Since April 17, Sri Lanka has introduced a new electronic visa system for travelers, replacing the historic ETA. Here are the main changes brought about by this reform, and the procedure to follow to obtain your e-Visa.
Replacing the ETA with the e-Visa
Previously, visitors had to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Sri Lanka. Now, they must apply for an e-Visa through the official government website : www.srilankaevisa.lk
Conditions for obtaining a Sri Lankan e-Visa
The government portal for e-Visa applications is managed by VFS Globala company specializing in outsourced visa management and technology services for various governments.
Applicants of all eligible nationalities may apply for an e-Visa, whether for reasons of tourist, professional or of transit. However, certain restrictions apply to nationals of Cameroun🇨🇲, Korea Nord🇰🇵, Côte d'Ivoire Ivoire🇨🇮 and Ghana🇬🇭, who must apply to the Sri Lankan Embassy or Immigration and Emigration Department.
How do I obtain an e-Visa for Sri Lanka?
The e-Visa application procedure is simple and entirely online:
- Visit the official website srilankaevisa.lk ;
- Create a user account or log in if you already have one;
- Fill in the online application form;
- Download the required documents (scanned passport, recent photo, etc.);
- Pay your e-Visa fees using one of the following payment options;
- Once your application has been submitted and payment confirmed, wait for the Sri Lankan authorities' decision.
In order to avoid ETA, you will now have to provide new information:
- a telephone number to create your account
- a passport-size photo
According to the Sri Lankan authorities, ETAs already issued before April 17, 2024 can be used for travel to Sri Lanka until they expire.
Types and prices of e-Visas
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a reference number which you can use to track the progress of your application online. Once your e-Visa has been approved, simply download and print it, and present it to the relevant authorities on arrival in Sri Lanka. The validity period and entry fees vary according to the type of e-Visa:
- Tourist Visa Single Entry valid for 30 days on arrival and one entry, for Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Malaysian, Russian and Thai citizens until April 30, 2024;
- Tourist Visa Standard Visitor Visa valid for 6 months for stays of 60 days and 2 entries, for 75 USD (183 €);
- Tourist Visa 1 Year - Multi-entry valid for 1 year, with a 90-day stay limit, for USD 200 (183 €);
- Tourist Visa 2 Years Multi-entry valid for 2 years, with 180-day stay limit, for USD 300 (274 €);
- Tourist Visa 5 Years Multi-entry valid for 5 years, with 180-day stay limit, for USD 500 (457 €);
- Tourist Visa 10 Years Multi-entry, valid for 10 years, with 180-day stay limit, for USD 1,000 (914 €).
Note that SAARC nationalities are fortunate to have consular fees slightly halved on the Standard Visitor Visa. Intermediary fees, including those of VFS Global (USD 18.5), and bank charges (USD 7) are added to this rate, greatly inflating the bill for a destination that was accessible at the time, as pointed out by the leader of the opposition. Sajith Premadasawho fears that tourists will stay away.
A range of business e-Visas has also been created, based on the same principles as tourism e-Visas (durations, rates, etc.), with the only addition of a invitation letter from a sponsor in Sri Lanka in the list of required documents.
There are also exemptions for certain nationalities, such as Singapore, the Maldives, the Seychelles and the Czech Republic. These countries benefit from a standard tourist visa exemption valid for 6 months.
At the same time, the local Ministry of Tourism is working on waiving visa fees for around 50 nationalities. The list is due to be finalised in the coming weeks.
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