Find the right Sri Lanka Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time
Sri Lanka Visa Types
Sri Lanka Visa Types
VisaHQ offers interested ETA applicants the opportunity to apply for any ETA. Depending on your needs, you can apply for a Tourist ETA, Business ETA, or Transit ETA. As long as you are from one of the eligible countries and you have the required documents, you are good to go. Please read our review of each document and make up your mind about the one to go for.
Sri Lanka Tourist ETA
The Sri Lankan tourist ETA is designed solely for tourism and leisure in general and not for any other purpose. This document can be used for holidays, vacations, visiting friends and family in Sri Lanka, participating in cultural events, etc. Once you are issued this electronic travel authorization for tourism, you are expected to use it within 6 months of issue. Please use it within this period to avoid expiration, and you will have to apply for a new ETA if you still wish to travel.
The eta is issued as a double-entry or single-entry document. The single-entry version can only be used to enter Sri Lanka once, and you can stay for 180 days. The double entry visa can be used twice, but you can’t stay for more than 30 days for each visit. Do note that once the ETA is issued to you, print it out and travel with it to Sri Lanka and present it to the immigration officers at the port of entry.
Port of entry
Sri Lanka does not have a land border as the Indian Ocean surrounds it, but you can access the country by air and sea using your ETA. Here are the entry ports.
Airports: Bandaranaike International Airport, Mattala Rajapaska International Airport
Seaports: Galle Harbor, Trincomalee Harbor, Magam Ruhunpura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, Kankesanthurei Harbor, Norochcholai Pier, Thalaimannar Pier
Sri Lanka Business ETA
The electronic travel authorization for business is for eligible visitors who wish to enter Sri Lanka for contract negotiations, participate in meetings, and attend conferences, seminars, and symposiums. However, its flexible nature also allows the holder to engage in religious and cultural events without getting charged for it. The Business ETA is issued as a single or double entry permit. You can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 180 days with a single entry permit, but it can only be used once. As for the double entry permit, you can use it twice, but you can only stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days on each visit.
Travelers are expected to use the visa within three months after they get it; otherwise, it will expire. It is also important to note that this ETA is not a work visa but only designed for business engagements that will not earn you direct remuneration. If you intend to work in Sri Lanka, kindly apply for a work visa instead.
Port of Entry
Sri Lanka does not have a land border as the Indian Ocean surrounds it, but you can access the country by air and sea using your ETA. Here are the entry ports:
Airports: Bandaranaike International Airport, Mattala Rajapaska International Airport
Seaports: Galle Harbor, Trincomalee Harbor, Magam Ruhunpura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, Kankesanthurei Harbor, Norochcholai Pier, Thalaimannar Pier
Sri Lanka Transit ETA
The transit ETA is for travelers who plan to change flights in Sri Lanka en route to another country. This ETA is only required if you will stay in Sri Lanka for more than eight hours before continuing your trip. It allows you to leave the airport transit lounge for the city for up to two days before returning to take your flight. Like the other ETAs above, it is linked to your passport and valid for 180 days, but you can only use it once because it is a single-entry document.
Transit visitors may be required to show their visas for the country they are heading to and their flight ticket for the onward trip.
Port of Entry
Sri Lanka does not have a land border as the Indian Ocean surrounds it, but you can access the country by air and sea using your ETA. Here are the entry ports:
Airports: Bandaranaike International Airport, Mattala Rajapaska International Airport
Seaports: Galle Harbor, Trincomalee Harbor, Magam Ruhunpura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, Kankesanthurei Harbor, Norochcholai Pier, Thalaimannar Pier
Visa is not required for a stay up to 180 days
Visa is not required for a stay up to 180 days
The validity of the Visa for the two entries is 30 days and starts on the first arrival date. This means the departure date for the second entry must be within 30 days of the first arrival date.
The validity of the Visa for the two entries is 30 days and starts on the first arrival date. This means the departure date for the second entry must be within 30 days of the first arrival date.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for
A visa is not required for this destination.
- Visas to Sri Lanka are electronic. No documents need to be mailed to VisaHQ for processing.You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- Visas to Sri Lanka are electronic. No documents need to be mailed to VisaHQ for processing.You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- Visas to Sri Lanka are electronic. No documents need to be mailed to VisaHQ for processing.You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- Visas to Sri Lanka are electronic. No documents need to be mailed to VisaHQ for processing.You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- This visa is entirely electronic. No documents need to be attached online or mailed to VisaHQ for processing. You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- This visa is entirely electronic. No documents need to be attached online or mailed to VisaHQ for processing. You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- This visa is entirely electronic. No documents need to be attached online or mailed to VisaHQ for processing. You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- This visa is entirely electronic. No documents need to be attached online or mailed to VisaHQ for processing. You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- Visas to Sri Lanka are electronic. No documents need to be mailed to VisaHQ for processing.You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail.
