Here is a Complete Guide About Sri Lanka Visa and Immigration
Step Into Paradise—Your Sri Lankan Adventure Starts with the Right Visa!
Are you ready to explore the golden beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka? Whether you're a leisure traveler, spiritual seeker, nature lover, or business visitor—this island nation is a gem waiting to be discovered. And the great news? Sri Lanka has one of the easiest and most tourist-friendly visa systems in Asia!
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get a Sri Lanka visa, how to apply online, eligibility, visa fees, visa requirements, types, duration, and step-by-step procedures. Written by a visa expert, this guide is your key to entering the Pearl of the Indian Ocean with confidence!
🌴 Why Visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Picture yourself on palm-fringed beaches, spotting elephants on safari, hiking the highlands of Ella, or wandering through UNESCO-listed sites like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. With its friendly locals, rich cuisine, and low cost of travel, Sri Lanka is a bucket-list destination for every type of traveler.
And thanks to easy electronic visa access, you can start your journey in just a few clicks!
✈️ How to Get a Sri Lanka Visa
Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for most tourists, business travelers, and transiting passengers.
🌐 What is an ETA?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a short-term online visa that allows you to enter Sri Lanka without visiting an embassy or consulate.
🌐 How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa Online (ETA)
Applying for a Sri Lanka visa is quick, affordable, and 100% online!
📝 Steps to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA:
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Visit the official website: https://eta.gov.lk
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Choose your visa category: Tourist, Business, or Transit.
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Fill in the ETA application form with passport and travel info.
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Upload necessary documents (optional for most cases).
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Pay the ETA fee using a debit/credit card.
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Receive your approval by email within 24–72 hours.
✅ You must carry a printout of your approved ETA when you arrive in Sri Lanka.
🎯 Sri Lanka Visa Eligibility
You are eligible for a Sri Lanka ETA if:
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You hold a valid passport (minimum 6 months).
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You are from an eligible country (most nationalities qualify).
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You plan to visit for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
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You have a return/onward ticket and sufficient funds.
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You are not listed under restricted entry due to travel bans.
💡 Nationals of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles enjoy visa-free entry under bilateral agreements.
📄 Sri Lanka Visa Requirements
While applying for an ETA, most travelers only need basic information. However, here’s a full list for your reference:
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Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
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Completed online ETA form
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Return or onward flight ticket
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Hotel booking or address in Sri Lanka
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Valid email address
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Debit or credit card for online payment
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For business ETA: Invitation letter or company details
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For transit: Ticket to next destination within 48 hours
💰 Sri Lanka Visa Fees (Updated 2025)
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Duration | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | $50 | 30 days (extendable) | Double entry |
| Business ETA | $55 | 30 days | Multiple entry |
| Transit ETA | Free | 2 days | Single entry |
| SAARC Countries* | $20 (Tourist) | 30 days | Double entry |
📝 All visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
*SAARC = South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.)
🧾 Types of Sri Lanka Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Vacation, family visit, sightseeing | 30 days (extendable to 180) |
| Business ETA | Meetings, trade, conferences | 30 days (multiple entries) |
| Transit ETA | Layover under 48 hours | 2 days |
| Student Visa | Studying in Sri Lanka | Based on course duration |
| Residence Visa | Long-term stay, employment, family | 1+ years |
| Work Visa | Jobs and employment (with employer) | 1–2 years |
⏳ Sri Lanka Visa Duration and Extensions
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Tourist ETA: Valid for 30 days, double entry.
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Can be extended up to 180 days through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
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Business ETA: Valid for 30 days, multiple entries allowed.
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Transit Visa: Valid for 2 days only, non-extendable.
🚨 Overstaying your visa can result in penalties or deportation, so always apply for an extension in time!
🛃 Application Procedure Summary
For Most Tourists (ETA Eligible):
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Go to https://eta.gov.lk
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Select visa type.
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Fill the form and pay.
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Receive ETA via email in 1–3 days.
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Print it and carry it when entering Sri Lanka.
For Long-Term or Work Visas:
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Apply via the Sri Lankan embassy or local sponsor.
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Submit additional documents and undergo verification.
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Await visa approval before travel.
🌟 Why Travel to Sri Lanka?
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Tropical paradise with golden beaches, tea plantations, and ancient cities
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Affordable luxury—Sri Lanka offers 5-star experiences on a budget
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Easy online visa for over 200 nationalities
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Safe, friendly, and tourist-welcoming environment
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A chance to explore Buddhist temples, Ayurveda healing, and rich wildlife
✅ Final Words from a Visa Expert
Sri Lanka makes travel easy, enjoyable, and efficient. With its seamless ETA system, welcoming visa policy, and extensions available for longer stays, getting a Sri Lanka visa in 2025 is a breeze. Whether you're seeking adventure, peace, or new opportunities—Sri Lanka opens its arms to the world.
So what are you waiting for? Apply for your Sri Lanka visa today and discover the paradise that awaits!
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