Our Sri Lanka Visa Guide will teach you everything you need to know about Sri Lanka’s visa policy for people from all over the world, including different types of visas, particular requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and more. It is critical to have a scheduled flight ticket in hand before applying for a visa to Sri Lanka.
Who needs a visa to visit Sri Lanka
All travellers to Sri Lanka are required to get a visa, either in advance or upon arrival. Unless they are exempt from acquiring one, the majority of tourists entering for tourism must acquire an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in order to secure a visa on arrival.
Visitors to Sri Lanka who are coming for tourist reasons must get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before to arrival or upon arrival in Sri Lanka, unless they are exempt from doing so; otherwise, they must seek a visa in advance. All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months. The following countries need return or onward tickets from its citizens: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Entry into Sri Lanka
Travelers who are fully immunised must produce proof of vaccination upon arrival. Non-immunized passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued during the last 72 hours or a negative antigen test issued within the preceding 48 hours, as validated by a medical expert or testing facility. Children younger than 12 years old are excluded from this requirement. Please note that Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 entrance requirements are subject to change without notice, and you should examine the Sri Lanka Tourism website Hello Again prior to departure.
Requirements For a Sri Lanka Visa
You will need the following documents:
Complete the ETA application and/or visa application and submit it along with the applicable fee to the visa officer.
With the approval of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Sri Lanka Overseas Mission will issue an ETA or short-stay visa within three business days.
Processing time for Sri Lanka visas
In five days, your application will be processed. It may be the slowest option, but given that you can acquire your Sri Lanka ETA in that time frame, we do not consider it to be particularly slow.
Appointment Waiting Times
Appointment waiting times vary depending on your country of residence.
Who can visit Sri Lanka without a visa?
To enter Sri Lanka, all travellers are recommended to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA website allows visitors to apply for an ETA. The website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration contains more eligibility information. Visas are available upon arrival; however, it is recommended to apply for an ETA in advance to facilitate travel and avoid delays upon arrival. All tourists are required to comply with the Sri Lankan government’s tourist rules. If your visa is about to expire, you must submit an extension request to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration at +94 70 710 1050 or visit their website.
The entry requirements may be modified suddenly, and official websites are not always current. You must comply with the directives of the local authorities.
Sri Lanka Visa Types
The types of visas available in Sri Lanka are:
- Visit Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Business Purpose Visa
- Residence Visa
- Official Visa
- Transit Visa
What if I am refused for a visa to Sri Lanka?
You have the opportunity to dispute this judgement. The embassy of the Member State that decided to refuse the visa distributes a formal system to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Sri Lanka visa and the reasons for the refusal. People routinely ask us how we can “guarantee” the issuance of a visa. Because all final choices are made by embassies, there is no way to obtain a 100 percent guarantee. All you can do is ensure that your application is as strong as possible. Please reach out with us if your visa application has been refused.
People Also Asked...
In addition to the visa fee, a foreigner living in Sri Lanka without a valid visa will be assessed a $500 fine. (b) seven days when applying to the Department of Immigration and Emigration for an extension of the term of stay indicated on the visa.
A traveller who wishes to stay in Sri Lanka for more than thirty days may request for an extension. The short-term visit visa may be extended up to a maximum of 270 days from the date of entry in three consecutive extensions of 30 days at entry, 60 days for the first extension, and 90 days for the second and third extensions.
The applicant may be awarded a 30-day ETA with double-entry privileges upon arrival, and double-entry is permitted from the date of the initial entry (Within given 30 days). The remainder of the initial 30-day period will be provided for the second visit to Sri Lanka.