As the Sri Lankan government goes through a transition with a new president and a new ruling party, we humbly apologize for all the changes being put across with regards to the Sri Lanka tourist visa status.
Oct 2024: Latest Update on Sri Lanka Tourist Visa
Today, we come bearing great news! The much awaited ETA system is back online after a long process.
All tourists will be able to apply for a 30 Day Visa under the previous ETA system. The process is the same as before and you can access the website at: https://www.eta.gov.lk
The fees and exemptions are as follows –
- The Visa Fee is US$ 50 for all countries except the following:
- China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan Nationals have a Free Visa and can apply on the ETA system or Visa on Arrival. Please note: It is not ‘visa free’, it is a free visa. Nationals from these countries HAVE to obtain a visa, but they will not be charged.
- Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, The Czech Republic – Following Nationals will not require a Visa.
- For SAARC countries, the VISA will cost US$ 20 (Excluding India which is Free).
- For Children bellow 12 Years, the Visa is Free.
- Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana who intend to apply for ETA may apply through Sri Lankan Sponsor for their ETA from the Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka.
There are still a few minor glitches to be resolved. We will try our best to keep you informed of changes or amendments in due course.
Aug 2024 Update:
From www.eta.gov.lk to www.srilankaevisa.lk during the last few months, the latter was the go to option for tourists wanting to obtain visa for Sri Lanka. However, from the 2nd of August 2024, the Sri Lanka E Visa website was also suspended until further notice. The Department of Immigration informed that efforts are currently being made to restore the online visa process at the earliest.
During this interim period, tourists are assured visa on arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. Except for the following countries, all other country passports can obtain visa on arrival: Afghanistan, Syria, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Myanmar. Nationals from these countries can only obtain visa via applying through a representative at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka.
Previous Methodologies:
In a bid to streamline Sri Lanka tourist visa processing and combat fraudulent activities, the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka rolled out a new visa methodology effective April 17th, 2024. Previously, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) was issued via an online application being submitted on www.eta.gov.lk.
Partnering with IVS Global Institute and GBS Technology Service, the department is launching the e-visa system. The implementation of the new process marks the termination of visa application through the ETA website. This transition aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for travelers.
The new authentic website for Sri Lankan E-visa application is as follows: www.srilankaevisa.lk.
For detailed information and access to the online visa application portal, individuals can visit www.srilankaevisa.lk. Through this platform, the department aims to offer a swift and efficient visa application process, catering to the needs of tourists and investors alike.
Visa applicants, or travelers, have the option to select from 17 non-resident visa categories, spanning durations from one month to 10 years. The entire process is conducted online, enhancing convenience for applicants. Furthermore, travelers can avail themselves of a dedicated contact center offering round-the-clock support in five languages: English, Tamil, Russian, Mandarin/Cantonese, and German.
Resolving challenges as a result of the transition
There have been concerns regarding unauthorized websites impersonating the official platform, leading unsuspecting applicants to fall victim to scams.
To address this issue, the department urges tourists visiting Sri Lanka to apply for e-visas exclusively through the official Home Page of www.immigration.gov.lk. They emphasize utilizing the designated e-visa link on the website, which will redirect you to the authentic aforementioned e-visa webpage. This will ensure secure and legitimate transactions.
Changes to the standard tourist visa for Sri Lanka
The ETA system granted a 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa. With the new system, tourists are given a multiple-entry, 6 months stay for a standard tourist visa. However, Tourism Minister Mr. Harin Fernando recently announced that the single-entry 30-day visa will be re-implemented by the 01st of May 2024. According to the President’s Media Division, this decision was approved by the cabinet on the 06th of May 2024 and thus, the 30-day tourist visa has been retained at a fee of USD 50.
Moreover, it has been affirmed that the free visa service, presently extended to citizens of seven countries—India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia—will continue. Additionally, the government points out that the Department of Immigration and Emigration retains complete accountability for issuing pertinent visas upon foreigners’ entry into the country.
Common visa-related concerns:
- Who Can Apply for Sri Lanka eVisa?
All eligible nationalities intending to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes, whether by air or sea, can apply for the Sri Lanka eVisa.
However, nationals of Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Syria, and North Korea must apply for a visa through the Sri Lankan embassy or the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka. - Which countries do not require a visa to enter Sri Lanka?
Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, and The Czech Republic are exempt from Sri Lankan visas, based on reciprocity. - Does Sri Lanka offer transit visas?
All nationals are eligible for an eVisa waiver if transiting from any of the Sri Lankan airports. The waiver is valid for a 2-day transit period only.
Types of Sri Lanka Tourist eVisa
| Category | Validity | Entry Type | Visa Fee | Ideal For |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 30 Days | Single | 50 USD | Holiday / Visiting Family or friends Medical Treatment Yoga Retreat Sporting Event Cultural Performance |
| One Year – Multiple Entry | One Year | Multiple | 200 USD | Holiday / Visiting Family or friends Medical Treatment Yoga Retreat Sporting Event Cultural Performance |
| Two Years – Multiple Entry | Two Years | Multiple | 300 USD | Holiday / Visiting Family or friends Medical Treatment Yoga Retreat Sporting Event Cultural Performance |
| Five Years – Multiple Entry | Five Years | Multiple | 500 USD | Holiday / Visiting Family or friends Medical Treatment Yoga Retreat Sporting Event Cultural Performance |
| Transit Visa – through port or airport | Online – 02 Days | Single | Free | Business Meeting Short Excursion |
| Transit Visa – through airport for excursion | 04 Days | Single | 25 USD | Business Meeting Tourism Excursion for passenger vessel |
How to apply for Sri Lanka eVisa?
- Head to the official Sri Lanka eVisa website.
- Either register an account or sign in if you’re already registered.
- Provide accurate information in the online application form.
- Submit the necessary documents, such as a scanned copy of your passport, a recent photo, and any additional documents required for your eVisa category.
- Securely pay the eVisa fee online using the provided payment methods.
- After submitting your application and confirming payment, you’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt along with a unique application reference number.
- Keep track of your eVisa application status online using the reference number.
- Once approved, download and print your eVisa to present to the Immigration officer upon arrival at a Sri Lankan port of entry.
Tracking your Sri Lanka eVisa Application
After submitting your eVisa application online, you’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt containing a unique Web Reference Number. This number is crucial for monitoring your application’s progress through the ‘Track Status’ feature on the website. Simply enter your reference number and other necessary details to access updates on your application’s status.
The tracking system will provide regular updates via your registered email address, informing you when your application is approved and ready for download.
Upon approval, ensure you have the following documents ready for your journey to Sri Lanka:
- A printed copy of your eVisa approval letter issued by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
- Your passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
- A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Sri Lanka.
For any further assistance in applying for Sri Lanka tourist visa, please get in touch with our team at Travel Treasures Sri Lanka.