A Sri Lankan visa is an endorsement on a passport or other document that allows non-Sri Lankans to enter the country legally and regulates the length of their stay and the rules that govern it.
A Visit Visa confirms that the Sri Lankan government has granted permission for a foreigner to enter the country. The length of stay and the regulations are specified in the Visa.
How to apply and Obtain Sri Lankan Visa
On January 1, 2012, the Sri Lankan government issued a new electronic visa called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for a short visit to the country. Visitors who are entering Sri Lanka must get a valid visa from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The application for a Sri Lanka ETA is can be completed online, and approval notification is conveyed by email. The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) eliminates the need for a visa label or stamp from Sri Lanka.
Steps to apply for ETA
- Submit an application online at www.eta.gov.lk and you will receive the acknowledgment.
- You’ll either get an ETA approval or a referral notification.
- Pay the fees through Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are the only credit cards accepted.
- If you receive a referral notice, you should contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration to obtain the appropriate ETA.
- The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival, however, it can be extended for up to six (06) months.
Documents required for Visa
- a scanned copy of your passport’s first and last pages Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Sri Lanka and contain at least 3 blank pages.
- A round-trip ticket to be shown at the Sri Lankan port of entry (only if you are traveling by air).
- Proof that you have enough money to meet your costs in Sri Lanka.
Types of Visa
1. Tourist Visit Visa
A Tourist Visa is granted to genuine travelers who wish to visit Sri Lanka for a limited amount of time for sightseeing, excursions, relaxation, visiting family, or yoga training. Beyond the first 30-day term, the Department of Immigration and Emigration (Head Office) may grant a two-month extension. However, such extensions will only be accepted if there are compelling reasons. Ex-Sri Lankans will be exempt from this ban.
The applicant must be present in order to receive the visa.
Documents required for a Tourist visa
- A return flight ticket is required.
- The address and phone number of the lodging establishment. (bills and coupons from hotels)
- The application, as well as the applicant’s photograph.
Validity
The Tourist visa is good for 30 days and can be used twice. Once you’ve arrived in the nation, you can extend your visa for up to six months.
2. Business Purpose Visa
Foreign citizens who wish to visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for a short length of time are awarded a Business Purpose Visa. It can be used for single or many trips.
Documents required for Business Visa
- The application, as well as the applicant’s photograph.
- The business institute’s request letter for an extension of the business visa.
- To collect the visa, the appropriate person or an authorized representative of the business institute must be present.
Validity
Sri Lanka business visas are only valid for a short period of time. You have permission to stay in Sri Lanka for a maximum of 90 days.
3. Residence Visa
A Residence Visa is a document that allows a non-Sri Lankan to live in the country for specific reasons. There are eight sub-categories that come under residence visas. It is basically given to non-Sri Lankan nationals or forgeiners to whom it has been decided to provide residential facilities for the purpose of investment or otherwise if the prescribed authority is satisfied that their stay in Sri Lanka and pursuit of their vocations do not risk the population’s best interests. Printable copies of the Application Forms are available for download here.
1. Employment Category
A) Project Professional professionals whose skills are required for state-approved projects Expatriate personnel working on projects under the Sri Lankan Board of Investment (BOI).
Documents required:
- BOI certificate
- Request Letter from the representing Company
- BOI Agreement
- Company Registration certificate
- Recommendation from the respective Ministry
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
B). Personnel who get employment at Banks and their dependants
C). Volunteers/ Personnel attached to Non-Governmental Organizations
D). Personnel who get Employment in a Project, institution, or organization under Diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka
E). Personnel who get Employment in a Private Company and their dependants
Validity
Sri Lanka should be completed at least two months before your travel document expires. Requests for residence visas in this category will only be considered if the applicant has been in Sri Lanka for a total of three months from the date of their final arrival.
2. Investor Category
A person who wants to make a financial investment in Sri Lanka.
3. Religious Category
- Members of the Clergy.
4. Student category
- University Students
- Students in Educational Institutions approved by the State.
- Religious students
Documents required
- Recommendation from Ministry of Higher Education.
- Letter from the university
5. Ex – Sri Lankan and dependants
Requests for residence visas in this category will only be considered if the applicant has been in Sri Lanka for a total of three months from the date of their final arrival.
Documents required
- In support of the marriage, a marriage certificate attested by a competent body in Sri Lanka or overseas is required.
- Documents to prove citizenship certificate and birth certificate of Sri Lankan spouse, if the person is a citizen by registration.
- Sri Lankan spouse’s passport or national identity card
- If you’re divorced, you’ll need your divorce decree; if your ex-spouse died, you’ll need a death certificate.
Sri Lankan spouse’s consent
What is the cost of a Sri Lankan Visa?
You can check here.
What is the processing time?
Your ETA application will be handled in 5 days for a charge of USD 40.00. (service fees included). Urgent processing – Your ETA will arrive in 3 days, and the total cost will be USD 70.00. (service fees included).
Places to visit in Sri Lanka
1. World’s End Nuwara Eliya
The World’s End in the Horton Plains is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in Sri Lanka.
World’s End Nuwara Eliya
2. Yala National Park
Spotting a leopard patrolling the Yala National Park is a common occurrence. In the Yala National Park, you may see the wild side of nature and satisfy your desire to learn more about wildlife. Yala National Park is located in Sri Lanka’s southeast corner.
Yala National Park
3. Galle Face Green
Honking horns are a significant turnoff for avid joggers, walkers, and kite fliers. Galle Face Green is a lovely stretch of lawn with a view of the sea in the middle of Columbo. You will be able to breathe the way a person from a congested metropolis wishes to.
Galle Face Green
4. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve (Kingdom of the Lion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to a large number of Sri Lankan indigenous bird and animal species.
Sinharaja
5. Sigiriya
A visit to this location will let you see King Kasyapa’s 1600-year-old Sigiriya Fortress. Two moats and three ramparts surround this huge property.
Sigiriya