Sri Lanka Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

When a foreign visitor is planning to visit Sri Lanka for the purpose of tourism and leisure activities, a tourist visa for Sri Lanka is issued for that individual. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder is allowed to tour the country, visit the various Buddhist temples and shrines, take part in cultural trips and be a part of other leisure activities. The validity of the visa will differ as per the procedure that is followed. For the ETA applications filed prior to arrival, you can get a single entry 30-day permit or a multiple entry permit allowing a stay of 30 days per visit. If obtained upon arrival, you get a 30 days single entry permit. Also, remember that having a visa does not guarantee you entry through the border. If the border control finds an issue with your permit or yourself, you may be asked to return.

Before moving on to the application process, make sure that you are an eligible candidate for the same. There are multiple ways of applying for a tourist visa for Sri Lanka from India. Mainly the process is carried out online but the permit can be obtained upon arrival as well. Also, these processes are mainly applicable for short term visits. The processes are as follows:

• Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Online

1. This application is made by the applicant online.
2. Fill out the ETA application form.
3. Submit the form and pay the required fee.
4. Receive an ETA approval notice.
5. Print the notice and travel to Sri Lanka.
6. Present the required documents to the Immigration Counter at the border.

• Through a Visa Agency

1. Provide the required information and documents to the visa agency.
2. Let the agency make the application for you.
3. The agency and you shall receive the acknowledgement notice.
4. Print this notice and travel to Sri Lanka.
5. Present the required documents to the Immigration Counter at the border.

• Sri Lanka Overseas Mission

1. You can hand over your passport and other details to the Sri Lanka Mission in India.
2. Let the mission make the ETA application for you.
3. After the approval, the mission and you shall receive the acknowledgement notice.
4. Print the notice and carry it with you at the time of travelling to Sri Lanka.
5. Collect your passport from the mission after the notice has been received.
6. Present the required documents to the Immigration Counter upon arrival.

• At the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration

1. This application can be made by the host inviting the Indian national to Sri Lanka.
2. The application is to be made to the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
3. ETA application form is to be filled out by the host and handed over to the visa officer.
4. Acknowledgement notice is provided to the host as well as the invitee.
5. Print the notice and carry it with you when travelling to Sri Lanka.
6. Present the required documents at the Immigration Counter at the border.

• Sri Lanka Tourist Visa On Arrival

1. When you have arrived in Sri Lanka, fill out the ETA application form.
2. Pay the required fee for the ETA.
3. Upon approval, you will be provided with a notice.
4. Go to the Immigration Counter then and present your passport along with the notice and other required documents.

There are certain precautions that you need to take when you are filling out the application. The details to be filled in the ETA application must match the information in the passport and other travel documents that are to be provided. The information should also be correct and should be verifiable as well. If any issues are found with the application, there are chances that the application may get rejected. A visa rejection can affect your future applications to Sri Lanka or to any other country. There are other reasons for a visa rejection as well. These chances can be minimised by appointing professional visa services.

There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled at the time of applying for a Sri Lanka tourist visa from India. A set of parameters that make you eligible for this permit are given as follows:

• You must have proof of confirmed visit and purpose of visit

• Pre-bookings of the round trip must be done.
• You must visit for tourism only and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Sri Lanka.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind travelling to Sri Lanka.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Sri Lanka.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

The requirements to issue a tourist visa for Sri Lanka may differ from case to case. The Sri Lanka tourist visa requirements are listed as follows:

• Original passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Confirmed return flight ticket.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement, etc.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• Should not be older than 6 months.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white.
• Neutral expressions.
• Hair should not hide eyes.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Must be taken in clear light.
• There should be no red eyes or flashes messing the image.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The way of payment of the fees for a Sri Lanka tourist visa for Indian will differ depending on the procedure that is being followed. Obtaining ETA prior to arrival will mostly require you to pay through an electronic payment gateway. For an on arrival ETA, the fee can be paid using a debit or credit card or in cash but only in US $. The fee can even differ as per the number of entries permitted or any changes in the exchange rates.

The processing time required to get a tourist visa for Sri Lanka prior to arrival is about 3 days. It can still vary based on certain factors such as the process that is being followed, availability of staff and the workload at the Mission and others.

When the application has been submitted, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the pointers are as follows:

• These are mainly online procedures and are applicable when obtaining a short term permit.
• 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.
• However, if you obtain a Sri Lanka tourist visa for Indian on arrival you will be provided with a single entry permit with validity and stay duration of 30 days and not a multiple entry permit.
• If you have a change of plans, you can even cancel your visa which is to be done before the processing time. It can be done after as well.
• The visa fee is not refundable.

The status of a Sri Lanka visa for Indian can be checked online by logging on to the official website for any type of visa. It can also be checked by calling the 24/7 available call centre on - 0094 71 99 67 888.

When the processing is complete, there are a few things that you need to take care of. Some of the important pointers are given as follows:

• Before you travel

• Take a print out of the ETA before boarding if you have already acquired a permit.
• Make a note of the ETA expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Sri Lanka within the validity of your ETA.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents before leaving the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

• Once you enter the country, make sure to get you passport stamped.
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified at the Immigration Counter.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Sri Lanka

• • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension at least 7 days prior to the expiration of the permit.