You should apply for a business visa if you are travelling to Sri Lanka for one or several of the following purposes:

1. Participation in business meetings and negotiations
2. Conferences, workshops and seminars
3. Short term training programmes
4. Participation in art, music and dance events
5. Participation in symposiums
6. Participation in religious events 

2:1 Short-term business visa

If the length of your stay in Sri Lanka is less than 30 days, the applicant or third party his/her behalf can apply for the business visa by submitting a business ETA applications visa from the ETA website, www.eta.gov.lk. If you are unable to submit the online application due to technical reasons, the duly completed applications can be forwarded to the closest Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions to apply on your behalf. Documents required:

1. ETA application form (click here to download)
2. One recent passport-size photographs
3. The invitation from the host company in Sri Lanka. A copy should also be sent directly by the company to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. (Fax No. 202 232 7181)
4. Letter from the sending US organization.
5. Return air tickets
6. Passport – n.b. The validity of the passport must be at least six months beyond the date of entry in to Sri Lanka.
7. Visa fee of US$ 55 (Payable by money order, bank certified check or cash in favor of the Embassy of Sri Lanka.) An additional US$ 20 is charged to return the passport to the applicant by post.) (Click here to see the processing fee)

Processing time: 1-14 business days

2:2 Long-term business visa

If the length of your stay is more than 30 days, you must apply for a long-term business visa. Documents required:

1. Multiple Entry visa application form (click here to download)
2. One recent passport-size photographs
3. Invitation from the host company in Sri Lanka. A copy should also be sent directly by the company to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. (Fax No. 202 232 7181)
4. Letter from the sending US organization.
5. Return air tickets
6. Passport - n.b. The validity of the passport must be at least six months beyond the date of entry in to Sri Lanka.
7. Visa fee of US$ 140 (Payable by money order, bank certified check or cash in favor of the Embassy of Sri Lanka.) An additional US$ 20 is charged to return the passport to the applicant by post.)

Processing time: 1-14 business days. n.b. If the passport on which the visa/ETA has been issued expires before the visa, the new passport should be submitted to the Embassy for the issuance of a new ETA. This will be done at no cost to the applicant.