Sri Lanka is a rich country with a varied cultural and tourist heritage, and a top tourist destination. To go there without problems, you need a visa that has been valid since 2024, replacing the electronic authorisation.
If you wish to travel to the country, you must therefore apply for an e-Visa. How do I obtain an e-visa for Sri Lanka?
How do I obtain an e-Visa?
Before planning your trip to Sri Lanka (plane tickets, hotel, suitcase, etc.), you should first think about applying for permission to enter the country. You can obtain this easily by visiting the official website of the Sri Lankan Immigration and Emigration Department or via an intermediary agency.
Filling in the form is easy: follow the instructions, and be sure to include the traveller's status and the purpose of the trip. (tourism, business, etc).
Once you have completed the form, you must pay online using your bank card. You will then receive an e-mail confirming that your application has been registered. A few hours or days later, you will receive another e-mail confirming issue or refusal. It is this first document that must be printed.
If you're having trouble filling in your form (it's in English), why not call in a professional agency? There are several of them, which will complete your application and then send you your request for entry authorisationby e-mail. This service is worth paying for, especially if you are afraid of making a mistake on your form that could lead to your application being refused by the Sri Lankan authorities.
Once you're on the plane, you'll need to fill in an arrival card which you will need to show when you arrive in Colombo. Once you have passed through the immigration office, you will receive your visa, which is valid for 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on your choice.
Conditions for obtaining an e-Visa
All travellers are required to apply for entry, except nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore. You must present the following documents at the arrival airport:
- your valid passport
- your e-Visa, pre-printed if necessary
- return air ticket
- bank documents proving that you have enough money (statement, certificate from your bank, etc.)
- the completed arrival card
The officer in charge of control will keep your arrival card, then stamp it and stick the receipt in your passport.
Price and validity of e-visa
An e-Visa is valid for several months from the date it is issued, depending on what you choose. With this document, you can stay in Sri Lanka for 30, 60 or 90 days for tourism, business or transit. The price of an e-Visa differs depending on whether you are in the country for tourism, business or simply in transit.. Similarly, the inhabitants of SAARC member countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) benefit from a reduction. If you come from a non-member country, the rates for consular fees are as follows:
- 75 $ (72 €) for a 2-entry tourist visa valid for 6 months and stays of 60 days
- 200 $ (192 €) for a tourist visa valid for 1 year with multiple entries for 90 days
- 75 $ (72 €) for a 2-entry business visa valid for 6 months and stays of 60 days
- 25 $ (24 €) for a 4-day single-entry transit visa
If you're travelling with a child under 12, it's no longer free! You must enter the details of your child in your e-Visa application as if he or she were an adult traveller.
An agency service 