- Check visa
Visa Policy of Sri Lanka
The law guiding the immigration and visa policy of Sri Lanka is the Immigrant and Emigrants Law of 1984, amended several times in 1993, 1998, 2006, 2015, and 2021 to reflect current realities. According to this law, all visitors coming to Sri Lanka must obtain visas in advance from the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in their country or a visa on arrival. Travelers are separated into eligibility groups for this purpose.
Visitors from countries on the visa on-arrival list don’t have to acquire a visa before boarding flights for Sri Lanka as the VOA (Visa on Arrival) will be given to them at the airport once they touch down. Other nationals that don’t qualify for visas on arrival must obtain theirs from the embassy or consulate.
Then a third group of visitors qualify for an online travel permit called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This document is for tourists and businesspersons who want to visit and stay for only a short time. This ETA qualifies them for a visa once they arrive in Sri Lanka unless they fall into the visa-exempt category. The ETA was introduced in 2012 as an online system to facilitate the smooth registration of visitors before they enter the country, and it functions like an online visa even though it is not.
Applying for ETA is simple and fast, and you don’t have to visit the embassy in your country.
Another thing you should know is that the ETA is issued as a single or double-entry travel document that remains valid for 180 days after the date of issue and allows the holder to stay for up to 30 days per visit. You can enter Sri Lanka through international airports and seaports but not by land as Sri Lanka is an island.
You can use the ETA for tourism, transit, and business, provided you meet all the requirements.
Note: All visitors must have a valid passport for 6 months or more, regardless of their status. Also, Pakistani applicants are subject to additional processing by the Department of Emigration and Immigration.
Sri Lanka ETA Eligiblity
Only applicants that meet the following criteria will get an ETA
- They must be citizens of an eligible country with a passport to prove it
- Their passport must meet the minimum 6 months criteria conditions
- They must have no intention to stay in Sri Lanka beyond the duration allowed
- They must be financially capable of footing their living and traveling expenses
- They must have no intention of working, studying or living permanently in Sri Lanka
Key Information About Sri Lanka
No Land Border: Sri Lanka is an island country surrounded by the Indian Ocean so there is no land access to the country. Although there are plans tombiod a land bridge between Sri Lanka and India, the project is yet to commence. The only route into the country is by air or sea.
Approved Routes: Visitors coming to Sri Lanka with ETAs are advised to only use approved airports and seaports. Traveling through unauthorized routes is Illegal and dangerous.
Get Vaccinated: If you plan to travel to the interior parts of the country bear in mind that some areas have health risks. Consult your doctor to recommend the right vaccines to take. Depending on your region, Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended and somis dengue and Typhoid fever vaccinations. There are currently no active Covid 19 vaccination mandates in Sri Lanka but visitors must show a negative PCR test result taken not later than 72 hours before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Travel With The Same Passport: Your ETA is linked to your passport and the number is what is used to generate the ETA. Endeavor to travel to Sri Lanka with the same passport used for the ETA application and not a different one.
Print Out A Copy: Always travel with a copy of your ETA to prove to the Officials that you have a valid document. Not only will the immigration officials request a copy of the ETA at the entry port, you may encounter law enforcement officers inside the country who may request to see your documents.
Sri Lanka Visa Online – Get your Sri Lanka e-Visa with VisaHQ
Getting an online visa for Sri Lanka is easy on VisaHQ. You don’t have to visit the embassy or consulate in your country, as you can submit your application and all the relevant documents from the comfort of your home using your PC or smartphone. The visa will be issued as long as you meet the online visa requirements.
How To obtain an ETA with VisaHQ?
The application process on VisaHQ is fairly easy and simple. In just a few steps, you can be done with your application. Here are the steps you need to take to apply for a Sri Lankan ETA:
Complete The Application Form: The first step is to navigate to the visa application page, select the e-visa you want, and fill out the form with the correct details to ensure your application does not get rejected.
Attach the required documents: The next step is to attach the required documents depending on the type of e-visa you choose.
Receive Your ETA: After applying, you must wait for your application to be processed. This will take a few days, but once approved, it will be forwarded to you via email.
Print the ETA and travel with it alongside the passport you used to apply for the E-visa.
Why Use VisaHQ?
Using VisaHQ for the Sri Lanka ETA application is the best move you will ever make because of the many benefits you stand to gain, such as the following
- Fast and simple application process
- We have been in the industry since 2003, with 20 offices and a presence in 6 countries
- Enjoy first-class professional support from our experienced team.
- Safe and secure platform
- User-friendly application interface that is easy to use and navigate
- Track your application with ease
- Apply for multiple e-visas at the same time
- Save documents for future applications
- Encrypted website for data protection
With offices in two continents and six countries we boast of a rich network of experts who can provide technical support services when you need it.
Visit the VisaHQ visa application page now to complete and submit your application. Or better still, send us a message if you have any questions and we will get back to your speedily.
Find us near you
- Washington, DC
AddressVisaHQ.com Inc.1701 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036PhoneWorking HoursFor calls: Mo-Fr, 8:30 am - 8:30 pm ET
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lanka visa
- What is an ETA?It is an Electronic Travel Authorization granted online through the web based visa system implemented by DI&E.
