Sri Lanka Tourist Visa: Everything You Need To Know in 2024

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get and extend your Sri Lanka tourist visa hassle-free in 2024.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just made one of the best travel decisions ever: heading off to Sri Lanka! 

But before you start dreaming about epic safaris or surfing on those stunning beaches, there’s one more thing you need to do: figure out how to get your Sri Lanka visa.

Don’t worry, though – I’m here to guide you every step of the way. I’ll walk you through everything—from visa types and costs to how to extend your tourist visa if you decide to stay a bit longer.

Let’s dive in and make your trip to Sri Lanka stress-free!

How to Get Sri Lanka Visa Online and On Arrival

Not sure if Sri Lanka is worth it? Check out these 10 Amazing Reasons to Visit in 2024!

Understanding Sri Lanka´s Visa System

Do I Need A Visa For Sri Lanka?

Yes, absolutely! Since 2012, anyone planning a trip to Sri Lanka must have a visa. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how long you’re planning to stay; you simply can’t travel to Sri Lanka without a visa.

The only exceptions to this rule are Sri Lankan dual citizens, certain children under specific conditions, and holders of Diplomatic or Official Passports.

What Visa Do I Need For Sri Lanka?

Now, the type of visa you’ll need for your Sri Lanka adventure depends on why you’re visiting Sri Lanka in the first place. Are you planning a romantic honeymoon, looking to work remotely, or just passing through?

No matter your reason, here’s a quick rundown of the types of visas available in Sri Lanka:

• Tourist Visa: Ideal for exploring Sri Lanka for up to 30 days, with the option to extend your stay for 6 months.
• Transit Visa: Perfect for those quick layovers in Colombo. It’s completely free and grants a 48-hour stay with a single entry.
• Residence Visa: Designed for longer stays in Sri Lanka for work, investment, or educational purposes.
• Business Visa: Tailored for work-related visits, such as attending meetings or workshops.

For me, as a solo female traveler looking to explore this beautiful country, the tourist visa is the perfect fit.

It gives me enough time to discover all the top things to do in Sri Lanka, with the added perk of being able to slip out and back in once during those 30 days (thank you, double entry!).

How Can I Get A Sri Lanka Tourist Visa?

There are four main ways to get your Sri Lanka tourist visa, and I’ll walk you through each of them in detail later on:

• Apply online by yourself.
• Apply online through a third party.
• Apply in person upon arrival at the airport.
• Apply in person at your country’s Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.

What Is An ETA?

The ETA, short for Electronic Travel Authorization, is your official permission to visit Sri Lanka for a short period of time. 

It’s not a separate type of visa; it’s an online system that lets you to apply for a Tourist, Business, or Transit Visa.

Throughout this guide, I’ll mainly focus on the Sri Lanka tourist visa. However, you might hear me refer to it as “Sri Lanka Visa” or “Sri Lanka ETA” – for our purposes here, they’re pretty much the same thing!

Sri Lanka Visa Cost 

Is Sri Lanka Visa Free?

Usually, no, it’s not. Most travelers need to pay a fee ranging from $20 to $60 for a tourist visa.

There’s one exception though—the transit visa, which comes at absolutely no cost! Oh, and here’s another perk—all visas are free for children of any nationality under 12 years old.

How Much Is the Sri Lanka Visa Fee? 

The cost of your visa will depend on a few factors: your nationality, the type of visa you’re applying for, and how you choose to apply.

You should always check out the Official Sri Lanka Visa Website to get the most up-to-date information, but here’s a quick summary:

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

What Do I Need to Apply for the Sri Lanka Visa?

Before diving into your Sri Lanka adventure, let’s make sure you have everything you need for your visa application:

• A valid passport
• The address of your first-night accommodation in Sri Lanka
• A reliable payment method, like a valid credit or debit card for the visa fee

That’s all it takes! No passport copies, documents or photographs are required. How convenient is that?

Do I Need A Plane Ticket To Apply For The ETA?

No, there’s no need to book flights in advance. When applying for your visa, you only need to know your intended arrival date.

Do I Need Travel Insurance To Get The Sri Lanka ETA?

While travel insurance isn’t a requirement for applying for the ETA or even entering Sri Lanka, I highly recommend it.

