USA Visit Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka
Traveling to the United States from Sri Lanka requires a visa for most purposes, such as tourism, transit, business negotiations, attending conferences, and workshops. However, some international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet specific criteria
Passport Validity and Blank Pages
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the expected date of departure from Sri Lanka
Additionally, you will need one blank page in your passport for the entry stamp
Visa Types
There are several types of visas available for Sri Lankan citizens, including:
- Tourist Visa: For those traveling to the United States for tourism or transit purposes
- Business ETA: For those engaging in business negotiations, attending conferences, and workshops
- Religious or Volunteer Work Visa: For those traveling to the United States for religious or volunteer work purposes
- Local Employment Visa: For those traveling to the United States for local employment purposes
Visa Application Process
To apply for a US visa, follow these steps:
- Complete the application: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely.
- Schedule an interview: Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application during the 365-day period
- Pay the visa application fee: All nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued for payment of the MRV fee.
- Prepare supporting documents: Gather the required documents, such as proof of sufficient funds, an approval notice onward/return ticket, and a letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, and the business purpose of your U.S. trip
Visa Fees
The visa issuance fee, also known as the reciprocity fee, varies based on the visa category. The minimum fee is Rs. 1000/- and the maximum is 10,000/-
Visa Services
The US Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, processes nonimmigrant visas and immigrant visas
You can contact the embassy at 210, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka, by phone at 94-2498500, or by email
In conclusion, to visit the United States from Sri Lanka, you must obtain the appropriate visa based on your purpose of travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has one blank page for the entry stamp. Follow the visa application process, pay the required fees, and gather the necessary supporting documents. By doing so, you can successfully obtain a US visa and enjoy your trip to the United States.