Visa for Sri Lanka
Plan on travelling to Sri Lanka for the holidays? Or simply making the most of a quick get away? Well, let us help. Here’s a detailed guide on procuring a visa for Sri Lanka. Besides that, if you need assistance on planning your perfect trip, simply get in touch with us. We’ll customise a trip that caters to suit your travel style while meeting all your needs and requirements.
Sri Lanka Visa Update 2020
In light of the ongoing novel Coronavirus crisis, Sri Lanka has brought into effect a number of travel regulations. Keep checking our blog for timely updates on the same.
COVID-19 update July 1, 2020
Authorities have suspended the issuing of all visa types, including electronic, landing, multiple-entry, and residential. Previously issued visas, including residential permits, remain suspended. They are set to resume tourist activities from the 1st of August. However, we will keep updating this post so check back here for the latest news.
Electronic Travel Authorization for Sri Lanka
In January 2012, the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travellers visiting Sri Lanka. Tourists and business travellers should apply online through ETA and pay the requisite fee using a credit or debit card.
The ETA is an official authorisation for a short visit to Sri Lanka and is issued electronically. After filling the application form with the necessary information and making the online credit card payment, you will receive your visa via email. The entire process is quick and easy. Though the visa is granted within 24 to 72 hours of application (in our experience it has always been faster, under 4 working hours), it is recommended that you apply a few days in advance before you travel . There is also an ETA desk at the international airport where you can apply on arrival (payment using a credit card or US dollars only), but you may be subjected to long queues.
The application process for procuring a visa to Sri Lanka is one of the most convenient procedures.
Exceptions
Only nationals of three countries (Seychelles, Singapore and the Maldives) do not need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka. All other nationals, including Britishers, Canadians, Australians and citizens of the USA, must get a visa before visiting Sri Lanka or obtain one at the port of entry. Nationals from SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) pay less for tourists and business visas.
The ancient capital city of Polonnaruwa. A UNESCO World Heritage site that is part of Sri Lanka’s present day Cultural Triangle.
Procedure for procuring a Sri Lankan Visa
Here is a guide to the procedure to be followed if you wish to get the ETA Sri Lanka visa for tourism, healthcare or business purposes.
Once you have determined the type of ETA Sri Lanka visa, based on the purpose of your visit (Double entry visa for tourists, Multiple entry visa for business, Single entry transit visa), you need to apply for, you need to visit the official website of the Department of Immigration Services to view the online visa application form – http://www.eta.gov.lk
Depending on the type of visa, the chosen form will require you to fill in a number of details including Passport details and other essential information. In order to complete the procedure, you will need to pay an application fee using a credit/ debit card. As soon as your application is processed you will receive a notification and you ETA Sri Lankan visa.
Documents required while applying for an ETA Sri Lanka visa:
Passport – If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka, ensure that your current passport has a validity of at least 6 months. Applicable from your planned date of departure to the country.
Credit/Debit card – In order to make your online payment, only Mastercard, Electron, UK Maestro, American Express and Visa credit cards or debit cards are accepted.
Digital Passport Photo – Your passport photograph has to be a headshot of 4X6 centimeters. Of those 80% of the image should be filled with your face.
Cover letter – When you are applying for an ETA Sri Lanka visa for business you need to submit a cover letter. It should be on the letterhead of the company/sponsor who is inviting you and clearly state the intentions and purpose of your visit to the country.
The Visa application to go to Sri Lanka is easy and uncomplicated.
Types of Visa, Cost and Validity
Double entry visa for tourists : Advance Application
SAARC countries – US $20
Other countries – US $35
On Arrival
SAARC countries – US $25
Other countries – US $40
* Double-entry tourist visa is valid for 30 days.
Multiple entry visa for business : Advance Application
SAARC countries – US $30
Other countries – US $40
On Arrival
SAARC countries – US $40
Other countries – US $50
* Multiple entry business visa is valid for 30 days.
Single entry transit visa : Free and valid for 2 days.
Applying for a Visa online is definitely more convenient than waiting in a queue to apply for a Visa on Arrival
Important Instructions
You can apply no earlier than 90 days from when you intend to arrive in Sri Lanka. This means that you can apply in the three months before your trip starts.
The ETA is limited to 30 days Per Entry of stay in Sri Lanka from the date of arrival. Also, this will allow 2 entries.
Travellers who want to visit Sri Lanka must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry.
We suggest passengers verify the visa confirmation, print it and bring a physical copy on their trip. Along with this you should carry proof of a return ticket. The check-in staff at the airports can also verify the registration in their system. However, we highly recommend clients to keep a copy of it on their electronic devices, and print it out.
You cannot obtain a new ETA while you are in Sri Lanka, regardless of whether your current ETA is valid or expired.
Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries must carry a yellow fever vaccination card at the time of arrival in Sri Lanka. See Yellow Fever countries.
Renewal/ Extension of Visa
If you intend on travelling to Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, then you may apply for an extension. At the first instance, you can extend your “short stay” ETA for up to 90 days from the date of arrival. And another 90 days at the second instance. Overall, all extensions can exceed no more than 6 months.
It’s very important to apply for extensions well before the expiry of the ETA or else there can be fines for overstaying the visa or worse. Any application to extend an ETA must be done through the Visa Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo by visiting them in person or through an authorised agent.
Along with your application for an extension, you need to submit your return ticket. Other essentials include address and contact information of accommodation along with a Passport photograph and a valid reason.
Need a reason to visit this gorgeous island country? It’s palm-fringed coastline with white sand beaches definitely tops the list.
Applying for a Sri Lankan Visa is a user friendly, self explanatory process. Though the country has provisions for a visa on arrival, we highly recommend to apply online through ETA. For further queries feel free to get in touch with us or refer to the official website – http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. Remember to go through our guides on other essential tips for travelling to Sri Lanka. Some of them include, the currency in Sri Lanka, travel options, and the cost of travel in Sri Lanka. To help plan the ideal, hassle free holiday, simply hit Plan your Trip. We’ll customise your dream holiday while catering to all your needs.
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