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Visa for Media Personnel (JOURNALIST VISA)

All journalists & media personnel traveling to Sri Lanka must obtain a visa from the Embassy prior to their travel to Sri Lanka.

  • Media teams are advised to submit visa requests at least 2 weeks in advance of their date of departure.
  • Regulations pertaining to media equipment are strictly enforced by Sri Lanka Customs. Visiting journalists & media personnel must obtain a Carnet (a temporary import document) for their media equipment (cameras, etc.), for customs clearance. In the absence of a Carnet, a bank guarantee for the value of the imported media equipment must be submitted.
  • If the visit is sponsored by a state institution, a letter from the institution concerned, guaranteeing that the media equipment will be re-exported, must be provided.
  • Telephone equipment such as satellite phones require a prior license from the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
  • A list of media equipment to be carried by the visiting journalists & media personnel must be sent to the Public Diplomacy Division of the Foreign Ministry, Sri Lanka through the Embassy in Stockholm, to facilitate clearance at airport Customs. A letter of undertaking must also be provided by the media organization, guaranteeing that the media equipment will be re-exported upon the departure of the media personnel.
  • All foreign media personnel working in Sri Lanka must obtain media accreditation. (Media accreditation will not be recommended/granted for any person who travels to Sri Lanka with a tourist visa.)
  • Media personnel must possess the relevant visa, issued by the Embassy, in order to obtain media accreditation.
  • Media accreditation requests submitted to the Embassy are forwarded to the Department of Government Information  via the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka. Accreditation is provided upon recommendation from the said Ministry.
  • Journalists wishing to obtain media accreditation should visit the Department of Government Information in Colombo.
  • Journalists may contact the Public Diplomacy Division, Foreign Ministry for courtesy meetings, clearance of media equipment, coordination to meet VVIPs, etc.

Guidelines for shooting films in Sri Lanka

  • The filming of all documentaries & feature films (except Tourism Promotional Documentaries & Wildlife Documentaries) require prior approval from the National Film Corporation (NFC)
  • Media teams must complete & submit the NFC Agreement, a synopsis of the documentary/film, itinerary of the media team while in Sri Lanka, and filming locations.
  • Media teams travelling to Sri Lanka to film tourism promotional documentaries, or taking part in Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) familiarization tours, are required to fill the “SLTB Selection Criteria for Journalists/TV crews for FAM tours” form.
  • Prior approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation  is necessary to film in Protected Areas. The “Application for Filming in Wildlife Protected Areas” form must be completed and submitted.

Required documents for Visa for Media Personnel

  • Duly filled relevant ETA Business Visa Application Form Tourist-Business-Visa-application-form-1.pdf
  • Current Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of arrival).
  • One recent passport-sized (3.5cm x 4.5cm) photographs
  • Letter of Invitation from the host company in Sri Lankan
  • Credentials [letter from employer/organization]
  • Synopsises of the production – a fairly comprehensive report is required
  • List of media equipment to be cleared by Sri Lanka Customs on arrival
  1. Approval from the National Film Corporation (NFC) if applicable
  2. Application for filming in wildlife protected areas, if applicable
  3. SLTPB selection Criteria for Journalists/TV Crews for FAM Tours form, if applicable
  • Letter of Invitation by the Sri Lankan authorities (if applicable)
  • International Vaccination Certificate
  • Flight reservation of a return ticket

How to apply for Journalist Visa

  • Applying at our counter:You can submit your application by visiting us in person after obtaining a prior appointment through our website embassy.gov.lk. You can obtain an appointmenton any working day between 9.30am -1.30pm. through the link provided in the website.
  • Submitting via post: You can also submit your application via post. You must send the application to us at least three (3) months prior to your departure.

 

Payment

For Payments at the Counter:

  • Payment must be made at the time of tendering the application, and the receipt kept for reference.
  • Personal/Company cheques not accepted.
  • All payments are non-refundable.

For Applications submitted via post: The scanned copy of the receipt will be emailed to the applicant after the payment is received and application is processed.

 Application Forms