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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do Sri Lanka citizens need a visa for Canada?

Visa required

Sri Lanka citizens need a visa to enter Canada. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
Sri Lanka → Canada
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Everything for your trip to Canada

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Sri Lanka vs Canada: passport comparison

Sri Lanka

19

visa-free countries

Global rank: #180 · mobility 71.4

Canada

117

visa-free countries

Global rank: #32 · mobility 167.2
18

countries both Sri Lanka and Canada can enter visa-free together

Sri Lanka + Canada: passport compatibility

37%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where Sri Lanka and Canada travel together — by entry type:

18 both visa-free
17 both visa on arrival
23 both e-visa / eTA
15 both need a visa
124 access differs

Where Sri Lanka and Canada can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Only Sri Lanka is visa-free (1)

Canada: how many Sri Lanka applications are not approved

IRCC publishes how many applications were processed and how many approved. The gap covers refusals and withdrawals together — Canada does not report refusals separately.

40.4%
of applications from Sri Lanka citizens were not approved in 2025
+6.2 pp above the all-country median (34.2%)
-11.3 pp year-over-year: 2024 was 51.7%, now 40.4%
40,010applications processed in the year
23,865of them approved
#51strictest of 133 countries

Two caveats without which the figure misleads. First, it covers all temporary residents — visits, study and work together — whereas for the US we show B-1/B-2 visas and for the UK visitor visas. Second, IRCC does not break out refusals, so the gap between processed and approved also includes withdrawn applications. This rate is not comparable with the US or UK figures. Source: IRCC open data  ·  methodology →

How the entry rule changed: Sri Lanka → Canada

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The Sri Lanka → Canada rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

1passports gained easier entry to Canada
0passports saw Canada tighten its rules
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

Canada: good to know

Ottawa

Capital

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Currency

Eastern Time (UTC-5)

Time zone

+1

Calling code

A, B

Power plug

120V / 60Hz

Voltage

Right-hand

Driving side

Where else Sri Lanka goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Canada

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do Sri Lanka citizens need a visa for Canada?
Sri Lanka citizens need a visa to enter Canada. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — Sri Lanka or Canada?
The Canada passport is stronger: 117 visa-free countries versus 19. Global rank: Sri Lanka #180, Canada #32.
Where can Sri Lanka and Canada citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 18 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Canada?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between Sri Lanka and Canada?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

Sri Lanka passport ranking

Where else the Sri Lanka passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport