Sri Lanka’s tranquil and serene ambiance has attracted numerous foreigners who have chosen to make the country their home. To reunite with family and friends residing in Sri Lanka and to experience the country’s unique offerings, relatives and friends visit on a Sri Lanka visitor visa.

Understanding Sri Lanka Visitor Visa: A Sri Lanka visitor visa encompasses various permits issued based on the traveler’s specific purpose of visiting the country. This visa category is designed for individuals intending to visit friends and family in Sri Lanka and engage in leisure activities such as sightseeing, attending concerts, exhibitions, and more. Multiple methods exist for obtaining a Sri Lanka visitor visa, each with its own validity period. For Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applications submitted prior to arrival, travelers can obtain either a single-entry 30-day permit or a multiple-entry permit allowing a 30-day stay per visit. On-arrival visa applicants are typically granted a single-entry 30-day permit. However, it’s important to note that holding a visa does not guarantee entry, as border control authorities may refuse entry under certain circumstances.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visitor Visa for Indian Citizens:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility:

• Before applying for a Sri Lanka visitor visa, it’s essential to meet the eligibility criteria specific to the type of visa you intend to obtain.

Step 2: Choose the Application Process:

• Since a visitor visa is typically a short-term permit, it can be conveniently obtained online or through other channels. The application methods are as follows:

1. Sri Lanka Visitor Visa Online:

• Complete the ETA application online.
• Submit the application and pay the required fee.
• Receive an ETA approval notice.
• Print the notice and travel to Sri Lanka.
• Present the necessary documents at the Immigration Counter upon arrival.

2. Via a Visa Agency:

• Provide the required information and documents to a visa agency.
• Allow the agency to handle the application process.
• Both you and the agency will receive an acknowledgment notice.
• Print the notice and travel to Sri Lanka.
• Present the required documents at the Immigration Counter upon arrival.

3. Sri Lanka Overseas Mission:

• Submit your passport and details to the Sri Lanka Mission in India.
• Let the mission process the ETA application on your behalf.
• After approval, both you and the mission will receive an acknowledgment notice.
• Print the notice and carry it with you when traveling to Sri Lanka.
• Collect your passport from the mission after receiving the notice.
• Present the required documents to the Immigration Counter upon arrival.

4. At the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration:

• If invited by a Sri Lankan host, the host can apply on your behalf.
• Submit the application to the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
• The host should fill out the ETA application form and submit it to the visa officer.
• Both the host and the invitee receive an acknowledgment notice.
• Print the notice and carry it when traveling to Sri Lanka.
• Present the required documents at the Immigration Counter at the border.

5. Sri Lanka Visitor Visa On Arrival:

• After arriving in Sri Lanka, complete the ETA application form.
• Pay the required fee for the ETA.
• Upon approval, you will receive a notice.
• Proceed to the Immigration Counter and present your passport, notice, and other required documents.

Step 3: Carefully Complete the ETA Application:

• When filling out the ETA application for a Sri Lanka visitor visa, ensure the accuracy of the provided details. The information should match your passport and other travel documents. False or unverifiable information can lead to visa rejection. Visa rejections can have implications for future visa applications, not only for Sri Lanka but for other countries as well. To minimize such risks, consider professional visa services.

Eligibility Criteria: To determine your eligibility for a Sri Lanka visitor visa as an Indian citizen, consider the following criteria:

• Proof of Purpose: If visiting acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from a Sri Lankan resident.
• Tourism or Visiting Acquaintances: Your visit must be for tourism or to visit acquaintances, with no intention of seeking employment.
• Health Requirements: You should be healthy enough to travel to Sri Lanka, supported by a medical test and relevant documentary proof.
• Character Requirements: You must have a good character and genuine intentions for visiting Sri Lanka, substantiated by documentary proof, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• Sufficient Funds: You must possess or have access to adequate funds to cover your stay and other expenses in Sri Lanka. Bank statements or equivalent documents serve as proof. If your trip is sponsored, proper documents must be provided.

Sri Lanka Visitor Visa Requirements: The document requirements for obtaining a Sri Lanka visitor visa are not extensive. The Sri Lanka visitor visa requirements include:

• Original passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Confirmed return flight ticket.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement.
• Photo Specifications:
  • One copy required.
  • Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
  • A recent color photograph not older than 6 months.
  • The face should cover about 70-80% of the frame.
  • Well-centered head.
  • White background.
  • Neutral facial expression.
  • Eyes, ears, and teeth should be visible.
  • Prescription glasses are allowed, provided that the eyes are clearly visible through them.
  • Clear lighting with no red-eye or flashes.
  • Headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.
  • Clothing should not match the background.

Sri Lanka Visitor Visa Fees: The method of fee payment for a Sri Lanka visitor visa for Indian citizens varies based on the chosen application procedure. Obtaining an ETA prior to arrival often requires payment through an electronic payment gateway. For on-arrival ETAs, the fee can be paid using a debit/credit card or in US dollars (USD). Fees may also vary based on the number of entries permitted and exchange rates.

Processing Time: The processing time required for obtaining a visitor visa to Sri Lanka prior to arrival is approximately 3 days. However, this timeframe may vary depending on factors such as the chosen application process, staff availability, and workload at the mission.

After Submission: After submitting the application, keep the following in mind:

• These procedures mainly apply to online applications for short-term permits.
• Generally, through any of these processes, you will receive a single-entry permit with a stay duration of 30 days and the same validity or a multiple-entry permit that is valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of up to 30 days per visit.
• If you obtain a Sri Lanka visitor visa on arrival, you will typically receive a single-entry permit with a validity and stay duration of 30 days.
• If your plans change, you can cancel your visa before or after the processing time. However, visa fees are non-refundable.

How to Check Visa Status: The status of a Sri Lanka visitor visa for Indian citizens can be checked online by visiting the official website or by calling the 24/7 available call center at 0094 71 99 67 888.

Upon Receiving the Visa: Once the processing of your Sri Lanka visitor visa is complete, there are important steps to follow:

Before You Travel:

• Print a copy of the ETA if you have already acquired a permit.
• Note the ETA expiry date and the number of permitted entries. Do not overstay your visa.
• Travel to Sri Lanka within the ETA’s validity.
• Carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents.
• Secure health and travel insurance from a certified company.

At the Border:

• Upon entering Sri Lanka, ensure your passport is stamped.
• Have your documents checked and passport verified at the Immigration Counter.
• Seek assistance from airport authorities if needed.
• Review your visa copy for additional guidelines and rules.

During Your Stay in Sri Lanka:

• Do not engage in any form of employment. Volunteer work may be allowed, but paid or permanent employment requires a separate work visa.
• Avoid prohibited tourist areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa, and apply for a visa extension at least 7 days before your permit expires.