Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich Buddhist culture and natural beauty, beckons tourists from across the globe. The Sri Lanka tourist visa acts as the gateway for these eager travelers to explore the wonders of the country and immerse themselves in its captivating experiences.

Understanding Sri Lanka Tourist Visa: A Sri Lanka tourist visa is issued to foreign visitors planning to explore the country for leisure and tourism purposes. This visa offers numerous privileges, allowing travelers to tour the nation, visit Buddhist temples and shrines, partake in cultural excursions, and engage in various leisure activities. The visa’s duration depends on the chosen application method. For Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applications made in advance, you can obtain either a single-entry 30-day visa or a multiple-entry permit allowing a 30-day stay per visit. On-arrival visas typically grant a single-entry 30-day permit. It’s important to note that possessing a visa does not guarantee entry, as border control authorities may deny entry in certain circumstances.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa:

1. Sri Lanka Tourist 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. Through 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 necessary 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 necessary documents at 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 necessary documents at the Immigration Counter upon arrival.

5. Sri Lanka Tourist 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.

When completing the application, exercise caution to ensure accuracy. Information in the ETA application must match the details in your passport and other travel documents. All details should be correct and verifiable to prevent application rejection. Professional visa services can help minimize the risk of rejection.

Eligibility Criteria: To apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa from India, certain eligibility criteria must be met, including:

• Proof of a confirmed visit and the purpose of the trip.
• Pre-booking round-trip flights.
• Traveling for tourism purposes only, with no intention of seeking employment.
• Meeting health requirements, including a medical test before traveling.
• Meeting character requirements, with genuine intentions for visiting Sri Lanka supported by relevant documentary proof, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• Having sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay, supported by bank statements or equivalent documents.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements: The documentation required to obtain a tourist visa for Sri Lanka may vary from case to case. The mandatory Sri Lanka tourist 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.
  • Must be 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 permitted, except for religious reasons.
  • Clothing should not match the background.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Fees: The method of fee payment for a Sri Lanka tourist visa for Indian citizens depends on the chosen procedure. Obtaining an ETA in advance often requires electronic payment, while on-arrival ETA fees can be paid via debit/credit cards or in US dollars (USD). Fees may also vary based on the number of entries and exchange rates.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Processing Time:

• The processing time required for obtaining a tourist visa for Sri Lanka in advance 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 primarily apply to online applications for short-term permits.
• Typically, you will receive a single-entry permit valid for 30 days, with the same validity for multiple-entry permits that allow a 30-day stay per visit.
• Sri Lanka tourist visas obtained on arrival are typically single-entry permits valid for 30 days, without multiple-entry options.
• If your plans change, you can cancel your visa before the processing time or afterward. However, visa fees are non-refundable.

How to Check Visa Status: The status of a Sri Lanka 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:

Before You Travel:

• Print a copy of the ETA if you obtained it before your journey.
• Take note of the ETA expiry date and the allowed number of entries; do not overstay the visa.
• Ensure that you travel to Sri Lanka within the ETA’s validity.
• Carry copies of your passport and other travel documents.
• Obtain health and travel insurance from a certified company.

At the Border:

• Upon entering the country, make sure to have your passport stamped.
• Have your documents checked and passport verified at the Immigration Counter.
• Consult airport authorities for assistance if needed.
• Adhere to any guidelines and rules indicated on your visa copy.

When You Enter Sri Lanka:

• Avoid engaging in any form of employment; volunteering is allowed.
• Respect tourist-prohibited areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa and apply for a visa extension at least 7 days before the permit’s expiration if needed.