With effect from 1st January 2012, all holiday and business travellers to Sri Lanka must have Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering in to Sri Lanka. ETA is an official authorization for a short visit to Sri Lanka and is issued electronically. The ETA is introduced with the intention of providing an efficient, reliable and simplified service to those who visit Sri Lanka. ETA holders will be issued a 30 day short visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
The ETA is issued through an on-line system. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required. There is no requirement to endorse the ETA on the passport. Upon arrival, produce your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry to obtain the necessary clearance. It is advisable for you to bring a copy of the ETA approval notice along with you.
Visit Visa
visit http://www.immigration.gov.lk
A Visit Visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country. The Visa contains details of the period of time and the condition/s of the stay. There are two sub-categories which come under visit visas –
1. Tourist Visit Visa
A Tourist Visa is issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing, excursions, relaxation, visit relatives or yoga training for a short period of time.
2. Business Visit Visa
A Business Visa is issued to foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for short periods of time. This visa may be issued for single, double or multiple journeys.
http://www.eta.gov.lk
General Instructions
An intended traveller planning a holiday visit, a short business trip or to transit through, needs to apply and obtain an ETA prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.
The types of ETA:
- ETA for Tourist purpose with double entry for 30 (thirty) days
- ETA for Business purpose with multiple entry for 30 (thirty) days
- ETA for Transit for 07 (seven) days. (First 48 hours free of charge.)
Steps to be followed:
- Submit the application.
- Receive the acknowledgement.
- Receive ETA approval or a referral notice.
If a referral notice is served, you may contact Department of Immigration and Emigration for the necessary ETA.
Common FAQ
How can I renew my tourist visa?
Every bona-fide tourist who enters Sri Lanka within the period of the landing permit granted by the Immigration officials at the port of entry can apply for a visa extension before the expiry of the visa. Two (02) months extension beyond 30 days shall be granted at the Department of Immigration Emigration (Head Office) if required. However further extension shall only be considered with valid reasons. This restriction will not be applicable to Ex-Sri Lankans.
Where can I get a tourist visa renewal Application Form ?
1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo
2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my tourist visa ?
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
How can I renew my Business Visa ?
Applications for the extension of all visas should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration Head Office.
Where can I get a Business Visa renewal application form ?
1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo
2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Business Visa ?
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
