1. What is the purpose of the Sri Lanka E-Visa?

The purpose of the Sri Lanka E-Visa is to allow foreign travelers to apply for and obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) in advance of their trip to Sri Lanka. This streamlined process makes it easier for travelers to obtain a visa, as they no longer need to visit an embassy or consulate in person. The e-visa serves as official permission for the traveler to enter and stay in Sri Lanka for a specific period of time, for purposes such as tourism, business, or transit.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?

3. How do I apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?
4. What documents are required for a Sri Lanka E-Visa application?
5. How long is a Sri Lanka E-Visa valid for?
6. Can I get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka?
7. How much does a Sri Lanka E-Visa cost?
8. Are there any additional fees or charges for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?
9. What is the processing time for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?
10. Can I renew my Sri Lanka E-Visa while I am in the country?
11. Can I apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa if I have already entered the country?
1) The Online ETA scheme is open to nationals of all countries, except Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles.
2) All foreign passport holders visiting Sri Lanka need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival, unless they are exempt from visa requirements.
3) To apply for a Sri Lankan E-Visa, you can visit the official Electronic Travel Authorization System website and follow the step-by-step instructions.
4) The documents required for a Sri Lankan E-Visa application include a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, details of your travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka, and a digital photograph.
5) A Sri Lankan E-visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in the country.
6) Yes, some travelers may be eligible for a visa on arrival provided they meet certain criteria and hold necessary documentation.
7) The cost of a single entry tourist ETA costs $35 USD, while multiple entry visas cost $70 USD.
8 ) There are no additional fees or charges associated with obtaining an ETA through the official government website; however, third-party websites may charge additional fees for their services.
9) The processing time for a Sri Lanka E-Visa is usually 24 hours, but can take up to 72 hours in some cases.
10) No, you cannot renew your ETA while you are in Sri Lanka. You will need to leave the country and apply for a new ETA before returning.
11) No, the Sri Lanka E-Visa must be obtained before arriving in the country.

3. How long can I stay in Sri Lanka with an E-Visa?

With an E-Visa, you can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. This is a single-entry visa, meaning that once you leave the country, you will need to apply for a new E-Visa if you wish to re-enter.

4. Can I use the E-Visa for multiple entries into Sri Lanka?

No, the E-Visa is valid for a single entry into Sri Lanka.

5. Can I extend my E-Visa once I am in Sri Lanka?
No, the E-Visa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer in Sri Lanka, you will need to apply for a new visa.

6. What should I do if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, you should contact the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for further information and assistance.

7. Is there a refund if my application is rejected?
Refunds are not available if your E-Visa application is rejected. The non-refundable processing fee covers the costs of reviewing and processing your application.

8. Can I work with an E-Visa?
No, the E-Visa does not authorize you to work in Sri Lanka. If you wish to work in Sri Lanka, you will need to obtain the appropriate work visa from an embassy or consulate.

9. How long can I stay in Sri Lanka with an E-Visa?
The maximum stay on an E-Visa is 30 days. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka.

10. Do I need to print out my E-Visa or can I show it on my phone?
It is recommended to print out your E-visa as some immigration officers may require a hard copy at their discretion. However, you can also show it on your phone as long as it is clear and visible.

5. What are the documents required to apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?

The documents required to apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa are:

1. A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
2. A completed online application form.
3. A recent digital photograph.
4. Proof of travel, such as a flight booking or itinerary.
5. Payment for the visa fee.
6. Supporting documents, if applicable (e.g. invitation letter, hotel reservation).
7. Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka.
8. In case of business visa: a letter from the employer or company and invitation letter from a business entity registered with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka.

Please note that additional documents may be required based on the purpose of your visit to Sri Lanka. It is recommended to check with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements before submitting your application.

