SL VISA
Where do I apply for my E-visa?
Here is the official website: https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/
All E-Visa categories are subject to an additional $10 – $18.50 service fee. Additional charges for the payment gateway, taxes, and other transaction fees will be displayed at checkout.
Types of Visas: What are the types and durations of visas, and what are the visa fees?
30-Day E-visa (Single entry):
- Free for passport holders from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.
- $40 for all other nationalities
While the E-visa itself is free, there is an online service fee of $10 – $18.5 plus a convenience fee.
Standard Visa (6 Months/Multi entry):
You can stay for up to 60 days at a time, with a total of 6 months allowed for your visit. This costs $75. After 60 days, you must leave the country and re-enter to stay for another 60 days. There are no extensions available, as your visa remains valid for the specified duration.
1 Year – Multiple Entry / 2 Year – Multiple Entry and more
You can see other visas and the latest visa fees on this link, scroll down to – Sri Lanka Visa Fee
https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/information
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Yes, you can obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival. This option does not include any service or convenience fees. You simply pay the visa fee at the counter, making it more cost-effective than securing a visa online.
If you wish to stay uninterrupted, then I advise you to get the VOA and apply for an extension within your first 2 weeks of arrival.
What are the requirements for a visa application?
Requirements generally include a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, a return ticket, and confirmation of accommodation. For a business visa, additional documents such as an invitation letter from the company in Sri Lanka might be required.
What documents do I require to apply for my visa?
To apply for a Sri Lankan visa, particularly the tourist visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), you typically need the following documents:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
- A duly completed visa application e-form, available online for the ETA.
- For business visas, additional documents such as invitation letters from the host company in Sri Lanka, company details, and possibly proof of previous business dealings may be required.
Do I need a return ticket?
Yes, you are generally required to have a confirmed return ticket. The return ticket is checked by airlines before you board your flight to Sri Lanka.
You can use this site to have a temporary ticket for this purpose: https://onwardticket.com/
For other types of visas, such as business or resident visas, this requirement might differ based on the conditions of the specific visa.
What documents should I carry to the airport with me?
- A printed copy of your eVisa approval letter issued by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
- Your passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
- A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Sri Lanka.
- Applicants of the below nationalities need to submit yellow fever vaccination certificates on arrival in Sri Lanka in order to comply with international health regulations.
Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela, Zaire.
Visa Extension – Where do I extend my visa if applied through the old ETA system?
https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/home.php
Visa extension is only available to individuals who have the Visa on arrival. If you wish to stay continuously long term without having to leave the country this is your own option. Your E-visa will not be recognized here.
VFS Free Helpline
To call the free helpline for VFS, click here: https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/contact-us
COLOMBO ARRIVAL GUIDE
Here is a comprehensive guide: Colombo Travelling Instructions.pdf It covers where to obtain a sim card.
The Airport exchange rates are usually very good. I would recommend converting some cash at the airport itself.
DRIVING OR RIDING IN SRI LANKA
Can tourists drive in Sri Lanka?
Yes, tourists can drive in Sri Lanka, but they must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their valid national driving license. The IDP must be obtained from the same country that issued the original driving license.
Please be aware that local law enforcement is very strict, and violations can result in substantial fines or even imprisonment.
If you decide to get the IDP in Sri Lanka, you will also have to obtain a local drivers permit.
Are there any specific local driving customs I should be aware of?
Yes, it’s important to be cautious as local driving habits can be unpredictable. Buses and trucks often dominate the road and might not always adhere to traffic rules. Watch out for tuk-tuks, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially in rural areas.
Are road signs in English?
Yes, most road signs are in both Sinhala and English, making it easier for tourists to navigate.
What should I do if I get stopped by the police?
If stopped by the police, be polite and provide your driving license, IDP, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. It’s important to comply with local laws and follow any instructions given by the police.
Driving Permit Agent Contact
(Trusted by the DN community and used several times)
Ravi: +94 77 947 1979
