Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? It’s essential to understand the visa fees before you embark on your journey. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information about Sri Lanka visa fees to ensure a smooth application process. From payment details to restrictions and visa types, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!
Overview
When applying for a nonimmigrant visa to Sri Lanka, every applicant, including children, must pay a non-refundable visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee. This fee is applicable regardless of whether a visa is granted or not. The amount of the fee varies based on the type of visa and your citizenship. Additionally, certain visa types may require a visa issuance or “reciprocity” fee.
Payment Information
Although the fees are listed in U.S. dollars, payment must be made in the local currency. Sri Lankan residents can conveniently pay their fees at any DFCC bank location in Sri Lanka. If you are a resident of the Maldives, you can pay your fees through a bank draft in Sri Lankan rupees drawn on a Sri Lankan bank, made out to “UNITED STATES DISBURSING OFFICER, SYMBOL 8768.” Please note that US Dollar bank drafts must be drawn on a bank in the United States.
Restrictions
It’s important to note that the visa application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Once you pay the fee, you will receive a receipt. The validity of the receipt for nonimmigrant visa application fees made after October 1, 2022, is 365 days from the date of issue. You must schedule an interview or submit an interview waiver application within this 365-day period. However, the actual interview can take place at a later date. For receipts issued before October 1, 2022, the validity has been extended until September 30, 2023.
Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts
The application fees vary depending on the visa type. The most common nonimmigrant visa types, such as tourist, business, student, and exchange visas, have an application fee of US$185. Work and religious visas cost US$205, while K visas (fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen) have a fee of US$265. The fee for E visas (treaty trader/investor, Australian professional specialty) is US$315. For a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts, refer to the tables below:
| Fee Class | Fee Amount (USD$) | Fee Amount (LKR) |
|---|---|---|
| B | $185 | N/A |
| C-1 | $185 | N/A |
| D | $185 | N/A |
| F | $185 | N/A |
| I | $185 | N/A |
| J | $185 | N/A |
| M | $185 | N/A |
| T | $185 | N/A |
| TN/TD | $185 | N/A |
| U | $185 | N/A |
| H | $205 | N/A |
| L | $205 | N/A |
| O | $205 | N/A |
| P | $205 | N/A |
| Q | $205 | N/A |
| R | $205 | N/A |
| K | $265 | N/A |
| E | $315 | N/A |
| Visa Type | Description | Fee Amount (USD$) | Fee Amount (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Business/Tourist | $185 | N/A |
| C-1 | Transit | $185 | N/A |
| D | Ship/Airline Crew | $185 | N/A |
| E | Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty | $315 | N/A |
| F | Student (academic) | $185 | N/A |
| H | Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees | $205 | N/A |
| I | Journalist and Media | $185 | N/A |
| J | Exchange Visitor | $185 | N/A |
| K | Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen | $265 | N/A |
| L | Intracompany Transferees | $205 | N/A |
| M | Student (vocational) | $185 | N/A |
| O | Persons with Extraordinary Ability | $205 | N/A |
| P | Athletes, Artists & Entertainers | $205 | N/A |
| Q | International Cultural Exchange | $205 | N/A |
| R | Religious Worker | $205 | N/A |
| T | Victim of Human Trafficking | $185 | N/A |
| U | Victim of Criminal Activity | $185 | N/A |
| TN/TD | NAFTA Professionals | $185 | N/A |
Visa Types and Conditions with No Fee Required
Certain visa types are exempt from the visa application fee. These include applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas, as well as applicants participating in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges. Additionally, replacement of a machine-readable visa and applicants exempted by international agreement or traveling to provide charitable services are also exempt from the fee.
Other Fees
In some cases, additional fees may be required. These fees include nonimmigrant visa issuance (“reciprocity”) fees based on the requirements of the foreign government and SEVIS fees for F, M, and J visa participants. Applicants covered under a blanket petition for L status must also pay a Fraud Prevention and Detection fee.
Conclusion
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the Sri Lanka visa fees, you can confidently plan your trip. Remember to pay the required fees in the local currency and adhere to the specific payment instructions. Should you have any further questions or need more information, refer to the official website or contact the relevant authorities. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How much is the visa application fee for Sri Lanka?
- The visa application fee varies based on the type of visa. The most common nonimmigrant visa types have an application fee of US$185.
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Can I get a refund if my visa application is not approved?
- No, the visa application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or not.
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Where can Sri Lankan residents pay their visa fees?
- Sri Lankan residents can pay their fees at any DFCC bank location in Sri Lanka.
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What currency should I use to pay the visa fees?
- Payment must be made in the local currency. Sri Lankan residents should pay in Sri Lankan rupees.
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Are there any exemptions from paying the visa application fee?
- Yes, certain visa types, such as A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas, are exempt from the fee. Additionally, applicants participating in official U.S. Government-sponsored exchanges or providing charitable services may also be exempt.
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Are there any additional fees apart from the visa application fee?
- Depending on the circumstances, additional fees such as visa issuance fees and SEVIS fees may be required.
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How long is the visa application fee receipt valid?
- Receipts issued after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date of issue. Receipts issued before this date have been extended until September 30, 2023.
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Can I pay the visa application fee at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate?
- No, the visa application fee must be paid at the designated payment locations mentioned in the official guidelines.
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Where can I find more information about visa issuance fees?
- The Department of State’s website provides more information about visa issuance fees. You can determine if an issuance fee applies to your nationality through their resources.
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How can I pay the SEVIS fee?
- Instructions for paying the SEVIS fee can be found on the official website. Payment must be made before your student or exchange visitor visa can be issued.
Key Takeaways
- Visa applicants are required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before applying for a nonimmigrant visa to Sri Lanka.
- The fee amount varies based on the visa type and the applicant’s citizenship.
- Payment must be made in the local currency, and specific payment instructions should be followed.
- Exemptions from the visa application fee exist for certain visa types and specific circumstances.
- Additional fees such as visa issuance fees and SEVIS fees may be applicable in certain cases.
- Receipts for visa application fees have specific validity periods, and it’s crucial to adhere to them.
- For more detailed information and specific requirements, refer to the official guidelines and contact the relevant authorities.
Remember, when traveling to Sri Lanka, understanding the visa fees is essential for a hassle-free journey. Plan ahead, gather all the necessary information, and make your travel dreams a reality! Safe travels!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance purposes only. Please refer to the official guidelines and consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa fees.
