Sri Lanka ETA/Visa Policy

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country located in South Asia, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. The Sri Lankan government has taken several steps to promote tourism in the country, and one such initiative is the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The Sri Lanka ETA is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for a short stay, either for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

The Sri Lanka ETA system was introduced in 2012, and since then, it has been a popular choice among travelers visiting the country. The system has made the process of obtaining a Sri Lankan visa much more convenient and streamlined, with a simple online application process that can be completed from anywhere in the world.

To apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, applicants need to have a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. They must also provide a digital passport-sized photograph, a valid email address, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the ETA fee. The ETA fee varies depending on the type of ETA requested, the duration of stay, and the purpose of the visit.

The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days, and it can be extended for up to 90 days. However, applicants must apply for an extension before their current ETA expires. In addition, the Sri Lankan government reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who poses a security threat or has a criminal record.

Overall, the Sri Lanka ETA system has been a major success, with thousands of travelers using the system every year to visit the country. The system has made the process of obtaining a Sri Lankan visa much more convenient and efficient, encouraging more people to visit this beautiful island nation.

Sri Lanka ETA : Eligible Countries and Conditions

The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for a short stay, either for tourism, business, or transit purposes. 

Here is a list of eligible countries and conditions for Sri Lanka ETA:

Conditions for Sri Lanka ETA:

Valid Passport: To apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

Purpose of Visit: The Sri Lanka ETA is available for tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers. Applicants must indicate the purpose of their visit and provide supporting documents, such as a business invitation letter or proof of onward travel.

Duration of Stay: The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. However, travelers can apply for an extension of up to 90 days before their current ETA expires.

Entry Points: Sri Lanka ETA holders can enter Sri Lanka through designated entry points, including Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo Port, and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.

Health Requirements: Sri Lanka does not have any mandatory health requirements for travelers. However, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions and vaccinations before traveling to the country.

Security Clearance: The Sri Lankan government reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who poses a security threat or has a criminal record. Applicants are required to provide accurate information and may be subject to background checks.

Sri Lanka Visa : Eligible Countries 

There are several types of visas available for foreign nationals who wish to enter Sri Lanka, including tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. 

Here is a list of eligible countries for Sri Lanka visas:-

Sri Lanka Visa On Arrival Eligible Countries

Sri Lanka offers visa on arrival to citizens of certain countries. Here is a list of eligible countries for Sri Lanka visa on arrival:

  • Citizens of Maldives can obtain a Sri Lanka visa on arrival that is valid for 30 days and can be extended to a maximum of 150 days. 

  • Seychelles citizens can also get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival that is valid for 60 days, with a maximum stay of 90 days within a single year. 

  • Similarly, citizens of Singapore are eligible for a Sri Lanka visa on arrival that is valid for 30 days and can be extended up to 150 days.

Sri Lanka Visa Exemptions: Countries and Categories Eligible for Visa-Free Travel

Sri Lanka offers visa exemptions for certain countries and categories of travelers, allowing them to enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance.

Here is a list of countries and categories eligible for visa-free travel to Sri Lanka:-

Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Requirements and Application Process

The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for short stays. Here are the requirements and application process for Sri Lanka ETA:

Requirements:

  • A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay in Sri Lanka.

  • A valid email address to receive the ETA approval notice.

  • A valid credit/debit card or PayPal account to pay the ETA processing fee.

Application Process:

  • Visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website (www.eta.gov.lk) and click on the "Apply" button.

  • Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel information, including your passport details, contact information, and travel itinerary.

  • Pay the ETA processing fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal account.

  • Submit your application and wait for the ETA approval notice to be sent to your email address within 24 hours.

  • Print out the ETA approval notice and present it upon arrival in Sri Lanka, along with your passport.

t is important to note that the Sri Lanka ETA is only valid for short stays of up to 30 days and cannot be extended. Additionally, travelers should ensure they meet all the requirements and have all the necessary documents before submitting their ETA application to avoid any delays or issues with their travel to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Visa Extension: Procedures and Requirements

Foreign nationals who wish to extend their stay in Sri Lanka beyond the initial visa or ETA period may apply for a visa extension. Here are the procedures and requirements for a Sri Lanka visa extension:

Procedures:

  • Apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at least one week before the expiry of the current visa or ETA.

  • Provide the required documents and pay the visa extension fee.

  • Await the decision of the immigration authorities.

Requirements:

  • A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay in Sri Lanka.

  • A valid Sri Lanka visa or ETA.

  • A completed visa extension application form.

  • A confirmed return ticket or evidence of onward travel.

  • Sufficient funds to support the extended stay in Sri Lanka.

  • A letter explaining the reasons for the visa extension request.

  • Any other documents required by the immigration authorities.

It is important to note that the visa extension is subject to approval by the immigration authorities and may not be granted in all cases. Additionally, travelers are advised to apply for a visa extension before their current visa or ETA expires to avoid any issues with their stay in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Visa Overstay: Consequences and Penalties

Foreign nationals who overstay their visa or ETA in Sri Lanka may face consequences and penalties. Here are the possible consequences and penalties for overstaying a visa or ETA in Sri Lanka:

Fines: Overstaying a visa or ETA in Sri Lanka can result in fines that are calculated on a daily basis. The amount of the fine may vary depending on the length of the overstay.

Detention and Deportation: Overstaying a visa or ETA in Sri Lanka can result in detention and deportation. The immigration authorities may detain the individual until the issue is resolved, and they may also deport the individual at their own expense.

Ban on Re-entry: Overstaying a visa or ETA in Sri Lanka can result in a ban on re-entry. The individual may be prohibited from entering Sri Lanka for a certain period of time, ranging from six months to five years.

Difficulty in Obtaining Future Visas: Overstaying a visa or ETA in Sri Lanka can also make it difficult to obtain future visas for Sri Lanka or other countries. The individual's record may be marked, making it challenging to obtain visas in the future.

It is important to note that overstaying a visa or ETA in Sri Lanka is a serious offense and can have long-lasting consequences. Foreign nationals are advised to ensure they have a valid visa or ETA and abide by the conditions of their stay in Sri Lanka to avoid any issues with the immigration authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for short stays.

The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

No, the Sri Lanka ETA cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer in Sri Lanka, you must apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

The requirements for a Sri Lanka ETA include a valid passport, a valid email address, and a valid credit/debit card or PayPal account to pay the ETA processing fee.

The Sri Lanka ETA is available to citizens of over 140 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries.

Yes, citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Please check with your embassy or the Sri Lankan embassy in your country for more information.

No, the Sri Lanka ETA does not allow foreign nationals to work in Sri Lanka. If you wish to work in Sri Lanka, you must obtain a work visa through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

Overstaying your Sri Lanka ETA can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entry to Sri Lanka. It is important to abide by the conditions of your stay in Sri Lanka and ensure you have a valid visa or ETA at all times.