Sri Lanka
United States
United States visa for Sri Lankan citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires Sri Lankan citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at lk.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Sri Lanka
- Embassy of the United States in Colombo
Galle Road 210, Colombo 03
The United States has 1 mission in Sri Lanka, with its embassy in Colombo.
US visas issued to citizens of Sri Lanka
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 10,299 | 8,534 |
| Student (F, M) | 932 | 795 |
| Exchange (J) | 229 | 187 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 654 | 618 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 1,062 | 982 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 602 | 466 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 56 | 28 |
| Other | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 13,836 | 11,613 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 29.8% | 33.4% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 11,613 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Sri Lanka, the 74th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 73%, transit and crew visas 8% and student visas 7%. That is 16% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (13,836).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Sri Lanka received 3,149, 32% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 33.4% for citizens of Sri Lanka in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 29.8%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Sri Lanka anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Sri Lanka.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka
United StatesSri Lanka Visa on arrival Sri Lanka visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Sri Lanka to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long Sri Lankan citizens can stay in the United States
How long Sri Lankan citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Sri Lankan citizens apply
In Sri Lanka, applications go to the US embassy in Colombo, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Sri Lankan citizens
Canada, Mexico and Cuba require Sri Lankan citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka issues US citizens a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires Sri Lankan citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Where is the US embassy in Sri Lanka?
The US embassy in Sri Lanka is in Colombo.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka issues US citizens a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
Can Sri Lankan citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.