Visa rules for Sri Lanka are designed to be straightforward to follow. Use this guide to complete your Sri Lankan Visa application from start to finish. You’ll learn how to apply, the duration of your stay, applicable fees, and how to extend your visit. Use this guide as your go-to resource when applying for a Visa to Sri Lanka or any other travel Visa to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Visa Basics
For your convenience, use the ETA system, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. This system allows you to apply for your Visa online before you fly, making the entry process smoother and reducing queues at the airport. The ETA, issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, is an approval for a short visit, enhancing your travel experience with added convenience and peace of mind.
Travel Visa at a Glance
Purpose. Holiday, visiting friends and family, short leisure activities, short medical visits, and similar purposes.
Validity and entries. The ETA approval allows entry for up to 30 days from the date of arrival. Double entry within those 30 days is standard for tourists.
How to Apply, ETA Online
Apply for your ETA online through the official portal. Keep a copy of the ETA approval for your arrival. Remember to bring a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. If you skip the online application, you will need to handle it at the airport. That often means extra fees and longer lines. Apply online instead, saving your time.
On Arrival Visa Option
Limited on arrival ETA service operates at Bandaranaike International Airport. Obtaining online approval before travel remains the recommended approach.
Sri Lankan Visa Fees
Tourist ETA processing fee. SAARC nationals pay $20. All other nationals pay $50. Children under 12 pay no fee. Upon arrival, the tourist fee is $25 for SAARC countries and $60 for all other countries. A transit Visa for 2 days is free of charge. The business ETA fee is $30 for SAARC countries and $55 for all others.
Free Visa and Exemptions
ETA is not required for citizens of Singapore, the Maldives, and Seychelles under reciprocity. Diplomatic and Official passport holders receive a Gratis Visa when eligible under agreements. A Gratis Visa is a Visa issued free of charge, usually as part of a diplomatic agreement. Check the ‘Gratis Visa’ and ‘Free Visa’ pages for the current eligibility requirements. Rules change.
Sri Lankan Visa Extension
Extending your stay is straightforward. On arrival, you receive 30 days, and extensions allow a total of up to 270 days from your arrival date. The sequence is 30 days on entry, followed by 60 days, then 90 days, and finally another 90 days. Apply in person at the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla, or use the online travel Visa extension portal. Online extensions support stays up to 6 months, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
Online Travel Visa Extension
Use the official e-Visa Extension portal to submit documents and pay online. Keep your passport details and ETA approval ready.
Visa Regulations by Your Nationality
It’s essential to always check your country’s specific Visa requirements on the official site before booking your flights. This proactive planning ensures your trip is smooth and stress-free, giving you the confidence to enjoy your visit to Sri Lanka.
Transit Visa
Transit through Sri Lanka for up to 2 days is free of charge. Proof of onward travel is required.
Before You Apply
Before you apply, it’s crucial to use only the official ETA site. Third parties should submit on your behalf only through the official system. Keep receipts from the official portal to avoid duplicate payments at the airport and ensure a smooth application process.
Quick Steps
- Confirm your purpose aligns with a Travel Visa.
- Apply online for your ETA. Print or save the approval notice.
- Check the current fee for your nationality.
- Pack your passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, your return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
- Extend your online stay if you plan to stay longer.
Links You Need
- Verify the Authenticity of Your Visa
- Check Your Visa Application Status
- Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Passengers from certain countries are required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the immigration and emigration counter at the Airport. If they fail to do so, they will be denied entry into the country. Click here to see the list of countries.
Contact Details of the Department of Immigration and Emigration
Address: Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Hotline: 0094 71 9967888
Telephone: 0094 11 2777638 – Monday to Friday 09.00 – 16.00 hrs IST (except for public holidays)
Fax: 0094 11 2674631
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.immigration.gov.lk
Notes for Accuracy
Rules, fees, and exemptions are subject to change. Always confirm the latest details on the ETA portal or the Department of Immigration and Emigration website before booking flights or hotels.
Plan your trip to Sri Lanka with confidence. This post outlines the visa application process from ETA through fees, on-arrival options, extensions of up to 270 days, transit rules, and specific rules by nationality. Apply online, keep your approval and return ticket ready, and verify details on the official portals before you book. Then, round out your planning with ‘About Sri Lanka‘ for background information, ‘The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka‘ to select your ideal month, ‘Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?‘ for ideas and costs, and ‘Weather in Sri Lanka‘ to match beaches and routes to the seasons.