Canada entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Sri Lankan passports. Plan ahead: processing can take weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Sri Lankan passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most applications. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Colombo.Apply for visitor visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. There is no 6-month validity rule for Canada — just cover your travel dates. Airlines may still check for at least 6 months validity, so carry your visa approval letter as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. Budget airlines at Toronto Pearson and Vancouver check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Canada with their address and contact number. CBSA officers may ask where you are staying — having a booking ready avoids delays. Hostels and Airbnb bookings are fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay — around CAD $1,000–$2,000 for a short trip is typical. CBSA officers rarely ask for exact amounts, but being able to show funds on your phone or in print helps. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 2–4 weeks or longer. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand. Refused applications are not refunded.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for a visitor visa
Go to the IRCC website, create an account, and complete the application form. Upload scanned copies of your passport, photos, financial documents, travel itinerary, and any supporting letters. Pay the CAD $100 application fee (plus biometrics fee of CAD $85). Submit and wait for a confirmation email.
2
Give biometrics
After submitting, you'll get a letter asking for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — in Sri Lanka, that's in Colombo. Bring your passport and the letter. Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing for Sri Lankan applications is 2–4 weeks, but can take longer during peak seasons. You can check your application status online. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, you'll get a visa counterfoil in your passport (or a letter if you applied by mail). On arrival at a Canadian airport, go to the visitor queue, present your passport and visa, and answer questions about your trip. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs; requires medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + CAD 100 (~USD 75) work permit fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for extending visitor status within Canada. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no official cap, but may lead to removal. | CAD 200 per day (~USD 150) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa (free) before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US nonimmigrant visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
InfluenzaModerate risk
Seasonal flu circulates widely; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries only, not walk-in applications.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain services; check online first.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel.
Standard processing time for Sri Lanka is 2–4 weeks, but it can be longer during busy periods (summer, December). Check the IRCC website for current estimated times.
The visitor visa application fee is CAD $100 per person. Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85 per person (or CAD $170 for a family). Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
Yes. Most applicants from Sri Lanka need to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Colombo. You'll get a letter after submitting your application telling you how to book.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Sri Lanka, or incomplete documents. There is no formal appeal process — just reapply with a stronger application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You must show you still meet the requirements and have a valid reason. The extension fee is CAD $100. Overstaying can affect future applications.
Yes, if you are a Sri Lankan passport holder transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you generally need a transit visa. Apply for a transit visa (free) through the same IRCC portal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.