Visa Types
Sri Lanka Visa Process Simplified
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through Sri Lanka
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Visa Exemption for Sri Lanka
Who doesn’t need visas?
- Sri Lankan dual citizens.
- Kids under 21 with registered births under the Citizenship Act of 1948.
- Kids under 21 born in Sri Lanka to Sri Lankan parents with foreign nationality.
Who gets a Gratis Visa?
People with Diplomatic or Official Passports or those with a valid Diplomatic or Official endorsement won’t have to pay visa fees, as advised by the Line Ministry.
Which countries allow visa-free visits for Sri Lankan Diplomatic/Official and Service Passport holders on short trips? You can see the list and time limits through this link: [ http://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=21 ]
Key Points for Sri Lanka Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, biometrics are not required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Sri Lanka visa?
No, there is no visa interview required for Indian citizens who wish to travel to Sri Lanka.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visit visa, you can stay for up to 30 days.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Sri Lanka?
A visitor should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization to visit Sri Lanka for a short term for tourism, business or transit purposes. There is no requirement to endorse the ETA on the passport.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an online system which provides official authorization for short visits (up to 30 days), and is issued electronically. Those who wish to undertake short-term visits must obtain an ETA prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Please click here for information about visa fees
Note:
- It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval notice with the traveler to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
- For last minute travelers who need to visit Sri Lanka without prior ETA approval, a limited facility to obtain ETA at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is available. An additional fee will apply.
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
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Identify Visa Type:
- Before applying for a visa to Sri Lanka, it is crucial to determine the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or employment.
- Different visa categories exist for Sri Lanka, each with specific requirements and conditions, so it is essential to identify the correct visa type to ensure a successful application.
- To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on visa types and requirements, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration or reach out to the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your country.
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Gather the Information:
Before applying for a visa, it is important to gather the necessary information and documents. This includes a valid passport with sufficient validity, personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information, as well as travel details including the intended date of arrival and purpose of the visit. Having these documents ready will help facilitate a smooth visa application process.
Submit ETA Application Form
After gathering all the required information and documents for your Sri Lanka ETA, proceed to the official ETA website or mobile app provided by the Sri Lankan government. Fill out the application form accurately and completely, ensuring all details are entered correctly. Finally, submit the application form online and await approval.
If you are planning a short visit to Sri Lanka, you can submit your ETA application online to the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
Steps to be followed:
- Click on the Apply button and fill in the ETA application. Pay the relevant ETA processing fee using your electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and submit the application. Only Visa, Master and American Express Cards are accepted. If you are unable to pay by electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards), you have to select one of the alternative options. Apply If your application is successfully submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment promptly. View sample ETA approval notice and/or referral notice.
- To check your ETA application status you may log onto the ETA website or contact 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888
- View sample ETA approval notice and/or referral notice.
It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. All ETA holders should fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry.
- A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival.
- A confirmed return ticket.
- Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.
The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival but it may be extended for six months.
If you are planning a Short Visit to Sri Lanka, you can obtain the services of a third party such as travel agents, airlines, friends, or relatives etc., to apply for an ETA on your behalf.
Steps to be followed:
- Contact your preferred third party and advise them to lodge your ETA application.
- The third party may pay the relevant ETA processing fee and submit your application. Only Visa, Master and American Express Cards are accepted. If the application is submitted successfully, an acknowledgement will be sent as requested in the application. View sample Acknowledgement..
- Receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice. If a referral notice is served, you may contact Department of Immigration and Emigration for necessary assistance. List of Sri Lanka Overseas Missions
- To check your ETA application status you may log on to the ETA website or contact the 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888.
It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. All ETA holders should fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry.
- A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival.
- A confirmed return ticket.
- Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.
The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival but it may be extended for six months.
For travellers who wish to visit Sri Lanka without prior ETA approval, a limited facility to obtain ETA at BIA is available. Additional fees will apply.
Steps to be followed:
- Upon arrival at the BIA, report to the ETA issuing counter and fill in the ETA application form and pay the relevant ETA processing fee only in US$. (For more info...) Only electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and cash in US$ are accepted.
- If your application is approved, the ETA will be issued for up to 30 days.
- Receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice. If referral notice is served, you will be refused entry and returned to your original destination.
- Once you have received your ETA, please proceed to the Immigration Counter and submit your passport.
- View sample ETA approval notice and/or referral notice.
It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the Immigration Counter at BIA. All ETA holders should produce the following requirements at the port of entry:
- A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival.
- A confirmed return ticket.
- Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.
The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival but it may be extended for up to six months
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Documents required to process Tourist ETA in SLHC – New Delhi
- ETA application form (click here)
- Two recent passport size photographs
- Air tickets (onward and return)
- Hotel accommodation/invitation from Sri Lanka
- For 90 days stay, consent from applicant explaining the reason for 90 days stay
- Photocopy of the passport front and last pages (if applicant is a foreigner data page and Indian visa page)
- Please note that the validity of the passport must be six months beyond the stay period in Sri Lanka
Documents required to process Business ETA in SLHC – New Delhi
- ETA application form
- Two recent passport size photographs
- Invitation from Sri Lanka company should be attached with the visa application and a copy of the same to be sent directly by the Sri Lankan company to SLHC Fax No. 0091 11 23793604.
- Covering letter from Indian organization
- Air tickets (onward/return)
6 Photocopy of the passport front and last pages (if applicant is a foreigner data page and Indian visa page)
Transit visa
Transiting through Sri Lanka
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
ETA has to be applied via official ETA website :https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
VISA FOR SHORT-TERM VISITS
A visitor should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization / short term visa to visit Sri Lanka for a short term for tourism, business or transit purposes.
Short Term Visa
A Visit Visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country. The Visa contains details of the period of time and the condition/s of the stay.
Following sub-categories come under visit visas:
- Tourist Visa is issued to bona-fide tourists who wish to visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes.
- Business visit Visa- This Visa is issued to foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for short period of time. This visa may be issued for single, double or multiple journeys.
- Transit visa- For transiting through Sri Lanka
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an online system which provides official authorization for short visits (up to 30 days), and is issued electronically. Those who wish to undertake short-term visits must obtain an ETA prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka.
ETA has to be applied via official ETA website : https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
ETA for Tourist Purposes:
The following categories available for applying tourist ETA:
- Sightseeing, holidaying, excursions & relaxation
- visiting friends and relatives
- medical treatment including Ayurvedic and yoga
- Participate in sporting events, competitions and activities relating to cultural performance
ETA for Business purposes
The visa categories under Business ETA include the following:
- Participation in Business Meetings and Negotiations
- Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
- Short Term Training Programmes
- Participation in Art, Music and Dance events
- Participation in symposiums
- Participation in religious events
Residence Visa & Entry Visa
A Residence Visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes. It is issued to persons of non-Sri Lankan nationality to whom it has been decided to extend residence facilities for the purpose of investment or otherwise, in circumstances where the prescribed authority is satisfied that their stay in Sri Lanka and the pursuit of their vocations are not prejudicial to the best interests of the population.
To obtain a Residence Visa, it is necessary to arrive in Sri Lanka on an Entry Visa issued by a Sri Lankan Mission abroad with the concurrence of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. The fact that you wish to apply for Sri Lankan Residence Visa has to be mentioned when obtaining the entry visa and necessary supporting documents has to be submitted.
Visit Visas can't be considered for conversion into Residence Visa.
For more information on Residence Visa: http://www.immigration.gov.lk
When applying ETA by third parties, payments are to be made through the arrangement made in the website www.eta.gov.lk and an acknowledgement of ETA application should be obtained. Any payments made to other websites or agencies are not valid to process a valid ETA. Therefore, always ensure that the payments made by accessing Sri Lanka ETA website and avoid making repayment at the port of entry to Sri Lanka.
Entry Requirement for all travelers to Sri Lanka:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid Sri Lanka visa or ETA, if applicable (refer to the Visa Requirements page for more information)
- Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Sri Lanka
- Confirmed onward/return tickets, if applicable
- Entry facilities to their onward destinations, if applicable e.g. visas.
- Completed Disembarkation Card
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable
For more information on Sri Lankan Visas visit following websites:
- Department of Immigration & Emigration: http://www.immigration.gov.lk
- Official ETA website: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/