- Do I need a ticket before I apply for visa?ETA can be obtained even before booking your ticket.
- How does the airline know that I have a valid visa to travel?ETA is not a pre-condition to board a flight/vessel to Sri Lanka.
- Is my personal information secure to submit online?This site operates under the principles outlined in the Privacy Statement. Only the data required to process your application will be collected. It will be used only for this purpose. Data in your ETA application will be stored on our secured servers. Please see the Privacy Statement for more information.
- What happens if I already possess a valid visa?If you already possess a valid Residence Visa or Multiple Entry Visa, a fresh ETA application cannot be lodged until that visa expires or is cancelled.
- If I already possess a valid visa, can I apply for a fresh visa again?ETA is valid for six months and a fresh ETA cannot be obtained using the same passport until that ETA expires. If you lose the passport which contains the valid ETA you may apply for a fresh ETA by paying the relevant fee again.
- What happens if my application is not approved?If your ETA application is not approved it will be referred to the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission. which you may contact for further assistance.
- If my e-Visa application is denied, will my fees be refunded?It is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?Once an application is submitted processed and payment is made, you cannot cancel the transaction and the payment cannot be reimbursed. Therefore, please ensure that you enter your personal details correctly. If you have made an error, it is important that you correct it before confirmation. Once you have confirmed the details, your electronic payment card (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit card) will be debited for the non-refundable service charge. If you find out later that you have made a mistake, then you will have to submit a fresh application and pay the relevant fee again.
- Can I apply for a fresh visa while being in the destination country?You cannot obtain a fresh ETA while being in Sri Lanka irrespective of whether your ETA is valid or expired.
Sri Lanka Embassy list in United States of America
Sri Lanka Customs
- Alcoholic beverages(For residents over 18 years old): 2.5L of alcoholic liquor, 2 L of wine; (For non-residents over 18 years old): 1.5 liters of spirits and 2 bottles of wine.
- Perfume(For residents over 18 years old): 250 ml of perfume; (For non-residents over 18 years old): 250 ml of Eau de Toilette and small quantity of perfume.
- Gifts
- (For non-residents over 18 years old): gifts and souvenirs not exceeding value of US$250.
- Pets and animalsPets – before bringing any pets into Sri Lanka, prior authorization must be obtained from the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH).
- Arms and ammunitionWeaponry and ammunition - with permission only.
- Plant and plant productsPlants, animals any part thereof and foodstuff. Import permit must be obtained prior to travel.
- MedicationsMedicines, for personal use only, in original packaging and accompanied by the prescription and doctor’s note.
- CurrencyCurrency – any local or foreign currency exceeding equivalent of US $15,000 needs to be declared, local currency (Sri Lanka Rupee) up to 20,000.
- Goods for tradeGoods for commercial or trade purposes, except trade samples.
- Drugs
- Pornographic material
- Anti-religion materials
- CurrencyIndian and Pakistani currency
- CurrencyCurrency – foreign currencies up to the amounts imported and/or declared, local currency (Sri Lanka Rupee) up to 20,000.
- Goods for personal use
- Arms and ammunitionWeaponry and ammunition - with permission only.
- Plant and plant productsPlants, animals any part thereof and foodstuff. Import permit must be obtained prior to travel.
- MedicationMedicines, for personal use only, in original packaging and accompanied by the prescription and doctor’s note.
- Goods for trade
- Cultural artefacts
- Drugs
- Pornographic material
- Anti-religion materials
- CurrencyIndian and Pakistani currency
- Japanese encephalitis, Tetanus and Rabies are present in this country so every precaution needs to be taken in order to avoid infection (mosquitoes bites, animal bites, cuts).
- Travellers are advised to utilise insect repellent and close clothing to limit the risk of infection. There have been several cases of H5N1 Bird Flu in the country and travellers should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
- Emergency medical treatment in Sri Lanka is not easily available outside main cities, Being brought to Colombo for treatment might be expected.
- Mosquito based diseases including Dengue fever, Chikungunya and Malaria are common in the country and travellers are strongly advised to wear close fitting clothing and obtain plenty of insect repellent for protection. Travellers bitten are urged to immediately seek medical aid before symptoms develop.
- There is a general danger from international terrorism in this country with both foreign and native civilians being at risk. Travellers should exercise consiThere is a greater than average danger from international terrorism in this country with both foreign and native civilians being at risk. Travellers should exercise considerable caution when visiting commercial establishments, government facilities, and public or religious sites.
- Credit card fraud is the most common type of crime affecting visitors. It is advisable to use cash wherever possible and to use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels.
- A high military presence and the ongoing possibility of a fresh outbreak of violence can be happned at any time.
- Address No.40, Main Street, Colombo 11, Sri Lanka
- Phone +94 11 2143434 +94 11 2221602-3 +94 11 2221607 +94 11 2221611 +94 11 2221713
- Visit Website
For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy.