Sri Lanka Tourist Visa
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- Traveling to Sri Lanka
- Who Needs an Sri Lanka Visa?
- Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Validity
- Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements
- Sri Lanka Visa Application Steps
- Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Fees
- Where to Apply
- Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Processing Time
- Approved Visa Applications
- Sri Lanka Visa Extension
- Sri Lanka Tourist Visa FAQ
Traveling to Sri Lanka
From diverse wildlife to some of the most exquisite heritage sites, Sri Lanka is a very popular tourist destination. The small country has made a name for itself as an affordable and scenic vacation spot. Beach resorts and ecotourism are some of the top tourist choices. For history fans, UNESCO has named eight World Heritage Sites across the country and there are even more natural reserves declared by the government. Sri Lankans are known for being warm and hospitable.
Who Needs an Sri Lanka Visa?
Citizens of Syria and North Korea are required to apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa prior to traveling, while tourists from all other countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) through the official Sri Lanka online portal before arriving in the country. Sri Lankan dual nationals are exempt from any visa requirements.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Validity
Sri Lanka Visit Visas are available for tourism, business, and transit purposes. The tourist visa is primarily intended for sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or attending a cultural or sporting event. Sri Lankan tourist visit visas are valid for 30 days and permit single or double entry. Double entry visas allow tourists to leave and reenter the country twice during their stay.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements
Applying for a Sri Lankan visa is easy and fast with just a few basic requirements. Applicants must submit the following to ensure a successful outcome for their tourist visa:
Passport
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
A complete application form
The visa application form must be completed with the correct information through the online visa portal.
Valid payment method
Applicants can use any electronic payment card, including credit cards and e-commerce compatible debit cards. Only Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted.
Valid return ticket
The return ticket should clearly show the date the applicant will be departing from Sri Lanka.
Proof of sufficient funds
Applicants should be able to present proof of financial support for the duration of their trip.
Sri Lanka Visa Application Steps
Tourists traveling to Sri Lanka will find the eTA application process to be very straightforward and easy to follow. To obtain their eTA, they can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website
Applicants should visit the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System to start the online application.
- Fill in the eTA application form
The eTA form can be completed easily online and submitted through the electronic portal.
- Pay the eTA processing fee
Fees should be paid online using a valid credit or debit card. Some alternative options are available on the official website.
- Submit the application
Once the application is successfully received, applicants will receive a notice of receipt promptly.
ETA applications can be submitted in one of several ways: by the applicant, by a third party, at a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission office, at the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E) in Colombo, or upon arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
Applicants will be contacted by the Sri Lankan immigration authorities if they need to take any further steps. The eTA should arrive within a few working days and should be presented to the border officer upon arrival.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Fees
The Sri Lanka tourist visa is very affordable and can be obtained for just $50 for most nationalities. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries will pay only $20 for the same visa.
Where to Apply
Applicants who plan to visit Sri Lanka to engage in tourism activities for a short period of time can apply for and obtain an eTA online at the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System. Applicants can log on and complete the eTA application form in just a few minutes. Citizens of Syria and North Korea are also required to apply for a visa at the Sri Lankan embassy.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Processing Time
Applicants can expect to see a decision regarding their eTA very shortly after submitting their application. Tourist visas for Sri Lanka are usually processed within a few working days.
Approved Visa Applications
If the tourist visa has been approved, the applicant should print out their eTA and be prepared to present it to the border officer upon arrival to Sri Lanka. It’s a good idea to keep a copy while traveling in the country as well.
Sri Lanka Visa Extension
Tourists who want to stay longer than 30 days can apply to extend their Sri Lanka tourist visa. Short-term visas can be extended for up to 270 days in three instances. In the first instance, they can request an extension of 60 days and an additional 90 days in the second and third instances.
Applications for tourist visa extensions must be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. They have a designated visa section in their Head Office. Tourists can also submit their applications through the visit visa extension portal.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa FAQ
Applicants who plan to visit Sri Lanka to engage in tourism activities for a short period of time can apply for and obtain an eTA online at the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System. Citizens of Syria and North Korea are also required to apply for a visa at the Sri Lankan embassy.
No, the eTA can be obtained before any flights are booked.
The eTA processing fees can be paid for with a valid credit or debit card through the online portal.
