United States visa for Sri Lankan citizens
Visa required
🇱🇰 Sri Lankan passport → 🇺🇸 United States: yes — a visa arranged in advance.
How it works
You'll need a visa arranged in advance through the embassy or consulate (or an authorised visa centre): application form, passport photos, fee, and often proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel. Start early — processing can take weeks.
Heads-up: United States commonly asks for proof of onward travel (airline check-in (Visa Waiver / ESTA)).
Before the airport: run the "Will I board?" checklist for this route →
Beyond United States: the Sri Lanka passport
The 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka passport ranks #181 of 199 worldwide, entering 43 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (see the world ranking).
Also visa-free on the Sri Lanka passport: 🇧🇧 Barbados (180 days), 🇩🇲 Dominica (180 days), 🇧🇸 Bahamas (90 days) — all 43 open destinations.
Going the other way? American citizens visiting Sri Lanka need a visa on arrival, issued at the border.
Never get caught out
Visa rules change with little notice. Get one email when United States changes its entry rules for Sri Lankan passports.
Capital Washington D.C. · Currency United States dollar ($) · Dialling +1
Before you travel
Sorting your United States trip on the Sri Lanka passport:
See the whole picture
Every destination for the Sri Lanka passport, and everyone who can enter United States.
Sri Lankan passport: all destinations Who can enter United States Plan the trip