Is a visa required for travel to Sri Lanka?

Known as the teardrop isle for its unique shape, Sri Lanka features a visa system that's surprisingly easy for travelers to navigate.

This guide outlines the entry requirements for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, detailing visa types, associated costs, and the application process.

Who is required to obtain a visa for Sri Lanka?

Except for citizens of Singapore, the Republic of Maldives, and the Republic of Seychelles, all visitors need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Thankfully, obtaining one is quite simple.

How to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

For visits to Sri Lanka lasting up to 30 days, you can obtain a visa (ETA) through the Department of Immigration and Emigration website. The process requires filling out a straightforward form and making an online payment, without needing to submit passport copies, documents, or photos. You can also apply upon arrival.

A double-entry, 30-day tourist visa costs US$50 (US$20 for residents of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan). Transit visas, valid for two days, are free and only needed if you intend to leave the airport. Additionally, tourist visas for children under 12 are complimentary.

You can verify the status of your ETA online. Once approved, make sure to print the ETA approval notice to present to immigration officials upon your arrival in Sri Lanka. To maintain validity, you must enter Sri Lanka within three months of the ETA's issue date.

ETAs can also be requested through travel agents or directly at Sri Lankan embassies or consulates prior to your trip. Embassies often provide longer visa options, such as those valid for 90 days.

Along with an ETA, travelers to Sri Lanka should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from their arrival date, possess a confirmed return ticket, and have adequate funds for their stay.

Is it possible to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka?

A limited service is available at Bandaranaike International Airport, the main international gateway to Sri Lanka, where ETAs can be issued on arrival. These visas are more expensive than those obtained beforehand (US$60; or US$25 for residents of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan). Additionally, if your visa application is denied for any reason, you will be sent back to your original destination.

What is the process for extending a tourist visa in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, you can extend a 30-day tourist visa up to three times. The first extension typically allows for an additional 60 days, with a maximum stay of 270 days. It's important to apply for the extension before your current visa expires and to ensure your passport is valid for at least two months beyond your planned departure date.

You can submit your application through the online visa extension portal. Fees vary based on your nationality and the duration of your stay. For further assistance with extending your visa, reach out to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.