It offers peace of mind and can be a lifesaver in handling any unexpected issues that may come up during your Sri Lanka adventure. Also, if you’re traveling solo in Sri Lanka, don’t forget to pack some safety essentials!

Also Read: 23 Essential Safety Items For Solo Female Travelers in 2024

What Are the Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka?

As you get ready to enter Sri Lanka, make sure you have the following essentials to breeze through emigration:

1. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two empty pages.
2. Printed ETA (though usually available on arrival, your airline might request it before boarding).
3. Proof of return or onward travel plans.
4. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
5. Accommodation address for your first night in Sri Lanka.
6. Sri Lanka Arrival Card (usually provided on the plane or at the airport, now available online).
7. A pen (handy for filling out forms).

Note: While I’ve never been asked for proof of return or sufficient funds, it’s always better to be prepared!

Keep Reading: 8 Must-Know Tips to Go Through Airport Security Faster!

How to Get Sri Lanka Visa Online (ETA) 

Can I Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa Online?

Absolutely! Sri Lanka offers an online visa application system, making it incredibly convenient for travelers like you and me to apply for a visa from anywhere in the world with internet access.

Gone are the days of embassy visits or waiting in airport queues! (though, those options are still available if you prefer!)

How Can I Get A Sri Lanka Visa Online? 

Getting a Sri Lanka visa online is easier than you might think! Just fill out a straightforward online form, pay the visa fee, and then await the approval email, typically arriving within 24 hours.

The best part? You don’t need to involve a third party. The entire process can be completed in less than 10 minutes, right from the comfort of your own home.

Step-by-Step Guide: Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Online

Alright, now, let me walk you through exactly how to get your Sri Lanka tourist visa online

Step 1: Enter the Official ETA Website

First things first, head straight to the Official ETA Website. Choose your preferred language, navigate to the “Apply” section, and agree to the basic terms and conditions.

Now, pick the type of visa you need. If you’re traveling solo, go for “Tourist ETA – Apply for an individual”. If you’re traveling Sri Lanka with family or friends, click on “Tourist ETA –Apply for group”.

IMPORTANT: Always double-check that you’re on the right website to avoid being charge extra by unofficial platforms.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Get comfortable and fill out the application form with all your personal and travel details.

Make sure to answer “No” to the three questions at the end, or you won’t be able to move forward.

Keep in mind that the form is available only in English, and you just need to fill in the sections marked with a red asterisk.

Step 3: Double-Check Your Information

Once you’ve completed the form, take a moment to review all the information you’ve provided on the next page.

It’s always worth the extra time to ensure everything is correct.

Why? Well, if you happen to spot an error later on, you’ll need to submit a brand new visa application – and yes, that means paying for it again!

Step 4: Pay the Sri Lanka Visa Fee

Ready to proceed? Great! Now, it´s time to choose your preferred payment method and settle the Sri Lanka visa fee.

Remember, the Sri Lanka tourist visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

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Step 5: Keep an Eye on Your Inbox

Keep an eye on your inbox for an email confirming they’ve received your application.

This email just confirms they’ve got your application, not whether your visa’s been approved. 

And don’t forget to jot down the reference number they give you; it might come in handy later for any questions or status checks.

Step 6: Wait for the Response – Visa Approved!

Now, sit back and wait for another email – this one will let you know if your visa’s been approved or denied. 

Usually, it takes 24-48 hours for a Sri Lanka visa to get approved, but sometimes you get lucky, like I did – got mine in just 15 minutes!

Step 7: Print Our Your Visa

So, your visa got approved – that’s awesome news! Now, make sure to print out the entire email containing your visa approval and keep it safe with your other travel documents.

You might be wondering, why bother printing it if it’s already linked to my passport?

Well, here’s the thing – while Sri Lanka’s immigration office usually doesn’t ask for it, your airline might want to see it before you board your flight.

And why is that, you ask? Because, if for any reason you’re denied entry upon arrival, your airline would need to arrange your return trip home – and believe me, they’d much rather avoid that headache!

Step 8: Touchdown in Sri Lanka

Finally, once you land at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), make your way to the immigration officers’ queue and hand over all those important documents we talked about earlier.

The immigration officer will then stamp your passport with the duration of your visit – just make sure to double-check that it matches what you applied for!

