One essential step when planning a trip to the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka is obtaining a visa. The Sri Lanka Evisa, also known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), is an online permit that allows travellers to visit the country for tourism, business, and transit purposes. The process is simple, fast, and can be done from the comfort of your own home. In this guide, I will walk you through how to apply for Sri Lanka Evisa, provide you with Sri Lanka Evisa requirements, and share tips for a smooth application process.
Check if your country supports Sri Lanka Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | visa required |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Ecuador | e-visa |
| Egypt | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | e-visa |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Jordan | visa required |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Lesotho | visa free |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | e-visa |
| Malaysia | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa required |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa on arrival |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa required |
| Panama | visa required |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Qatar | e-visa |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Lucia | visa required |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | e-visa |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Sri Lanka Evisa Requirements
Before delving into the step-by-step process of applying for Sri Lanka Evisa, you must familiarize yourself with the requirements. Here are the essential eligibility criteria:
- You must be a foreign national visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
- You must hold a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity from arriving in Sri Lanka.
- You must have a confirmed round-trip ticket to show at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
- You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka.
It’s important to note that nationals from Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles are exempt from obtaining a visa for stays up to 30 days. However, they must still apply for an ETA for record-keeping purposes.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Sri Lanka Evisa
Now that you know the basic requirements, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to apply for Sri Lanka Evisa.
Step 1: Visit the Official Sri Lanka ETA Website
The first step to applying for your Sri Lanka Evisa is to visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge you additional fees or provide incorrect information.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate ETA Type
There are three types of Sri Lanka Evisa: Tourist ETA, Business ETA, and Transit ETA. Choose the one that best suits your purpose of visit.
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Next, complete the online application form with the required information, such as your personal, passport, contact, and travel details. Double-check your entries for accuracy to avoid any delays in processing.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
After submitting the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on the type of ETA and your nationality. You can pay using a credit or debit card; some countries may offer other payment options.
Step 5: Receive Your ETA Approval
Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive an email with your ETA approval. This usually takes a few hours but can take up to three days during peak travel times. Be sure to print out a copy of the approval to present at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
Required Documents for Sri Lanka Evisa
While the online application process for the Sri Lanka Evisa is relatively straightforward, there are a few key documents you must have on hand:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
- A digital copy of your passport’s bio-data page.
- A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stays in Sri Lanka, such as bank statements or traveller’s checks.
- A confirmed round-trip ticket.
Sri Lanka Evisa Process Time
The Sri Lanka Evisa process typically takes a few hours once the application and payment are submitted. However, it can take up to three days during peak travel, so applying well before your trip is essential.
Sri Lanka Evisa Cost
The Sri Lanka Evisa cost varies depending on the type of ETA and your nationality. Here are the general fees:
- Tourist ETA (double entry, up to 30 days): $35 for most countries, $20 for SAARC countries.
- Business ETA (multiple entries, up to 30 days): $40 for most countries, $30 for SAARC countries.
- Transit ETA (single entry, up to 2 days): Free of charge.
How to Get Sri Lanka Evisa
Once you have completed the application process and received your ETA approval via email, print a copy to present at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. Immigration officials may also ask for additional documents, such as proof of sufficient funds and a round-trip ticket, so have these ready.
Tips for a Smooth Sri Lanka Evisa Application Process
To ensure a hassle-free Sri Lanka Evisa application process, follow these tips:
- Double-check your entries on the application form for accuracy.
- Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from arriving in Sri Lanka.
- Apply generously before your trip to account for any delays in processing.
- Keep a printed copy of your ETA approval and relevant documents when arriving in Sri Lanka.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lanka Evisa
What is the Sri Lanka Evisa duration?
The Sri Lanka Evisa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in the country. However, it can be extended for up to six months by applying for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
Can I work in Sri Lanka on an Evisa?
No, the Sri Lanka Evisa is strictly for tourism, business, and transit purposes. To work in Sri Lanka, you must obtain a separate work visa.
Can I apply for a Sri Lanka Evisa on arrival?
While it is possible to apply for an ETA on arrival, it is highly recommended to apply online in advance to avoid delays and a higher fee at the airport.
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Applying for a Sri Lanka Evisa is a simple and convenient process. By understanding the requirements, following the step-by-step process, and preparing the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth application experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Sri Lanka!