Sri Lanka eVisa: A Simple Guide to the New Online Visa Process

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lanka launched an online eVisa system in 2024, replacing the ETA system; eVisas are mandatory for most travelers.
• eVisa options include Tourist (30 days free), Visitor (6 months, $75), and Multi-Entry (1-2 years, $200-$300).
• Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, and Czech Republic are visa-exempt for 6 months; other rules apply for specific nationalities.

Sri Lanka has introduced the new online eVisa system in 2024 to simplify the visa application process for visitors. This guide will explain the steps to apply, the eligibility criteria, the fees involved, and other essential information, helping travelers understand how to secure their Sri Lanka eVisa. Whether you’re exploring for tourism or business, knowing these requirements will ensure a smooth journey.

Overview of the Sri Lanka eVisa System

Starting in 2024, Sri Lanka requires all visitors to apply for an eVisa before arrival. This system has replaced the older Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The eVisa caters to both tourists and business travelers and helps process applications efficiently through an online platform. Travelers from almost all countries are required to complete the application, but there are some notable exceptions.

Types of eVisas Available

Sri Lanka provides several types of eVisas, each designed for different travel purposes:

1. Tourist Visa – Valid for up to 30 days with a single entry.
2. Standard Visitor Visa – Valid for six months, allowing double entry with a stay of up to 60 days at a time.
3. 1 Year Multiple Entry Visa – Allows multiple entries, with 90-day stays per visit.
4. 2 Years Multiple Entry Visa – Similar to the one-year visa but extends the validity to two years and permits 180-day stays in total.
5. Transit Visa – Valid for four days for passengers transiting through Sri Lanka.

Travelers should pick the type best suited to the purpose of their visit. For instance, short vacations would typically require a tourist visa, while frequent visitors may prefer multi-entry visas for convenience.

Eligibility Criteria for Sri Lanka eVisa

Most nationalities qualify to apply for the Sri Lanka eVisa, but there are some exceptions. The following guidelines outline the eligibility:

• Citizens of Singapore 🇸🇬, Maldives 🇲🇻, Seychelles 🇸🇨, and Czech Republic 🇨🇿 do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to six months due to bilateral agreements.
• Nationals of Kosovo 🇽🇰 are only eligible for Visa on Arrival.
• Citizens from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Palestine, and Syria need to apply for a visa through a pre-arranged process or with the assistance of a Sri Lankan sponsor.

If you’re uncertain about whether you qualify, checking the official eVisa website is recommended to confirm your status.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Sri Lanka eVisa

Here is the complete, step-by-step process to apply for the Sri Lanka eVisa:

Step 1: Access the Official eVisa Website

• Visit the Sri Lanka eVisa official platform here. This is the only authorized avenue for eVisa applications.

Step 2: Create an Account or Log In

• First-time applicants must create an account by providing their email address and setting up a secure password.
• Returning users can log in using their existing credentials.

Step 3: Select the Visa Type

• Choose the eVisa type based on your travel objective (tourist, business, or transit).

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

• Fill in the online form with the following details:
  • Personal information (full name, date of birth, gender, etc.).
  • Passport details (passport number, expiry date, etc.).
  • Travel specifics (arrival date, intended duration of stay, etc.).

Step 5: Upload Documents

• Attach a scanned copy of your passport (must be valid for at least six months from your travel date).
• Provide a recent passport-sized photo (ensure the specifications match 4.5cm x 3.5cm requirements).

Step 6: Pay eVisa Fee

• Make the payment online using a valid credit or debit card. Fees vary according to the selected visa type.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

• Review all information to ensure there are no mistakes, then submit the form. A confirmation email will follow shortly with a Web Reference Number.

Documentation Checklist

Applicants must prepare the following documents before beginning the eVisa process:

1. Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
2. Passport-sized photograph that meets visa specifications.
3. Proof of onward travel or a return ticket (mandatory for approval).

For business-related travel, additional supporting forms may be required.

eVisa Fees

The Sri Lanka eVisa system charges the following fees for various visa types:

These fees are subject to occasional revisions, so ensure to confirm updated fees on the official eVisa website.

Processing Time and Validity Periods

eVisa applications typically take a few days for approval. However, travelers should apply at least one week in advance to accommodate unforeseen delays. Once approved, the visa validity depends on its type:

• Tourist Visa: 30 days.
• Standard Visitor Visa: Six months (up to 60 days stay per visit).
• 1 Year and 2-Year Visas: Stays of 90 days and 180 days respectively.

What to Do After Approval

After your application is approved:

1. Download and print the eVisa approval letter.
2. Carry it with your passport while entering Sri Lanka.
3. Ensure your passport retains a validity of six months from the date of travel.
4. Keep proof of onward travel or return tickets prepared.

Failure to have these documents could result in delays at immigration checkpoints.

Common Questions

Below are answers to some frequently raised questions about Sri Lanka’s eVisa:

1. Can I extend my eVisa while in Sri Lanka?
   Yes, tourist visas may be extended for an additional two months through the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.

2. Is the eVisa the same as Visa on Arrival?
   No. The eVisa is obtained online before travel, while Visa on Arrival is not offered for most travelers.

3. What happens if my eVisa application is denied?
   You can try applying through a Sri Lankan embassy. The rejection email usually highlights the reason, which you can address in a new application.

Recent Developments

Alongside the eVisa launch in 2024, Sri Lanka has required that applicants possibly disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status depending on global health conditions. This measure aims to ensure safety for all travelers.

Conclusion

Applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa is now more straightforward than ever, thanks to the 2024 introduction of an easy-to-use online system. Whether you’re looking to secure a tourist visa or stay longer with a multiple-entry option, following the detailed steps in this guide ensures that the process is smooth. As VisaVerge.com highlights, ensuring accuracy during your application prevents delays. For further assistance and updates, always refer to the official government eVisa site.

Learn Today

eVisa → An electronic visa obtained online before traveling, allowing entry into a country without traditional visa stamps.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) → A previous system for permitting entry into Sri Lanka, replaced by the eVisa system in 2024.
Multiple Entry Visa → A visa allowing repeated entries into a country within a specified validity period, such as 1 or 2 years.
Proof of Onward Travel → Documentation, such as a return ticket, showing intent to leave the destination country after the visit.
Bilateral Agreements → Agreements between two countries granting specific privileges, like visa exemptions for citizens of certain nations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Sri Lanka’s 2024 eVisa launch revolutionizes travel, replacing the outdated ETA system. Tourists and business travelers can now apply seamlessly online, with options ranging from short-stay tourist visas to multi-year entries. Avoid delays by preparing required documents, choosing the right visa type, and submitting applications early. Simplified travel starts here!
— By VisaVerge.com

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