This comprehensive guide covers UK visa fees for Sri Lankans in 2026, including all costs in both US Dollars and Sri Lankan Rupees. Sri Lankan nationals must apply for a UK visa to visit, work, or study in the United Kingdom. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (LKR 54,870), the Student visa is $731 (LKR 226,610), and the Spouse visa is $2,703 (LKR 837,930). According to Home Office statistics, Sri Lanka has a 72% visitor visa grant rate with 8,818 refusals—below the global average of 79%. Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Colombo.
UK visa fees from Sri Lanka in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa is $177 (LKR 54,870), 2-year Visitor visa is $662 (LKR 205,220), Student visa is $731 (LKR 226,610), Skilled Worker visa is $1,072 (LKR 332,320), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (LKR 837,930). All fees are charged in USD at VFS Global Colombo. The exchange rate used is approximately LKR 310 per $1 USD.
- UK Visa Statistics for Sri Lanka 2025
- UK Visa Fees Sri Lanka in Rupees 2026
- UK Visit Visa from Sri Lanka
- UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka
- UK Work Visa from Sri Lanka
- UK Spouse & Family Visa from Sri Lanka
- UK Priority Visa from Sri Lanka
- How to Apply for UK Visa from Sri Lanka
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa Statistics for Sri Lanka 2025
Understanding UK visa success rates can help Sri Lankan applicants prepare stronger applications. The latest Home Office statistics reveal that Sri Lanka has moderate approval rates across visa categories, with visitor visas facing the most scrutiny.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
UK Visa Fees Sri Lanka in Rupees 2026
UK visa fees from Sri Lanka are charged in US Dollars. The table below shows comprehensive fees in both USD and Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) using the current exchange rate of approximately LKR 310 per $1 USD.
Complete UK Visa Fee Table in Sri Lankan Rupees 2026
UK Visit Visa from Sri Lanka 2026
The UK visit visa fee from Sri Lanka for 6 months is $177 (LKR 54,870). Long-term visitor visas are also available: 2-year visa costs $662 (LKR 205,220), 5-year visa costs $1,183 (LKR 366,730), and the 10-year visa costs $1,477 (LKR 457,870). With a 72% grant rate and 8,818 refusals, Sri Lankan visitor visa applicants should prepare comprehensive applications.
The Standard Visitor visa allows Sri Lankan nationals to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Each visit is limited to a maximum of 180 days, regardless of visa duration.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Sri Lanka 2026
Other Visit Visa Types from Sri Lanka
- Marriage Visitor visa: $177 (LKR 54,870) — For marriage or civil partnership in the UK
- Visiting Academic (6-12 months): $307 (LKR 95,170) — For research or educational exchange
- Private Medical Treatment: $307 (LKR 95,170) — For 6-11 months treatment
- Permitted Paid Engagement: $177 (LKR 54,870) — For up to 30 days paid activity
- Direct Airside Transit (DATV): $54 (LKR 16,740) — For transit through UK airports
- Visitor in Transit: $98 (LKR 30,380) — For passing through UK border control
UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka 2026
The UK student visa fee from Sri Lanka 2026 is $731 (LKR 226,610). Sri Lankan students enjoy a strong 92% grant rate with only 317 refusals. Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year (approximately $963 or LKR 298,530 annually). Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK sponsor.
The UK Student visa enables Sri Lankan students to study at UK educational institutions. With a 92% grant rate, Sri Lankan students have good prospects for approval when meeting all requirements.
Post-Study Work Opportunities for Sri Lankan Graduates
Sri Lankan graduates can apply for the Graduate Route after completing their studies:
- Bachelor's/Master's graduates: 2-year post-study work visa (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
- PhD holders: 3-year post-study work visa
- Work rights during study: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
UK Work Visa from Sri Lanka 2026
UK work visa fees from Sri Lanka depend on visa type and duration. The Skilled Worker visa costs $1,072 (LKR 332,320) for up to 3 years, or $2,118 (LKR 656,580) for longer periods. Health and Care Worker visas have reduced fees of $424 (LKR 131,440). Sri Lanka has a 74% Skilled Worker visa grant rate with 1,052 refusals—below average, requiring strong applications.
