Before you go on a trip to this amazing tropical paradise, there are a few important things you need to know about getting a visa. But don’t worry, in this blog post, we will give you all the information you need to successfully get a visa for Sri Lanka.
We will tell you how to get a visa and explain how to extend your stay. We will also give you details about the fees and share advice from the government.
Sri Lanka Visa Information
Who Requires a Visa?
All foreign nationals, with the exception of citizens hailing from the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, must comply with the obligatory requirement of obtaining a visa prior to embarking on their journey to the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka. This directive encompasses citizens originating from countries that, despite qualifying for visa-free entry, for instance, the United States, Canada, and a majority of European countries, must still ensure that they procure a valid visa prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka.
Types of Visas
There are three types of visas available for travelers to Sri Lanka:
- Tourist Visa: This is the most common type of visa for travelers and is valid for 30 days with the possibility of extending up to 90 days.
- Business Visa: This visa is for those traveling for business purposes and is valid for 30 days with the possibility of extending up to 90 days.
- Transit Visa: This visa is for travelers who are passing through Sri Lanka and is valid for 2 days.
How to Obtain a Visa
There are two ways to obtain a visa for Sri Lanka:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): This is the most convenient and recommended method for obtaining a visa. You can apply for an ETA online through the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA). The process is quick and easy, and you will receive your visa approval within 24 hours.
- Embassy or Consulate: You can also obtain a visa by visiting the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your home country. This process may take longer and requires more paperwork, so it is recommended to apply for an ETA instead.
Visa Fees and Validity
The fees for a Sri Lanka visa vary depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you are applying for. The fees range from $20 to $35 for a tourist visa and $30 to $40 for a business visa.
Extending Your Stay in Sri Lanka
Consider extending your visa if you wish to stay beyond the validity of your visa, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The process is relatively straightforward, and you can apply for an extension up to 90 days before your visa expires.
Required Documents
When applying for a visa extension, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- A copy of your return ticket or proof of onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka
- A fee of $50 for a tourist visa extension and $75 for a business visa extension
Transit Visas
A transit visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to pass through a country for a short period of time without staying or engaging in any activities other than transit. In the case of Sri Lanka, a transit visa is available for travelers who are passing through the country and do not plan to stay for more than 2 days.
To obtain a transit visa for Sri Lanka, you can follow the same process as obtaining other types of visas. There are two ways to obtain a visa for Sri Lanka:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): This is the most convenient and recommended method for obtaining a visa. You can apply for an ETA online through the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA). The process is quick and easy, and you will receive your visa approval within 24 hours.
- Embassy or Consulate: You can also obtain a visa by visiting the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your home country. This process may take longer and requires more paperwork, so it is recommended to apply for an ETA instead.
It is important to note that a transit visa is only valid for 2 days. If you plan to stay in Sri Lanka for a longer period of time, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a tourist visa or a business visa.
e-Visa Extention
- Register yourself at https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/home.php
- Log in to the system using your email and password
- Fill in the applicant’s details, including all mandatory information
- Upload the required files, such as a photograph and passport data page
- Optionally, upload additional files to provide more details
- Confirm and save the details
- Use the same login to apply for other members in your group (maximum of five applications)
- Updates regarding your visa extension will be sent to your registered email
- Receive a notification via email once the visa extension is approved, which may include payment instructions.
Government Advice
The Sri Lankan government strongly advises all travelers planning to visit the country to take the necessary steps of obtaining a visa prior to their arrival. This prudent measure is highly recommended in order to prevent any potential inconveniences or complications that might arise at the border entry points. By proactively securing a valid visa, you can save yourself from unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth entry into the country.
Additionally, it is highly advisable to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 72 hours ahead of your intended travel date when planning a trip to Sri Lanka. This allows for any unforeseen processing delays that may occur and provides ample time for the necessary authorities to review and approve your application. By having an approved ETA in hand, you can further expedite your entry process and eliminate any unnecessary anxiety or uncertainties.
Moreover, it is of utmost importance to acknowledge the implications and consequences of overstaying your visa in Sri Lanka. Failure to abide by the visa regulations and exceeding the allotted time frame granted by your visa can lead to severe penalties. These penalties might include hefty fines, the possibility of being deported from the country, and even a potential ban on future entries into Sri Lanka.
To avoid such unfavourable circumstances, it is always prudent to strictly adhere to the specified visa regulations and, if necessary, explore options for extending your stay through the appropriate channels provided by the Sri Lankan government. By taking these proactive measures, you can ensure a hassle-free and legally compliant travel experience in the country.
To Summarise
Who Needs a Visa for Sri Lanka:
- Most foreign nationals: Travelers from most countries need to apply for an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka for short visits, including tourism, business, or transit.
- Long-term stays: For stays longer than 30 days, or for purposes other than tourism or business (such as work or study), a visa must be obtained from a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate prior to travel.
Who is Exempt:
- Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles: These nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays.
- Diplomatic and Official passport holders: Individuals from certain countries holding diplomatic or official passports may be exempt from the visa requirement. This is subject to bilateral agreements between Sri Lanka and the respective countries.
Visa-on-Arrival:
- Eligible countries: Citizens of countries eligible for a visa-on-arrival must still obtain prior approval through an ETA. It’s advisable to check the most current eligibility list, as this can change.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- Tourist ETA: Generally valid for 30 days, extendable up to six months after arrival.
- Business ETA: Also valid for 30 days and can be extended.
- Transit ETA: For transits through Sri Lanka lasting no longer than 48 hours.
Important Notes:
- Application process: The ETA can be applied for online, through the official ETA website, at Sri Lankan overseas missions, or on arrival at the airport (for eligible nationalities).
- Fees: There are fees associated with the ETA, which vary based on nationality and the type of ETA. Some categories may be exempt from the fee.
- COVID-19 considerations: Travel requirements have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including additional health and safety measures. It’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories and requirements issued by the Sri Lankan government.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s always best to consult the official immigration website of Sri Lanka or contact the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before planning your trip.
Takeaways
Obtaining a visa for Sri Lanka is a relatively simple and straightforward process that, with the right information and proper preparation, allows you to embark on a smooth and hassle-free trip. It is vital to remember that before embarking on your journey, you should apply for an ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization, ensuring that you have the necessary permission to enter the country.
In addition, if you plan to extend your stay in Sri Lanka beyond the initial visa duration, it is essential to promptly and proactively take the required steps to seek an extension before your current visa expires. By diligently following the advice provided by the Sri Lankan government and strictly adhering to the applicable visa regulations, you can savor every moment of your time in this remarkable country without encountering any unnecessary complications or issues.
Related Sources
For more information on obtaining a visa for Sri Lanka, you can visit the following sources:
- Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA): https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
- Department of Immigration and Emigration: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=198&lang=en
- Sri Lanka Tourism: https://www.srilanka.travel/