Who says paradise can’t be on Earth?
With serene seas and shores, lush rainforests, rich wildlife, and the cool hill country blanketed with tea plantations at every turn, the pearl of an island offers a fascinating history and culture, featuring awe-inspiring ancient ruins.
Most importantly, the flavoursome food and the warm, and welcoming people of Sri Lanka truly make it a slice of paradise on Earth.
Intrigued?
Your first step to stepping onto the island is getting a Sri Lanka tourist visa. If you’re wondering how to apply for it, this blog will guide you.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
If you are a traveller visiting Sri Lanka for the first time for a holiday, business trip, or even to transit through, you must apply for and obtain a Sri Lanka visa.
There are two options to get a Sri Lanka tourist visa:
- Apply online and obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or e-visa
- Obtain a visa on arrival.
You will be eligible for both, but the ETA costs less than the visa on arrival.Apply online and obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or e-visa.
You must apply for ETA online through the official website of the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
If you are a citizen of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles, you do not need to obtain an ETA to visit Sri Lanka, as an exemption applies.
If you hold a passport from the SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan, the tourist visa with double entry for thirty days costs only $20 when applied for online and $25 when obtained on arrival.
How to Apply for an ETA for Sri Lanka?
The Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka, issues the ETA for the tourists.
You can submit the ETA application online through one of the following options:
- ETA Application by the Applicant
This applies when you apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa yourself. - ETA Application by Third Party
This applies when a third party such as friends, relatives, travel agents or airlines is applying for a Sri Lanka tourist visa on your behalf. - ETA Application at Sri Lanka Overseas Missions
This applies if you want to apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa through a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission (such as a particular country’s embassy, high commissions, or consulates located in foreign countries) and have a visa endorsed on your passports. - ETA Application at the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo, Sri Lanka head office
This applies when you want to invite a foreign national to Sri Lanka.
You must submit the ETA application in person at the Department of Immigration & Emigration Head Office in Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka. - ETA Application on arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka
The application portal is on the Department of Immigration & Emigration website.
The applicant must follow the steps below for the first, second, and third application options outlined above.
- Navigate to the official website of the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
- Select the Visa Application Options (outlined above)
- Fill out the Application
- Review the Application carefully.
- Pay the relevant ETA processing fee using your Visa, Master or American Express cards.
- Submit the Application
- Receive the Acknowledgement
- Receive ETA approval or a referral notice (a formal document issued when the ETA approval is delayed for further review).
If you receive a referral notice, you can contact the Department of Immigration & Emigration to clarify and resolve any issues with your ETA application.
You can also check the status of your ETA application on the official website where you applied or contact the ETA call centre at +94 71 99 67 888.
Can you get an On-arrival Visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, you can obtain an on-arrival visa for Sri Lanka.
Anyone can get a visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka, but the reality is that the port can get crowded, making immigration a hassle and time-consuming, especially for travellers arriving from Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Additionally, the cost of the on-arrival visa is $10 higher than the ETA.
Therefore, it is always wise to apply ETA online to avoid the hassle of getting a visa on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
A. Yes, US citizens need a visa, which can be obtained online or upon arrival.
Q. Do Australian citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
A. Yes, Australian citizens need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival.
Q. Do French citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
A. Yes, French citizens need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival.
Q. Do German citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
A. Yes, German citizens need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival.
Q. How long is a tourist visa valid?
A. The ETA is limited to thirty days from the arrival date but can be extended up to six months.
Q. Can I extend my visa?
A. Yes. You Can apply for a visa extension through www.immigrationlanka.com
Q. Is the ETA fee refundable?
A. No. The Department of Immigration & Emigration maintains a NO REFUND policy.
Don’t wait until the last minute!
Apply for your ETA online and enjoy a stress-free arrival in Sri Lanka without long immigration queues. Your slice of paradise awaits!