Skilled Worker & Health Care Visa Fees from Sri Lanka
UK Spouse & Family Visa from Sri Lanka 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Sri Lanka is $2,703 (LKR 837,930). Sri Lankan family visa applicants enjoy a strong 91% grant rate with only 79 refusals. The UK sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year. Processing takes up to 12 weeks standard, or 6 weeks with priority service ($697 additional).
The UK Spouse visa enables Sri Lankan nationals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. With a 91% grant rate, Sri Lankan family visa applicants have excellent prospects when meeting requirements.
UK Priority Visa from Sri Lanka 2026
The UK priority visa fee from Sri Lanka is $697 (LKR 216,070) for a 5-working-day decision. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (LKR 432,450) for next-working-day decisions but may have limited availability in Colombo. These are added to the standard visa fee.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Sri Lanka
UK visa applications from Sri Lanka involve completing an online application on gov.uk, paying the visa fee in USD, and attending a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Colombo. For guidance on completing the application form, see our UK visa application form guide.
UK Visa Application Centre in Sri Lanka
- VFS Global Colombo: No. 75, Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha, Colombo 10, Postal Code 01000, Sri Lanka
- Services: Biometric enrolment, document submission, premium lounge, passport courier
- Website: VFS Global Sri Lanka
- 6-month Visitor visa: $177 (LKR 54,870) — 72% grant rate
- Student visa: $731 (LKR 226,610) — 92% grant rate
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,072 (LKR 332,320) — 74% grant rate
- Spouse visa: $2,703 (LKR 837,930) — 91% grant rate
- Priority service: $697 (LKR 216,070) for 5-day processing
- Exchange rate: LKR 310 per $1 USD
- VFS Global Colombo handles all UK visa applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UK visa fee from Sri Lanka 2026?
UK visa fees from Sri Lanka in 2026 are: 6-month Visitor visa $177 (LKR 54,870), 2-year Visitor visa $662 (LKR 205,220), 5-year Visitor visa $1,183 (LKR 366,730), 10-year Visitor visa $1,477 (LKR 457,870), Student visa $731 (LKR 226,610), Skilled Worker visa $1,072 (LKR 332,320) for up to 3 years, and Spouse visa $2,703 (LKR 837,930). All fees are charged in USD at VFS Global Colombo. The exchange rate is approximately LKR 310 per $1.
How much is UK priority visa fee in Sri Lanka?
The UK priority visa fee from Sri Lanka is $697 (LKR 216,070) for 5-working-day processing. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (LKR 432,450) for next-working-day decisions but may have limited availability at VFS Colombo. These fees are added to the standard visa fee. For example, a 6-month visitor visa with priority service would cost $177 + $697 = $874 (LKR 270,940).
What is UK visit visa processing time from Sri Lanka?
Standard UK visit visa processing time from Sri Lanka is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days). With Priority service ($697), decisions are made within 5 working days. Super Priority ($1,395) provides next-working-day decisions. Settlement/family visas take up to 12 weeks standard or 6 weeks with Priority. Processing times are calculated from the date of biometrics appointment at VFS Colombo.
What is UK student visa fee from Sri Lanka?
The UK student visa fee from Sri Lanka is $731 (LKR 226,610). Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of approximately $963 (LKR 298,530) per year of study. Sri Lankan students enjoy a strong 92% grant rate with only 317 refusals in the year ending September 2025. Students need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution.
What is UK work visa success rate for Sri Lankans?
Sri Lanka has a 74% Skilled Worker visa grant rate with 1,052 refusals in the year ending September 2025. This is below the global average of 83%. Common refusal reasons include not meeting the £38,700 salary threshold, insufficient English language evidence, and genuine vacancy concerns. Sri Lankan applicants should ensure their sponsor has a valid licence and the role meets all skill level requirements.
How to migrate to UK from Sri Lanka?
Sri Lankans can migrate to the UK through several routes: Skilled Worker visa (requires job offer with minimum £38,700 salary from licensed sponsor), Health and Care Worker visa (for medical professionals), Student visa followed by Graduate Route and switching to Skilled Worker, Family/Spouse visa (requires UK sponsor meeting £29,000 income requirement), or Global Talent visa (for leaders in academia, arts, or digital technology). After 5 years on most work or family routes, applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).