With all the paperwork sorted and your luggage collected, you’re officially ready to start exploring Sri Lanka!

Keep Reading: Exactly What To Do If Your Luggage is Lost or Stolen At the Airport

How to Get Sri Lanka Visa On Arrival

Can I Get A Sri Lanka Visa On Arrival?

Absolutely! If you haven’t had the chance to arrange your visa beforehand, don’t worry – you can always get your Sri Lanka visa at Colombo airport upon arrival.

How To Get A Sri Lanka Visa On Arrival

Here´s everything you need to know on getting your visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka:

1. As soon as you touch down, make your way to a small office located just a few steps away from the immigration counter.
2. Once there, the process is similar to filling out the online application – have your passport ready, complete the ETA application form, and pay the visa fee.
3. If everything goes smoothly and your details check out, your Sri Lanka visa application will be approved, and you’ll be issued an ETA valid for 30 days.
4. Finally, head over to the Immigration gates, where you’ll present the ETA, the immigration paper, and your passport – just like you would if you had applied for the ETA from home.

My Personal Opinion: ETA Online Vs Visa On Arrival

In my experience, the Sri Lanka ETA is a much better option than the visa on-arrival.

Why? Well, consider this: the airport queue for the visa on arrival can be painfully long, and it’ll cost you an extra $10 compared to applying online.

What’s more, if your visa is rejected last minute, you’ll be denied entry to Sri Lanka and forced to return home.

On the other hand, applying online is a breeze. In just 10 minutes, you can have your visa sorted without needing any advanced tech skills.

For all these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend taking care of your tourist visa online before embarking on your Sri Lanka adventure.

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Other Ways To Get Your Sri Lanka Visa

Visit The Sri Lankan Consular Offices

Another option for getting your Sri Lanka visa is by heading over to the Sri Lanka embassy or consulate in your country.

The process is quite similar to what we discussed earlier, with the main difference being that you’ll need to wait about 3 working days for the Embassy to process your visa (though sometimes it might take longer, so always apply well in advance!).

Once approved, you’ll also need to swing by in person to pick it up.

Explore Third-Party Services

Sure, my top choice for applying for the Sri Lanka visa will always be doing it online by myself. It’s cheap, it’s faster, and above all, it’s safe.

But if English isn’t your first language or you run into any issues with payments or sending documents on the official website, there’s no need to stress.

You can always opt for a third-party service like Ivisa.com, which handles everything for you for a fee of less than 20 USD (17 euros).

Just enter your travel dates, personal info, passport details, and payment method, and they’ll take care of the rest.

How To Extend Your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa

How Long Can I Stay in Sri Lanka As A Tourist?

The maximum stay on a Sri Lanka tourist visa is 30 days. But, if you’re not ready to leave the country, you can always extend your visa

With your first extension, you can add another 60 days (that’s 2 months) to your initial 30-day visa, giving you a total of 90 days (or 3 months). 

Then, for your second and final extension, you can tack on another 90 days, reaching a maximum stay of 6 months from the day you first set foot in Sri Lanka.

What Happens If I Overstay My Visa?

Oh, overstaying your visa in Sri Lanka is definitely something you want to avoid! It can lead to some serious consequences, including hefty fines and even deportation.

Always make sure to apply for a tourist visa extension in advance or leave the country before your visa expires. 

Believe me, a few extra days in Sri Lanka are not worth the potential trouble (or the money you might have to pay in fines!).

How Do I Extend My Tourist Visa in Sri Lanka: Step-By-Step

Well, here’s the good news: unlike some other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, in Sri Lanka, you don´t have to leave the country to extend your visa.

Let me walk you through the whole process step by step:

Extend Your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Online

First things first, I’d highly recommend trying to extend your Sri Lanka tourist visa online. It’s super convenient and saves you the hassle of making a trip to the immigration office.

All you need to do is provide your passport and nationality details, fill in the visa extension information, and submit your application online.

Once it’s verified, you’ll receive an email with a link to pay the visa fees, and your visa extension will arrive in your inbox.

However, if for some reason the online platform isn’t working or you never receive the email with the payment link (which can happen sometimes!), things can get a bit tricky.

