Sri Lanka Introduces Digital Nomad Visa and 180-Day Tourist Stay in 2026

Sri Lanka Rolls Out New Visa Options for Long-Stay Travelers in 2026

Sri Lanka has announced major visa reforms for 2026, introducing its first-ever Digital Nomad Visa and extending the tourist visa stay to 180 days. These changes aim to attract long-term visitors, remote workers, and slow travelers while boosting tourism revenue without impacting local jobs.

The new visa options position Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for digital nomads and extended-stay tourists in South Asia.

Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Key Details

Sri Lanka has officially launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, designed for remote workers who earn income from outside the country.

Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must be 18 years or older

• Must work remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner

• Income must come only from outside Sri Lanka

• Business or employer must not be registered in Sri Lanka

• Must meet a minimum income threshold set by the Sri Lankan government (exact amount yet to be clarified)

Visa Validity and Fees

• Valid for up to one year

• Renewal is allowed

• Government visa fee: USD 500 per applicant for the first year

What the Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa Allows

Holders of the digital nomad visa can:

• Live long-term in Sri Lanka

• Enroll children in international or private schools

• Open and use local bank accounts

• Rent or lease property

• Access utilities such as electricity, water, and internet

• Use co-working spaces

• Attend local tech, startup, and tourism events

Activities Not Allowed on the Digital Nomad Visa

Digital nomad visa holders cannot:

• Work for Sri Lankan companies

• Take local employment

• Earn income from within Sri Lanka

• Engage in domestic commercial activities

The visa is strictly for foreign income earners.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Extended to 180 Days

Sri Lanka has also expanded its traditional tourist visa duration from 90 days to up to 180 days, making it more attractive for long-stay tourists and slow travelers.

How to Apply

• Applications can be submitted online

• Use the Sri Lanka Tourist Mobile App

• Processed via the Electronic Tourist Visa Activation System

• No embassy or consulate visit required

Tourist Visa Fees by Nationality

Visa fees for the extended tourist stay vary:

• SAARC countries: USD 70

• Non-SAARC countries: USD 85

• Countries under bilateral agreements (such as Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles): USD 50

Work Rules for Tourists in Sri Lanka

Tourist visa holders:

• Cannot work locally

• Cannot earn income inside Sri Lanka

• May only represent or promote an overseas business without formal employment or local income generation

Why Sri Lanka Is Making These Visa Changes

Sri Lanka’s visa reforms aim to:

• Encourage longer stays

• Increase local spending by foreign visitors

• Support tourism recovery

• Attract remote workers without affecting domestic employment

With a dedicated digital nomad visa, Sri Lanka becomes one of the first countries in the region to formally welcome remote professionals under a clear legal framework. Also Read: Economic Times 

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