The Sri Lankan government has opened the visa application pathways for Malaysians looking to visit Sri Lanka. If you want to visit the country, you must obtain a Sri Lanka visa for Malaysians.
Traveling to Sri Lanka From Malaysia
Malaysian citizens have long made trips to Sri Lanka, and in fact, there is a small thriving community of Malaysian nationals who have made their home in the country due to the favorable conditions implemented by Sri Lanka high commission. One of the most common visas Malaysian visitors apply for is the tourist visa which is issued for those coming for holidays and sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or for traditional medical treatment like yoga and Ayurveda.
Sri Lanka has a rich culture and wildlife, including 26 parks. There are hotels and restaurants in the capital city of Colombo that serve traditional and international cuisines and resort towns off the coast of the Indian ocean. There is so much one can do in Sri Lanka, which is why it has recently become a top tourist destination for Malaysians.
Sri Lanka Visa And ETA
Before applying for a visa as foreign nationals, you must be sure of what you want. Malaysian citizens are eligible for a conventional visa and an electronic travel authorization.
Conventional Visa
A conventional visa is for those who wish to visit and stay in the country for a while. Visas are issued depending on the purpose of the visit. There are work visas, student visas, religious visas, resident visas, and lots more. To obtain this visa, you must visit the Sri Lankan embassy in Kuala Lumpur to submit your visa application form. Conventional visas are valid for one year and above.
Electronic Travel Authorization
An electronic travel authorization is for those who are coming for short visits, as described above. ETAs are largely issued to Malaysian tourists and short-term visitors visiting family and friends. This document is not really a visa but a pre-approval that qualifies the holder for a visa. The holder can stay in any part of Sri Lanka for 30 days, but it is valid for 180 days. Some etas categories also allow the holder to extend it to 60-150 days while in the country.
You don’t need to visit the embassy to apply for this document; all you have to do is fill out and submit the application form online.
Note: For conventional visas, kindly visit the embassy nearest you to enquire about the required documents.
An electronic travel authorization is for those who are coming for short visits, as described above. ETAs are largely issued to Malaysian tourists and short-term visitors visiting family and friends. This document is not really a visa but a pre-approval that qualifies the holder for a visa. The holder can stay in any part of Sri Lanka for 30 days, but it is valid for 180 days. Some etas categories also allow the holder to extend it to 60-150 days while in the country.
ETA documentary Requirements
These are the following supporting documents you need.
Malaysian Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity must be attached to the online application form. The passport bio page must be scanned and uploaded on the application portal. Only clear images are allowed. Secondly, the passport must contain at least 2 blank pages.
Recent passport size photograph: 2 recent photographs taken within the last six months must be uploaded with a white background. The passport must clearly show the face of the applicant. Wearing spectacles, head coverings, and other materials that may distort the image is not allowed.
Air Ticket: A return air ticket back to Malaysia is required to prove that you have every intention of going back home after.
Proof of Accommodation: A copy of your hotel reservation receipt must be uploaded showing the name and address of the hotel.
For long term visas, the following should be submitted to the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate
A duly completed multiple-entry visa application form
Two recent photographs
Sponsor or invitation letter
Copy of bank statement
Letter explaining the reason for the trip
Passport with 6 months validity at least
It will take about 2-4 days for an ETA application to be processed but up to 7 days for a normal visa to be processed. Furthermore, if the passport containing the ETA expires, the ETA expires, so you will have to get a new passport to apply for a new one. Ensure you only provide accurate information and valid data when filling out the form to avoid rejection.
If you want to apply for a Sri Lanka electronic travel authorization permit, visit the VisaHQ portal to access and complete the application form. For a Sri Lanka visa for Malaysians, visit an embassy or consulate closest to you to submit your application.