
Sri Lanka Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Visa
Last Updated : 05-Sept-2023
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30-Second Summary
To extend your Sri Lanka visa as an Indian citizen, you'll typically need specific documents based on your visa type.
The visa extension process can be done at the Immigration Services Centre in Colombo.
The maximum duration of a short-term visit visa in Sri Lanka is 270 days, and visitors can apply for extensions beyond the initial 30 days to reach the total allowed stay.
The limit for extensions per instance varies, with the first extension granting 60 days and the second and third extensions granting 90 days each.
Are you an Indian national in Sri Lanka planning on extending your stay in the country? Here is what you need to know.
Let’s get started;
Can I Extend My Sri Lanka Visa?
Yes, you can extend your Sri Lanka visa. The visa extension lets you stay longer than the initial visa period.
To extend your visa, meet the eligibility criteria, and provide the required documents as specified by Sri Lankan authorities. Start the process before your visa expires to avoid legal issues.
You can extend a visa in Sri Lanka for a maximum duration of 270 days. This extension can be granted in three consecutive instances: 30 days on entry, 60 days for the first extension, and 90 days for both the second and third extensions.
What Are The Documents I Need To Extend Sri Lanka Visa For Indians?
To extend your Sri Lanka visa as an Indian citizen, you will typically need the following documents:
To extend a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the following documents are typically required:
Completed and signed tourist visa extension application form: Fill out the designated application form for extending the tourist ETA. The form may be available online or provided by the immigration authority.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended ETA.
One color passport-sized photograph of the applicant: Submit a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself. The specific size may vary, but it is typically around 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
Proof of financial resources: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the extended stay. This can include bank statements, proof of employment or income, or other supporting documents demonstrating your financial capacity.
Proof of return air ticket or onward travel plans: Show proof of a return air ticket to your country of domicile or a valid visa to the next country of destination. This is to demonstrate that you have plans to leave the country after an extended period.
To extend a business Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the following documents are typically required:
Completed business visa extension application form: Fill out the designated application form for extending the business ETA. The form can be obtained from the immigration authority or their official website.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended ETA.
One color passport-sized photograph of the applicant: Submit a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself. The specific size is usually around 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
Visa request letter from the local business partner: Obtain a letter from your local business partner in Sri Lanka. The letter should request the extension of your business visa and provide details about your ongoing business activities in the country. You can request a sample letter from the relevant authorities or your business partner.
Business registration documents of the Sri Lankan company: Submit the necessary business registration documents of the Sri Lankan company you are associated with. These documents may include the company's registration certificate, incorporation documents, or any other relevant proof of the business's existence.
Completed employment visa application Form 'A' (IM 33): You need to fill out and submit the designated application form for extending the employment visa. The form may be obtained from the immigration office or their official website.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended visa.
Three passport-size photographs: Submit three recent passport-sized photographs of yourself.
Visa extension request letter from the employer: Your employer should write a letter requesting the extension of your employment visa. The letter should include details such as your job position, the duration of the extension required, and the purpose of the extension.
Visa extension recommendation letter: Depending on the specific circumstances, you may need a recommendation letter from the respective Line Ministry, the Board of Investment Sri Lanka, or the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. This letter will support your visa extension application.
To extend a student visa, the following documents are typically required:
Completed student visa application Form 'A' (IM 33): Fill out the designated application form for extending the student visa. You can obtain the form from the immigration office or their official website.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended visa.
Visa recommendation letter from the University (for University students): Obtain a recommendation letter from your university confirming your enrollment as a student. This letter should support your visa extension application.
Letter from the educational institution confirming enrollment and proof of encashment receipt: Submit a letter from your educational institution confirming your current enrollment as a student. Additionally, provide proof of encashment receipt up to the value of US $1500/- for a year. This demonstrates your financial capacity to support yourself during the extended study period.
Completed Residence visa application - Form 'A' (IM 35): Fill out the designated application form for extending the spouse visa. You can obtain the form from the immigration authority or their official website.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended visa.
