Everything You Need To Know About Sri Lanka E-visa

All foreign nationals except citizens of countries like Singapore, Seychelles, and Maldives require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan government had earlier planned to give the visa exemption privilege to citizens of European Union, the United States, Australia and Canada. However, due to unknown reasons, most probably, security reasons, they have currently put this amendment on hold.

Until 2012, foreign nationals who intended to visit Sri Lanka were asked to visit the Sri Lankan embassy in their respective countries to obtain a visa. However, in 2012, the Sri Lankan government launched the e-visa application procedure, as a part of their initiative to attract more tourists to the country. The entire process of an e-visa application is quick and simple, and travelers will get their electronic travel authorization in their email id.

What is a Sri Lanka e-visa (ETA)?

Sri Lanka e-visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit the country for tourism-related activities. The applications for these e-visas can be sent via online, and there is no need of visiting the embassy to obtain the travel authorization.

Sri Lanka e-visas are electronic travel authorization that allows a foreign national to visit the country legally. These e-visas are electronically attached to the traveler’s passport. After arriving the Sri Lanka entry port, the foreign national should submit the copy of the e-visa to immigration officials. Upon analyzing the e-visa, the immigration authorities will determine whether you are eligible to enter the country.

Documents required to obtain a Sri Lanka tourist e-visa (ETA)

Please find below the necessary documents needed to obtain a Sri Lanka tourist e-visa.

• The passport of the applicant should be submitted. While submitting the passport, make sure that you are uploading a clear copy.
• A copy of the digital passport photo should be submitted.
• The visa application form should be completed very carefully. There are many instances where visa requests of foreign nationals were rejected due to mistakes in the application form. If you find any difficulties in filling the visa application form, you can avail the service of professionals from Visa Genie. Our experts will guide you in all the steps of the visa application form, and you can sit back and relax after giving the assignment to us.
• The visa processing fee can be either made through debit card, credit card or PayPal.

Documents requires to obtain a Sri Lanka business e-visa (ETA)

Please find below the documents that should be submitted to obtain a Sri Lanka business e-visa.

• A clear copy of the passport should be submitted.
• The foreign national should send the photograph taken in white background. In the photograph, the foreign national should always make sure that he or she is maintaining a neutral expression.
• Should submit the visa application form.
• If available, you can submit an invitation letter from a Sri Lankan entity. The invitation letter should be typed in the Sri Lankan business entity’s letter head, and it should cover all personal details about the foreign national. The letter should also cover the details of the visit including purpose of the trip and duration of stay.
• You can also submit the business introduction letter from your employer in the homeland.

What are the documents needed to produce after a traveler arrive at the Sri Lanka entry port?

The foreign national should produce his passport to the immigration authorities. The traveler should make sure that the passport has at least six months validity along with two blank pages for visa stamping. A copy of the e-visa should be also produced.

If available, the foreign national can show his proof travel and accommodation.

If you are a foreign national traveling from an yellow fever affected country, you should produce an yellow fever certificate.

Note: Obtaining an e-visa does not guarantee your entry to Sri Lanka. If the immigration authorities find your entry against their national interest, they may deny your entry, and you will be asked to travel to your homeland immediately.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the validity of a Sri Lanka tourist e-visa?

The validity of a Sri Lanka e-tourist visa is 90 days. Using an e-visa, a foreign national can enter Sri Lanka two times, and the maximum duration of stay per entry will be 30 days. As laws in Sri Lanka are very strict, especially after the Easter bombings, foreign nationals should make sure that they are exiting the country before the expiration of their visa.

What is the validity of a Sri Lanka business e-visa?

The validity of a Sri Lanka business visa is 180 days, and the maximum duration of stay per entry will be 30 days. These visas offer double entry privilege to travelers. If you are in need of multiple entry business visas, you should apply for a regular business visa by visiting the Sri Lankan embassy in your country.

Am I permitted to work in Sri Lanka using an e-visa?

Sri Lankan authorities are issuing e-visas for foreign nationals who plans to visit the country exclusively for tourist or business purposes. It is illegal to work in Sri Lanka using an e-visa. If authorities find you violating the rules, then you will be compelled to face strict legal consequences.

What are the advantages of obtaining a Sri Lanka tourist e-visa?

All the steps of applying for an e-visa can be completed online, and there is no need of visiting the Sri Lankan embassy to get this travel document.

How will I receive my Sri Lanka e-tourist visa?

After submitting your application, Sri Lankan authorities will analyze your request, and will determine whether you are eligible for an e-visa. If they find your application satisfactory, Sri Lankan authorities will email you the electronic travel authorization.

How much time it will take to receive my Sri Lanka e-visa?

In usual cases, a Sri Lankan e-visa will be issued within 24 hours. However, if you are a traveler who is planning to visit Sri Lanka on an urgent basis, you can apply for super quick processing where visas will be sent within 30 minutes.

Is it possible for me to extend the validity of my e-visa?

If you are a foreign national who wants to extend the stay in Sri Lanka, you can visit the visa section of the Department of Immigration and can apply for an extension.

When should I apply for a Sri Lanka e-visa?

It is always recommended to apply for a Sri Lanka e-visa at least 48 hours before the planned travel date.

I have a valid Sri Lanka e-visa which is soon going to expire. Can I apply for a new e-visa?

Sri Lankan authorities will not allow a foreign national to possess two valid visas at a time. If you have a valid tourist visa which is going to expire soon, you can either apply for a fresh visa, or you can apply for an extension after reaching Sri Lanka by visiting the visa section of the Department of Immigration.

I am traveling with my seven-year-old daughter to Sri Lanka. Should I need to obtain an e-visa?

Children under the age of seven years do not need a visa to enter Sri Lanka.

What should I do to enter Sri Lanka multiple times?

Sri Lankan e-visas offer doubly entry privilege to foreign nationals. If you want to enter Sri Lanka multiple times, you should apply for a regular visa via the Sri Lankan embassy in your country.

Is it necessary to carry the printout of my e-visa while traveling to Sri Lanka?

Even though Sri Lankan e-visas are electronically connected to your passport, it is always recommended to take a printout of this travel authorization.

I am a Singapore citizen. Should I need to apply for an e-visa to enter Sri Lanka?

Citizens of Singapore can visit Sri Lanka without a visa for 30 days. However, if you want to stay in Sri Lanka for more days, you can apply for an extension.

Will I be issued a refund if my application for an e-visa gets denied?

No, Sri Lankan authorities are charging this amount as visa processing fee, and it will not be refunded even if your application gets denied.

My e-visa application was rejected by the authorities. What should I do next?

If your e-visa application gets denied, it is highly recommended to apply for a regular visa by visiting the Sri Lankan embassy in your country.