Prior visas must be obtained by Journalists/media personnel who expect to visit Sri Lanka on an assignment. In addition to the visa application form, they are required to submit a list of equipments which they intend to take to Sri Lanka on the prescribed form. Journalists are advised to apply for visas well in advance, as the Embassy needs the clearance from the authorities in Colombo to issue visas for them.

They are also required to call over at the Public Communications Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic Building, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94 112 473 944, +94 112 437 633, +94 112 473 946, Email : dgpc@mfa.gov.lk and publicity@mfa.gov.lk after their arrival in Sri Lanka to obtain their Media Accreditation issued by the Department of Information. Media Accreditation will not be recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for any media personnel arriving in Sri Lanka on tourist visas, or those who obtain their visas on arrival. Please visit www.mfa.gov.lk/guidelines-for-foreign-media for more details.

Documents Required for a Visa for Journalists to visit Sri Lanka

1. Duly filled Application for Business Visa (ETA Application for Business Purpose) Form
2. Original Passport (minimum validity of 6 months beyond the period of stay)
3. Two recent passport-size colour photographs
4. A letter of commission from respective media organisation (For free-lance journalists, a letter from the Editor of a reputed publication)
5. Equipment list for electronic media along with a carnet or bank guarantee for customs purpose
6. Confirmation is required of the travel arrangements, copy of return air ticket or flight itinerary obtained from a Travel Agent
7. Letter if undertaking that the equipment are re-exported
8. Relevant Visa fee

In addition to above, visiting media for documentary and feature films should fulfil following special requirements.

Media teams coming to Sri Lanka for filming of documentaries/feature films are required to complete the National Film Corporation Agreement (Download the agreement here) and submit it along with the synopsis of the documentary/feature film, itinerary of the media team in Sri Lanka as well as locations of filming. Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs need at least seven (07) working days to obtain the permission from the National Film Corporation, such media teams are advised to submit the necessary documents to this Embassy well in advance prior to their scheduled departure.

Documents required for producing a film/documentary in Sri Lanka

1. Company profile
2. Letter from the Institution/Organization
3. Programme profile
4. Synopsis
5. Script of the film/programme
6. List of the crew with the titles
7. Carnet – List of equipment
8. Letter of assurance stating carnet will be re-exported after filming
9. Locations of filming
10. Detailed programme with dates & locations
11. Agreement signed with the National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka
12. Letter from Sri Lankan Counterpart
13. Letter from the Broadcasting Company/TV Channel confirming the telecast of the film/programme
14. Visa applications (Business visa)
15. Passports
16. Copy of the return air ticket