General Information on Sri Lanka Visa

Srilanka Visa

As applicable from 1st January 2012, every traveler visiting to Sri Lanka for tourism or transit purpose must hold a valid ETA visa. Travelers already holding an ETA, must check the validity of their visa before planning their travel to the SL territory. Once issued the SL ETA is valid for the period of 3 months and allows you to stay in SL for 30 days per visit. Do remember that if you already possess a valid residence or multiple entry visas, a fresh ETA application cannot be submitted online until that visa expires or is cancelled.
Travelers cannot obtain a fresh ETA while being in Sri Lanka irrespective of whether your ETA is valid or expired on the same passport.

SL ETA Visa Categories:

Tourist- Sightseeing, holidaying, visiting friends & relatives, medical treatment including Ayurvedic  & yoga, participate in sporting events, competitions & activities relating to cultural performance.

Business- Participating in business meetings & negotiations, conferences, workshops & seminars, short term training programs & visiting project related matters.
However, now you can not apply for a Business Visa online. Though, it can be applied at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, the Sri Lankan Overseas Missions and on-arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

Transit- Travelers intending to stay in Sri Lanka for a brief period of time are required to apply for a Transit Visa.

Sri Lanka ETA

On 1 January 2012 Sri Lanka introduced an online visa application system known as ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) with the objective of providing an efficient, reliable and simplified service to those who visit Sri Lanka on a Short Visit. It is an official authorization to enter Sri Lanka for tourist/Business and Transit purpose and is issued electronically. Upon Arrival in Srilanka, the ETA holders are issued a 30 day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. For getting this Sri LankaETA the applicants are not required to provide any passport copies, documents or photographs. There is also no requirement to endorse this Srilanka ETA on the passport.

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, You will have to produce your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry along with a copy of the Sri Lanka ETA approval notice to attain the required permission.

For more information please visit (http://www.srilanka.eta-affairs.com/)