Visa for the United States from Sri Lanka: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. Travellers holding a Sri Lanka passport must have a consular visa issued before travelling to the United States. The application must therefore be handled by the relevant US embassy or consulate before departure.

• Government fee185 USD
• Application centre feeVariable, set by the operator
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

A standard application file includes the required form, photographs, and evidence of accommodation, financial resources and insurance. For the exact document list and applicable fees, consult the official portal or the relevant embassy.

Follow the process published by the official portal or the relevant US embassy, then book the required appointment. Complete the required form, prepare the supporting documents and attend the appointment in line with the instructions you receive.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Sri Lanka, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Sri Lanka but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Appointment availability and processing times vary depending on the relevant US diplomatic mission and the applicant’s circumstances. Apply well before travel and do not purchase non-refundable tickets before the visa has been issued.

A frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete file or supporting evidence that does not match the official requirements. Check the information entered on the form, the photograph instructions and the required documents before attending the appointment.