SRI LANKA TOURIST VISA
Sri Lanka is an island nation with beautiful beaches, pristine landscapes and ancient temples. It is a beautiful country that is worth visiting.
As an Indian citizen, you do not require a visa to travel to the country. You can visit the country with an Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.
Here are some details on the ETA and the process of getting your travel visa. Citizens of every country except Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles require an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The application for the ETA can be done online on the official website or other websites that work in partnership with the Sri Lankan government. You should apply for the ETA at least 90 days before your scheduled date of travel. So, you must apply for the ETA three months before your trip.
The application process involves filling out a form and paying service and government fees. In fact, the application process takes a few minutes and your visa will be processed in 24 hours. The fees however depend on the type of visa.
Requirements for the ETA:
- A scanned passport
- Valid e-mail address
- Approved means of payment
THE VALIDITY OF ETA:
The two types of ETA are ‘short stay’ and the ‘transit’ ETA.
With the ‘short stay’ ETA you can travel to Sri Lanka for a vacation or business purpose which is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
The ‘transit’ ETA is valid for two days from the date of arrival. This visa is mandatory even if you are passing through the country on a cruise ship. But there are no charges for the ‘transit’ ETA.
PROCESSING TIME:
For the processing time of your Sri Lanka ETA, you have three options:
- Standard processing – Your ETA application will be processed within 1 Business Day, and the price is USD 40.00 (service fees included).
- Rush processing – You will receive your ETA within 4 hours, and the cost is USD 70.00 (service fees included).
- Super rush processing – This is the fastest option. You will get your ETA in 30 minutes, and the charges are USD 85.00 (service fees included).
HOW VIN CONSULTANCY CAN HELP YOU?
- Advise you on the required documentation
- Advise you on the funds that need to be shown
- Fill out the application forms
- Review your documents for the visa application
FAQ
For going to Sri Lanka on a short visit, travelers are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization [with effect from January 1, 2012].
However, citizens of certain countries – Singapore, Seychelles, and Maldives – are exempt, on the basis of reciprocity, from the requirement to get an ETA for visiting Sri Lanka.
An individual intending to visit Sri Lanka for a short period – for the purposes of business or tourism or for transiting through the country – will have to obtain a prior approval for an ETA for Sri Lanka before their arrival in the country.
The types of ETA available for Sri Lanka are –
- ETA for Tourist purpose [with double entry for 30 days]
- ETA for Business purpose [with double entry for 30 days]
- ETA for Transit [up to 2 days]
Any bona fide tourist entering Sri Lanka within the stipulated period on the landing permit granted by the Immigration officials at the port of entry into the country can apply for a visa extension. The application for the extension has to be made before the expiry of their Sri Lanka tourist visa.
2 month’s extension – beyond the initially allotted 30 days – might be granted, provided there are valid reasons for seeking the visa extension.
A Sri Lankan ETA for Tourist purposes can be used for engaging in the following activities while in Sri Lanka –
- Holidaying or sightseeing
- Medical treatment [including yoga and ayurvedic treatments]
- Participation in sporting events and competitions
- Taking part in activities related to cultural performance
A Sri Lankan ETA for Business purpose can be used for engaging in the following activities while in Sri Lanka –
- Attending business meetings or negotiations
- Taking part in workshops, seminars or conferences
- Taking part in short-term training programs that are less than 1 month in duration
- Taking part in music, art, and dance events
- Participating in religious events
- Taking part in symposium
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