News : Department of Immigration and Emigration

Media Notice

04 03 2026 - 12:10 PM

Media Notice – Department of Immigration & Emigration

Date : 01/03/2026

Due to the cancellation of Middle –East bound flights effective from 28 February 2026, Passengers who are unable to depart Sri Lanka within the validity period of their visas may face difficulties.

In order to facilitate such passengers, The Department of Immigration & Emigration has decided to grant a free 14 day visa extension to enable them to remain in the country legally until alternative departure arrangements are made. The visa extensions will be granted for 14 days from the date of expiry of the current visa and will be issued on a case by case basis, subject to verification of the relevant circumstances. Passengers are required to provide proof of their inability to depart due to flight cancellations, such as boarding passes, flight cancellation notices, or airline confirmations. The visa extension may be obtained at the Airport immigration office at the time of their departure.

I.Chaminda Pathiraja
Controller General of Immigration & Emigration