6. How much does a Sri Lanka E-Visa cost?

As of September 2021, the cost of a Sri Lanka E-Visa varies based on the type of visa and the traveler’s nationality. The standard fee for a 30-day double-entry tourist E-Visa is $35 USD for most nationalities. However, some nationalities may be subject to a higher fee of $40 or $50 USD. Additionally, there is a service fee of $15 USD for processing the E-Visa application. Therefore, the total cost can range from $50 to $65 USD. For more information on fees and payment methods, applicants should refer to the Sri Lanka E-Visa website or their respective embassy/consulate.

7. How long does it take to process a Sri Lanka E-Visa?

The processing time for a Sri Lanka E-Visa can vary, but it typically takes 1-2 business days. However, it is recommended to apply at least 4-5 business days before your intended travel date to account for any potential delays.

8. Can I extend my stay in Sri Lanka with an E-Visa?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Sri Lanka with an E-Visa. However, you will need to apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. Extension of visas is subject to approval by the authorities and may require additional fees. It is recommended to contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration for further information on visa extensions.

9. Is there a limit to the number of times I can apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa in a year?

There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa in a year. However, each application must be submitted separately and the processing fee will need to be paid for each application.

10. What types of visas are available through the online system?

The types of visas available through the online system may vary depending on the country’s visa policies and procedures. However, some common types of visas that may be available through the online system include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, work visas, transit visas, and electronic travel authorizations (ETAs).

11. Can I use any visa service or agency to apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?

Yes, you can use any trusted visa service or agency to apply for a Sri Lanka E-Visa. However, it is recommended to use the official Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization system (ETA) on the government website to avoid potential scams or fees.

12. Are there any countries that are not eligible for a Sri Lanka E-Visa?

Yes, nationals of certain countries are not eligible for a Sri Lanka E-Visa. These include Afghanistan, Cameroon, Cuba, Georgia, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, and Syria. It is recommended to check the list of eligible countries before applying for an E-Visa to Sri Lanka.

13. Is it mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting Sri Lanka with an E-visa?

Yes, it is mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting Sri Lanka with an E-visa. The insurance must cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of emergency. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider if Sri Lanka is covered under your policy before traveling.

14. Can I enter through any port of entry with an E-visa?

No, you must enter through the designated port of entry that you listed on your E-visa application. This information will be printed on your E-visa and must match the port of entry where you present your E-visa for verification.

15. Do children need their own separate e-visas?

It depends on the country and their requirements for e-visas for children. In some countries, children under a certain age may be exempt from needing their own e-visa if they are included in their parent’s application. However, it is always best to check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for their e-visa requirements for children.

16. Can I work or study in Sri Lanka with an e-visa?

E-visas are only valid for tourism and business purposes. If you plan to work or study in Sri Lanka, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa through the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.

17.Can I apply for an e-visa if I have already purchased my flight tickets?

Yes, you can apply for an e-visa if you have already purchased your flight tickets. You will need to provide the details of your flight itinerary when applying for the e-visa. Make sure that your travel dates fall within the validity period of the e-visa.

18.How do I pay for my e-visa application fees?

Payment for e-visa application fees can typically be made through various methods such as credit or debit card, online bank transfers, or electronic payment services. You should refer to the specific instructions provided by the country’s e-visa application system for more information on accepted payment methods.

19.What should I do if there is an error on my e-visa application?

If you notice an error on your e-visa application after submitting it, you should contact the issuing authority immediately for assistance. They may be able to make changes or corrections to your application before it is processed. If your e-visa has already been granted with incorrect information, you will need to reapply and pay the processing fee again. It is important to double check all information before submitting your e-visa application to avoid any errors.

20.Is it necessary to print out my e-visa or can it be shown on my electronic device at immigration control?

It is recommended to print out your e-visa and bring a physical copy with you. This will ensure that you have a backup in case of technical difficulties or if immigration officials require a physical copy. However, some countries may accept the e-visa displayed on your electronic device at immigration control. It is best to check with the specific country’s immigration department for their requirements.