Home Arrow FAQ Arrow What Are Photo Requirements for Sri Lanka Visa Applications?

What Are Photo Requirements for Sri Lanka Visa Applications?

If you're applying for a standard Sri Lanka Tourist, Business, or Transit ETA online, you generally do not need to upload a photo — only a scanned copy of your passport's biodata page. A passport-style photo is required only if you apply through a Sri Lankan embassy/overseas mission, apply via a local sponsor, or are applying for a Sri Lankan passport itself. When a photo is required, it must follow the Department of Immigration & Emigration's official specifications below.

Does a Sri Lanka ETA Application Require a Photo?

No. A standard online Sri Lanka ETA application does not require a photograph upload.

When a Photo Is Actually Required

Online ETA (most travelers): No photo upload — just your passport bio page, travel details, and payment.

Embassy/consulate or overseas-mission applications: Typically two recent passport-size color photos are required.

Sponsor-based visas (for nationalities that can't apply for ETA independently): Passport-size photos are part of the required document set submitted to the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Battaramulla.

Sri Lankan passport applications (citizens only): A digital photo taken at an authorized photo studio, following the same specifications below.

Official Sri Lanka Photo Specifications

Size and format

35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm) — standard passport size.

Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Passport applicants must submit a digital photo through an authorized photo studio or at a Department office — printed photos are no longer accepted for passport applications. For embassy visa submissions, printed color photos on photo paper are typically still required. 

Background

The background must be a plain light color — white, light blue, or light grey — with clear contrast against your face and clothing.

No patterns, textures, shadows, or objects behind you.

Quality and exposure

The image needs even lighting and sharp focus, with no ink marks, creases, or lines, and skin tone must look natural — over- or under-exposed photos (too dark or too light) will be rejected.

No red-eye.

Face and framing

Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open, no hair covering your face, forehead, or ears.

Your face should fill roughly 70–80% of the frame, showing a close-up of your head and part of your shoulders.

Glasses and headwear

Spectacles are not accepted in the photo. If you normally wear glasses, remove them for the photo. 

Religious or cultural head coverings are allowed, but they must not obscure your face.

How to Avoid Sri Lanka Visa Photo Problems

If your Sri Lanka visa application requires a photograph, follow the exact instructions for your visa type and application location.

Your photo may be rejected or cause delays if it:

  • Is outdated or does not meet the required size.
  • Has an unsuitable or uneven background.
  • Shows glasses, sunglasses, headphones, or other devices that obscure the face.
  • Has shadows, glare, red-eye, creases, or visible marks.
  • Includes another person or distracting objects.
  • Has filters, heavy retouching, or other digital alterations.

For a compliant photo, use a recent, clear passport-style image with even lighting, a plain background, and your face and eyes clearly visible.

Important: Sri Lanka visa photo requirements vary by visa category and application channel. Check the latest instructions from the Sri Lanka ETA system, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, or the relevant Sri Lankan embassy or high commission before submitting your application.

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