One passport-sized photograph: Submit a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself.
A letter of consent from a Sri Lankan spouse: Obtain a letter of consent from your Sri Lankan spouse supporting your visa extension application. This letter should affirm the continuation of the spousal relationship and express consent for the extension of your visa.
Original passport of the Sri Lankan spouse: Include the original passport of your Sri Lankan spouse as part of the application. This is to establish the identity and citizenship of your Sri Lankan spouse.
To extend a retirement visa, the following documents are typically required:
Completed visa application Form 'A' (IM 35): Fill out the designated application form for extending the retirement visa. You can obtain the form from the immigration authority or their official website.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended visa.
Three color photographs of the applicant: Submit three recent color photographs of yourself.
Police clearance certificate obtained from the nearest police station in Sri Lanka (original): Obtain a police clearance certificate from the nearest police station in Sri Lanka. This certificate confirms that you have no criminal record.
Bank statement to prove receiving remittance: Provide a bank statement that shows regular remittance being received, demonstrating your financial capability to support yourself during the extended period.
Letter from the bank confirming the fixed deposit: Obtain a letter from the bank confirming your fixed deposit account, which may be a requirement for the retirement visa extension.
Medical insurance to cover the period of two years: Acquire medical insurance coverage that will be valid for the duration of the extended visa. This is to ensure that you have proper healthcare coverage during your stay.
To extend a visa for ex-Sri Lankans, the following documents are typically required:
Completed visa application Form 'A' (IM 35): Fill out the designated application form for extending the visa. You can obtain the form from the immigration authority or their official website.
Passport of the applicant (original): Provide your original passport, which should be valid and have an expiration date beyond the duration of the extended visa.
One color photograph of the applicant: Submit a recent color photograph of yourself.
Original birth certificate of the applicant and dependents, if applicable: Include the applicant's original birth certificate. If there are any dependents included in the visa application, provide their original birth certificates as well.
How to Apply for Sri Lanka Visa Extension
Extension of your visa can be conveniently applied for at the Immigration Services Centre, which is located in the central business district of Colombo.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how the extension process works:
Visit The Immigration Services Centre: Visit the Immigration Services Centre and submit your application along with the required fees. The staff will assist you in the process. Once your application is received, The department will provide you with an approximate timeframe for collecting your passport with the extended visa.
Wait For Approval: After receiving your application, the department will take care of submitting it to the Department of Immigration for processing. The team will handle all the necessary procedures on your behalf.
Collect Your Passport: Once the processing is completed and your visa extension is approved, you have two options for collecting your passport. You can either go to the service centre to pick it up or for added convenience, the department offers a delivery service at a nominal fee. This way, you can have your passport with the extended visa delivered to your preferred location.
Everything You Need To Know About The Sri Lanka Visa Extensions
Sri Lanka offers various types of visas to foreign nationals based on their purpose of visit. Some of the common types of Sri Lanka visas include:
Tourist Visa (ETA): For individuals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism or leisure purposes.
Business Visa (ETA): For individuals visiting Sri Lanka for business-related activities, conferences, or meetings.
Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Sri Lanka to their final destination.
Student Visa: For foreign students enrolled in educational institutions in Sri Lanka.
Spouse Visa: For spouses of Sri Lankan citizens or permanent residents who wish to join their partners in Sri Lanka.
Golden Visa: A permit for foreigners to obtain residence facilities for the purpose of making investments in a government-approved bank.
There is no Sri Lanka visa on arrival.
The Sri Lanka, visa extension fees consist of the Government visa fee, tax, and the Immigration Services Centre service fee. The visa fee is calculated based on your nationality, as determined by the Department of Immigration.
All Done
In conclusion, the process of extending your Sri Lanka visa can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps and provide the required documents.
Government sources
This blog uses AI to make the information easier to understand. You can rely on the accuracy and validity of the content. Rest assured; all the information comes from trusted government sources like:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can extend your short-term visit visa in Sri Lanka if you wish to stay for a longer duration.
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