In that case, you might need to head over to Colombo, specifically to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Here are the details:

• Address: Suhurupaya, Subuthi Dr, Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Google Maps)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.

Extend Your Tourist Visa in Person in Colombo 

Once you’re there, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Go directly to the Visa section on the 4th floor to avoid the long queues of Sri Lankans trying to renew their passports.
2. Head to the “Token Issuing Counters” in AREA C to receive a form to fill out and attach a passport-sized photo.
3. Present the completed form along with your original passport to receive a token number. Make sure to keep this number handy throughout the process.
4. Wait in the designated waiting area (AREA B) until your token number is called.
5. When your number is called, enter an office where you’ll submit your documentation and answer some basic questions.
6. Return to the waiting area in AREA C.
7. At the “Visa Issuing Counter,” collect your documents along with the payment receipt for the visa extension fee.
8. Proceed to the “Cashier Counter” to pay the visa fee. You can use a credit card or the ATM available in the building.
9. Return to the “Visa Issuing Counter” with the payment receipt, and receive your documents with the visa extension stamped in your passport. 

With these steps, you’ve successfully extended your visa and can get back to enjoying all that Sri Lanka has to offer.

Read Next: 25 Free Travel Apps You Can´t Travel Southeast Asia Without

How Much Is The Sri Lanka Visa Extension 

How much does it cost to extend your Sri Lanka visa? Well, the exact price isn’t readily available online, not even on the official website.

However, last time I checked, extending your visa for one month typically costs around $100.

But the good news is that you could get a two-month visa extension for the same price!

Still, $100 can really add up, especially when you’re keeping a close eye on your budget during your Sri Lanka adventure. So, you should take a moment to consider whether it’s truly worth the investment if you’re only planning to stay for a few extra days.

Keep Reading: 15 Expert Money Tips to Travel Southeast Asia With Cash

Helpful Tips For Extending Your Visa in Sri Lanka

If you ever find yourself extending your visa in Sri Lanka, here are some things you should know:

1. Arrive Early: Aim to get there before 10:00 am if you want to complete the process in a single day.
2. Be Patient: Be prepared to spend at least 4 hours.
3. Bring Correct Documents: Make sure to bring exactly the same documents you used to enter Sri Lanka, along with any extra supporting documents for the visa extension
4. Passport Photo: You’ll need a passport photo, which you can easily get downstairs for 500 Rs.
5. Pack Snacks: Bring along snacks, water, and something to pass the time while you wait.

Bonus Tip: If you need snacks or drinks, you’ll find a restaurant downstairs and a shop on the same floor.

FAQs- Getting A Visa For Sri Lanka 

How Far In Advance Can I Apply For A Sri Lanka Visa?

You can apply for an ETA from 90 days up to 24 hours before your arrival. This gives you a window of three months from the date your visa is issued to enter Sri Lanka.

However, to avoid any last-minute panic attacks, I always recommend applying at least one or two weeks before your intended travel date.

Going to the beach? Check out my Ultimate Beach Packing List

What Happens If My ETA Is Rejected?

If your visa application is rejected, don’t panic.You’ll receive a referral notification and should contact the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission for assistance.

Unfortunately, the visa fee is non-refundable, so you won´t get your money back.

Is Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Multiple Entry?

Indeed it is! With a Sri Lanka tourist visa, you’re free to exit and re-enter the country once within those initial 30 days. 

It’s handy if you plan to explore other countries in Asia, like Cambodia or Japan, and then return to continue your Sri Lankan adventure.

Read Next: +25 Places to Visit in Japan in The Fall (Add #3 to Your Bucket List!)

Do I Need A Visa To Transit Through Sri Lanka?

If you’re just passing through Sri Lanka and staying within the airport, you don’t need a visa. But if you plan to step out during your layover in Colombo, you’ll need a free transit visa.

To be on the safe side, I’d suggest going online and getting this visa before your trip.

Just remember, it only allows you to stay for up to 2 days, and you can’t extend or change it to another type of visa later on.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – your stress-free guide to getting a Sri Lanka visa in 2024. I’ve tried my best to cover all your questions!

Sure, dealing with visas can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but trust me, the experiences waiting for you in Sri Lanka are totally worth it.

Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below! I’m here to help.

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