Find out everything you need to know about applying for an e-Visa for Sri Lanka, the specialist agencies and the official website where you can apply.
What is an e-Visa for Sri Lanka?
The e-Visa, formerly electronic travel authorisation or ETA, has been required to enter Sri Lanka since 2024. This system replaces the traditional visa obtained from embassies or consulates. The e-Visa allows travellers to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, business or transit without having to obtain a physical visa prior to departure.
The advantages of e-Visa
This authorisation has several advantages for travellers:
- Time saving online application, no need to visit an embassy or consulate
- Simplicity Simply fill in an online form and pay the associated fees.
- Speed e-Visa is generally issued within 4 days
When should I apply for an e-Visa for Sri Lanka?
We recommend that you apply for an e-Visa at least 4 days before your departure for Sri Lanka. This gives you enough time to receive the electronic authorisation and deal with any problems or delays in processing your application.
It is important to note that the e-Visa does not automatically grant the right to enter Sri Lanka.. The immigration authorities may still refuse admission to a traveller, even if they are in possession of a valid e-Visa. It is therefore advisable to check entry conditions with the Sri Lankan government before your departure.
Period of validity of the e-Visa
The e-Visa for Sri Lanka is valid for 6 months or 1 year from the date of issue. It allows you to stay in the country for a period of 30, 60 or 90 consecutive days (depending on the e-Visa chosen), without the possibility of extending your stay.
How do I apply for an e-Visa for Sri Lanka?
The e-Visa application is made exclusively online, via the Official website of the Sri Lankan government or through a specialised agency. Here are the main steps :
- Access the site e-Visa or at an approved agency
- Fill in the form online with your personal, passport and travel details
- Pay the fees processing time
- Receive your e-Visa by e-mail within about 4 days
- Print the e-Visa or keep it on your smartphone to show to the authorities when you arrive in Sri Lanka
Applying for an e-Visa via a specialist agency
If you prefer to have your e-Visa application handled by a specialist agency, there are several providers offering this service. These agencies take care of all the administrative procedures and check that the information provided is correct before submitting the application. This can be useful if you are short of time or would like personalised assistance. However, this option generally involves additional costs.
Tips for a successful e-Visa application for Sri Lanka
To avoid problems when applying for electronic travel authorisation, here are a few recommendations:
- Check the validity of your passport It must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
- Make sure you provide accurate information e-Visa: errors on the form may result in e-Visa being refused or delayed
- Apply early enough Even if the document is generally issued quickly, it's better to plan ahead to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Keep a copy of the e-Visa with you When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you will be asked to show this authorisation to the immigration authorities.