently listed mainly for extensions of existing visa holders rather than new applicants.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa from Bangladesh

For most Bangladeshi tourists, the easiest option is to apply for an ETA online before travelling. Applying in advance is highly recommended because it gives you time to correct any issue before your flight.

Step 1: Go to the Official ETA Website

Visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website. Avoid unofficial visa websites that may charge additional service fees.

Step 2: Choose the Correct ETA Type

Select the visa according to your travel purpose:

• Tourist ETA for holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives
• Business ETA for meetings, conferences, or short business visits
• Transit ETA if you are passing through Sri Lanka to another country

For a normal holiday, choose Tourist ETA → Apply for an Individual.

Step 3: Accept the Terms and Conditions

Read the ETA terms carefully and select “I Agree” to continue with the application.

Step 4: Enter Your Personal and Passport Details

Fill in the information exactly as shown in your passport, including:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Country of birth
• Occupation
• Passport number
• Passport issue date
• Passport expiry date
• Travel details
• Contact information

Double-check your passport number, name spelling, and nationality before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Review Your Application

Check all the information carefully before submitting.

A small mistake in your passport number or personal details can create problems with your ETA and may require you to submit a new application.

Step 6: Pay the ETA Fee

For Bangladeshi passport holders, the standard online Tourist ETA fee is currently US$20.

Payment is made online through the ETA system.

Step 7: Wait for ETA Approval

After submission, you should receive an acknowledgement and later your ETA decision.

Your application may be:

• Approved
• Referred for further review

If it is referred, follow the instructions provided by Sri Lankan Immigration.

Step 8: Save Your ETA Approval

Once approved:

• Save a digital copy on your phone
• Keep the confirmation email
• Carry a printed copy if possible

You should also travel with the same passport used for your ETA application.

Step 9: Keep Supporting Documents Ready

At immigration, you may be asked to show:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• ETA approval
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking or accommodation details
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

Quick Tip: Do not wait until you reach the airport. Although Sri Lanka has a limited ETA-on-arrival facility, applying online through https://eta.gov.lk/ before leaving Bangladesh is the safer and recommended option.

Can You Get a Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival?

A limited tourist ETA-on-arrival facility is available. For Bangladeshi citizens, the current fee is US$25.

But if an on-arrival application is referred or rejected, you may not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka.

For a planned holiday from Bangladesh, getting the ETA before boarding your flight is the safer option.

Common Sri Lanka Visa Mistakes to Avoid

A few minutes of checking can prevent a much bigger problem later.

1. Applying through an unofficial website. There are many third-party visa websites that look official and charge additional service fees. Look for the official Sri Lankan government ETA service.
2. Typing the passport number incorrectly. Check every character before payment.
3. Using a different passport for travel. Travel with the same passport used for your ETA.
4. Assuming Bangladesh now receives a free ETA. Bangladesh is not currently included in Sri Lanka’s 40-country free tourist ETA list.
5. Using a Tourist ETA for employment. A tourist visa does not permit you to work in Sri Lanka.
6. Waiting until the airport. Visa on arrival exists, but applying before departure reduces unnecessary risk.
7. Ignoring passport validity. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
8. Overstaying the visa. Extensions are available. Apply before your authorised stay expires.

Sri Lanka Visa Overstay Penalties

This is something travelers should not take lightly. Sri Lanka currently applies significant penalties for overstaying.

Overstay	Consequence
Up to 7 days	Applicable visa fee may be charged at departure, without an overstay penalty
More than 7 days up to 14 days	US$250 penalty + applicable visa fee
More than 14 days	US$500 penalty + applicable visa fee

If you want to stay longer, paying for a proper extension is far cheaper than paying an overstay penalty.

Sri Lanka High Commission in Bangladesh

For tourist applications, most travelers will not need to visit the High Commission.

However, you may need to contact them for:

• Referred visa applications
• Employment entry arrangements
• Special business purposes
• Media activities
• NGO/INGO activities
• Long-term visas
• Complicated immigration situations

High Commission of Sri Lanka, Dhaka

House No. 10, Road No. 62
Gulshan 02
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Office days: Sunday to Thursday
Office hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

How Early Should You Apply for Your Srilanka Visa?

For a normal holiday, there is no benefit in leaving the visa until the day before your flight.

Apply several days before departure so you have time to deal with a referral or correction if something goes wrong.

Applications submitted through a Sri Lankan overseas mission may take around three business days according to the official ETA guidance.

If your flight and hotel are already booked, getting the ETA sorted early removes one more thing from your travel checklist.

Quick Checklist Before Flying from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka

• Passport has at least 6 months’ validity
• Tourist / Business / Transit ETA approved
• Name and passport number match your passport
• ETA approval saved on your phone
• Return or onward flight confirmed
• Hotel or accommodation details available
• Enough funds available for the trip
• Children with separate passports have separate applications where required
• Correct visa obtained if travelling for work, study or long-term stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Sri Lanka visa for Bangladeshis

For most Bangladeshis visiting Sri Lanka for a holiday, the visa process is quite straightforward.

You normally need a 30-day Tourist ETA costing US$20, a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, and enough funds for your stay.

The most important part is choosing the correct visa.

A tourist should use a Tourist ETA. A short-term business visitor should use the Business ETA. Someone coming for employment, study, or long-term residence needs the appropriate residence visa instead.

And although Sri Lanka offers an ETA-on-arrival facility, completing the application before leaving Bangladesh is usually the better choice. It costs less and gives you time to solve any application issue before you reach the airport.

Once your visa is ready, the next step is planning your trip. Explore our guide to the best places to travel in Sri Lanka and start choosing the places you want to see.