Do I Need a Visa to Go to Sri Lanka?

Travel | blog

Getting Sri Lanka visa requires some prior planning, especially regarding entry permissions. Potential visitors often wonder about the necessity of obtaining a visa for their visit. The answer largely depends on the traveller’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the intended duration of stay.

Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourists, which serves as a visa for a short visit. The application process for this ETA is streamlined and can typically be completed online. For longer stays or different travel reasons like business or school, you need different types of visas. These visas may require a more detailed application process.

Key Takeaways

Most travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short visits to Sri Lanka.
Various visa types are available depending on the travel purpose and duration of stay.
A visa extension may be possible for those wishing to prolong their stay in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

Visitors to Sri Lanka need to meet certain requirements to enter the country. These depend on their nationality and reason for visiting. Below are the key details about eligibility, visa types, and necessary documentation.

Eligibility Criteria

Travellers wishing to visit Sri Lanka must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for entry. Most foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Citizens of Singapore, the Maldives, and Seychelles can visit Sri Lanka for short trips without a visa.

Types of Visas

Sri Lanka offers several visa categories based on the purpose of the visit:

Tourist Visas allow visitors to travel and sightsee for a short duration.
Business Visas are intended for those engaging in business activities.
Transit Visas are available for travellers passing through Sri Lanka.

Each visa type has its conditions and may differ in terms of validity and extensions.

Documentation Needed

To successfully apply for a Sri Lankan visa, the following documents are typically required:

A valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry.
Completed visa application form.
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay.
Travel itinerary and details about accommodation.
Return or onward flight ticket.
Additional documents may be required depending on the visa type, such as business letters for a business visa.

Application Process

To get a Sri Lankan visa, you must follow two steps. First, apply online using the Electronic Travel Authorization system. Second, you can apply at an embassy. Prospective travellers can choose the best path for their circumstances.

Online Application Procedure

An applicant who wants a visa for Sri Lanka can complete the process online. They can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The steps are straightforward:

Visit the official ETA website (http://www.eta.gov.lk).
Complete the application form with personal details, travel information, and proof of funds.
Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Await confirmation, which generally arrives via email within 24 hours.

It is imperative to print and carry this confirmation upon travelling to Sri Lanka.

Embassy Application Guidelines

If you want to apply for a visa at a Sri Lankan embassy, here are some tips. They can help make the process easier

Find the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
Ask about the needed documents. – You usually need a valid passport.
It should be valid for at least six months.
You also need to fill out an application form.
Recent photographs are required.
Lastly, you must provide proof of return or onward travel.
Some embassies may request an appointment to submit the visa application in person.
Visa processing times vary by embassy; it is advisable to apply well in advance of the proposed travel date.

Visa Fees and Payment Methods

For travelers planning to visit Sri Lanka, it is important to know the visa fees and payment methods. This will help make the application process easier.

Visa fees: The fee for a Sri Lankan visa can change. It depends on the type of visa, how long you stay, and your nationality. A standard 30-day Tourist Visa usually has a fee. This fee is different for SAARC countries and non-SAARC countries.

SAARC Countries: Approx. USD 20
Non-SAARC Countries: Approx. USD 35

Transit visas with a 2-day validity are free, while a Double Entry Transit Visa of up to 7 days has a nominal fee.

For those seeking an Extended Stay or Residence Visas, fees can be substantially higher and vary greatly.

Payment Methods: Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration accepts Visa fees through the following methods:

Credit/Debit Cards:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
Online Payment Gateways, such as:
- PayPal
- Other recognized payment platforms depending on the applicant’s country

You must pay the fees when you submit your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application online. If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you can also pay at the port of entry. Applicants must check the most recent fee structure before applying as these can be subject to change. They need to make sure their payment source works internationally. They should also keep records of transactions for reference or if any issues come up.

Sri Lanka Visa Validity and Extension

When travelers get a visa to Sri Lanka, they should know its validity period and how to extend it. The validity of a Sri Lankan visa depends on the type issued:

Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
Business visas can also have a 30-day validity but may be granted for longer periods, depending on the case.
Transit visas are valid for a very short period, usually 2 days for those passing through Sri Lanka.

If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka handles all extension requests. The process involves:

Submission of a completed application form.
Payment of the applicable extension fee.
Provision of supporting documents as required.

Extensions may be granted up to 6 months for tourist visas, with further extensions possible in special circumstances. Business visas can be extended depending on the nature of the visit.

The table below outlines the general extension fees, which are subject to change:

Type of Visa	Extension up to 3 months (USD)	Extension beyond 3 months (USD)
Tourist	49	Additional fee may apply
Business	Varies	Additional fees may apply

Extensions can be done online through the official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system or by visiting a visa office. It’s a good idea to visit the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website. Check for the latest information there.

Special Considerations

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, travelers should know the visa rules for transit and visa on arrival. It’s crucial to understand these rules to ensure hassle-free entry into the country.

Transit Visas

Travelers passing through Sri Lanka need a Transit Visa if they want to leave the airport during their layover. This visa is typically valid for two days. If the traveller remains within the airport’s transit lounge, they usually do not require a transit visa. However, details should be checked with the nearest embassy or official website as regulations can change.

Visa on Arrival

Sri Lanka gives a Visa on Arrival to citizens from some countries. This lets them get a short-stay visa when they arrive. The visa on arrival typically allows for a maximum stay of 30 days. Eligibility and fees for the visa on arrival can change. Travelers should check their eligibility before leaving. They can do this through the official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system or by contacting the Sri Lankan consulate.

FAQs: Sri Lanka Visa

The questions below address common inquiries about visa requirements and procedures for those looking to travel to Sri Lanka.

What are the requirements for obtaining a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka?

Visitors who want a visa on arrival must have a return ticket. They also need enough money for their stay. Their passport must be valid for at least six months from the date they enter.

How can Indian citizens apply for a Sri Lankan visa?

Indian citizens can apply for a Sri Lankan visa in two ways. They can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system or get a visa on arrival.

Are U.S. citizens eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when visiting Sri Lanka?

U.S. citizens can get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short visits to Sri Lanka. This lets them enter without a visa.

What is the process for applying for a Sri Lankan visa online?

To apply for a Sri Lankan visa online, you need to fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form. Then, submit the required documents and pay the fees on the official ETA website.