Yes, a visa is required to travel from Sri Lanka to United Arab Emirates.
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Do I need a visa for United Arab Emirates from Sri Lanka?
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Yes. Sri Lankan nationals must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before travelling to the United Arab Emirates for tourism.
The United Arab Emirates does not grant visa-free entry to Sri Lankan travellers: an e-Visa must be obtained before departure. The application is made online, either directly on the official portal or through a sponsor such as an airline, hotel, or resident. The fee and validity depend on the visa type and appear on the official portal.
Do you need a visa?
Sri Lankan citizens do not have visa-free access to the United Arab Emirates and must obtain a tourist e-Visa before travelling. Some entry points may offer visa on arrival for other nationalities, but Sri Lankans should assume prior authorisation is required. Check the exact conditions on the official ICP portal before booking.
How and where to apply
The e-Visa application is completed online, either through the ICP smart services (icp.gov.ae) or via a UAE sponsor such as an airline (for example Emirates), a hotel, or a tour operator. In Dubai, the GDRFA also processes applications. Create an account, upload the requested documents, and track progress online.
Documents and fees
Prepare a passport valid for at least six months on the date of entry, a recent digital passport photo, a copy of the passport bio-data page, and, where applicable, confirmation of hotel and return flight bookings. Fees vary by duration and visa type; they are not fixed here and must be checked on the official portal. A clear, complete file speeds up processing.
Processing and tips
Processing time depends on the channel chosen and is not guaranteed; submit the application several days before departure. Keep your e-Visa in both digital and printed form for boarding and entry control. Make sure your name is entered exactly as it appears on the passport.
Common mistakes
Do not wait until the airport counting on visa on arrival: Sri Lankan nationals must obtain the e-Visa in advance. Do not travel on a passport valid for less than six months, a frequent cause of denied boarding. Finally, check that the details entered match the passport exactly.
Official sources
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA)
- Emirates – UAE visa services
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential United Arab Emirates information
The United Arab Emirates presents a solid and prosperous economy with stable politics in a dynamic regional context. The country shows sustained economic growth around 4.8% in 2025 and 2026, driven by diversification of the non-hydrocarbon sector and expansion of digital and logistics services.
Weather in Abu Dhabi
Practical travel information
- Arabe
- Anglais
Essential preparations
- Police : 999
- Ambulance : 998
- Fire brigade : 997
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to United Arab Emirates from Sri Lanka?▾
Yes, an e-visa (electronic visa) is required. It is applied for online before departure and allows a stay of 180 days.
How long can you stay in United Arab Emirates?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 180 days.
What other visa types exist for United Arab Emirates?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, United Arab Emirates offers among others: Job Seeker / Exploration visa, Green Visa (5-year residency), Virtual Working Programme (digital nomad), Employment Residence visa (employer-sponsored), Student visa, Family Residence visa (dependant).
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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