
Can I go to Sri Lanka without a visa?
U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. U.S. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for purposes of tourism or transit require an approval notice from Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization System , onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
How safe is it to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is generally a safe country to visit. It is a country where you are unlikely to encounter violence, but you should be careful when it comes to petty crime because its rate is high. However, it is still filled with tourists, and if you venture to this country you are likely to have a smooth trip with no incidents.
Can I get a multiple entry visa for Sri Lanka?
A multiple entry Sri Lanka Visa for Indians permits you to go to the country multiple times within the term of validity of the Visa. With a double-entry Sri Lanka Visa you can go to the country two times and with a single entry Visa one time. add remove Do I need a printed copy of the Sri Lanka ETA ...
How to apply for a Sri Lankan visa?
WAYS IN OBTAINING SRI LANKA'S TOURIST VISA
- Apply e-Visa / ETA online – This is the online visa application process that I’ll be discussing on this blog. ...
- Get Visa on Arrival/VOA – Visitors with tourism purposes may visit Sri Lanka with a Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days. ...
- You can also obtain visas at Sri Lankan embassies abroad. This is not very convenient though.

Can I get Sri Lanka visa on arrival?
Visas on arrival are granted if the purpose of the traveler's visit to Sri Lanka is either tourism or business. Visitors who have applied for a Sri Lankan ETA before their trip will granted a visa and entry to the country upon arrival immediately and do not need to wait in a queue for a visa on arrival.
How long can a US citizen stay in Sri Lanka?
Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days. Business visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days. Transit visa with Single Entry for 2 days. ETA processing fee and Short Visit Visa fee charged by the Sri Lanka Overseas Missions.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka with a US passport?
A visitor wishing to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka, may apply for a visa extension. The Short Visit visa may be extended up to 90 days from the date of arrival at the first instance and further 90 days at the second instance. For more details, please visit http://www.immigration.gov.lk.
Who needs a visa to go to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka Visa and Passport RequirementsPassport requiredVisa RequiredUSAYesYesEUYesYesCanadianYesYesBritishYesYes1 more row
Is it safe for Americans to travel to Sri Lanka?
Reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to fuel and medicine shortages. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism.
Can Americans fly to Sri Lanka?
Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Sri Lanka without restrictions. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Sri Lanka with a negative COVID-19 test result.
How long does it take to get a visa for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka Overseas Mission, with the concurrence of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E), will issue ETA or short stay visa within 03 business days.
Do you need to be vaccinated to go to Sri Lanka?
International travel Fully vaccinated travellers and children under the age of 12 are no longer required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Do you need a return flight for Sri Lanka visa?
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, travellers need to be able to provide a ticket for a return flight or a transit to another country. If a transit is made to another country that has a visa obligation, the visa for that country needs to be provided as well.
Can I stay in Sri Lanka for 6 months?
If you seek an extension to your tourist visa, maximum duration for extension you can ask for is six months. Other visas are extended depending on the reason and the length recommended by the respective Sri Lankan Government Ministry or organizations.
Can an American live in Sri Lanka?
In general, expats need to obtain a residence visa if they plan to reside in the country for work purposes. Sri Lanka is a luring, a pear-shaped country that sits just below the southern tip of India and goes by a variety of names such as Taprobane, Serendib, Ceilao, and Ceylon.
What happens if you overstay your visa in Sri Lanka?
Penalties for overstay A foreigner staying in Sri Lanka without a valid visa will be charged US $ 500 penalty in addition to the visa fee. (b) seven days when applying for an extension of the period of stay specified in the visa from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Can I retire to Sri Lanka?
To get a Sri Lanka Retirement visa (Dream Home), you have to meet the following eligibility criteria: You must be 55 years of age or older. You should submit $15,000 or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency and deposit the amount in a fixed deposit account in a bank located in Sri Lanka.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka?
In order to enter Sri Lanka, the citizens of most of the countries including the US need a valid visa. You can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days after getting this visa.
What is required to visit Sri Lanka?
Things essentially required for the citizens of US to visit Sri Lanka may include the proof of an adequate amount of money to stay in this country.
What activities do you have to do on a tourist visa?
The individuals traveling to this country on a tourist visa will have to confine their activities as a tourist like medical tourism, sightseeing, participation in cultural activities and sports activities etc.
Do US citizens need a visa to enter Sri Lanka?
Thus, US citizens have to obtain a visa before entering Sri Lanka by fulfilling the requirements discussed above.
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa through iVisa?
The interference of bureaucrats gets reduced and chances to get assistance in obtaining visa increases by applying for it through iVisa. It can also guarantee to be successful in early processing of your application for Sri Lanka visa.
Can US citizens travel to Sri Lanka?
It is important to know about Sri Lanka visa requirements for US Citizens while planning to travel to Sri Lanka. US citizens need not apply for a visa to travel to certain countries but there are certain countries which do not allow entry without a visa.
Can you be deported from a country you are not sure about?
You should know in this regard before entering the country if you are not sure about your activities in this country, otherwise, you can be deported.
eTA Sri Lanka
Do you require a visa? A Sri Lanka visa for US citizens is necessary for all travelers visiting Sri Lanka. Visas for business trips, tourism visas, and transit visas are the three types available in Sri Lankan Embassy in the USA. It is quite simple to apply for the correct visa.
Sri Lanka Visa For Americans – Validity and Requirements
Can Americans travel to Sri Lanka? Yes, Each traveler must have a valid visa to visit Sri Lanka (ETA). This ETA is valid for six months and allows you to enter the country only once, for a maximum stay of 30 days. There is no requirement that an air ticket to Sri Lanka from the USA is purchased at the time of application.
Eligibility for Sri Lanka Visa
There are no Sri Lanka travel restrictions for tourists to get visas for US citizens. If you meet the following criteria, Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration may award you a visa:
Applying For Sri Lanka Visa as an Americans
This website allows you to apply for a visa 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can submit an application individually or for a group of people at the same time. You can also apply on behalf of someone else; you'll need the traveler's passport information to do so.
Urgent Visa For Sri Lanka For US Citizens
Visitors who do not have valid visas cannot enter Sri Lanka. You must apply for an e-visa for Sri Lanka from the USA before booking your flight ticket to avoid the hassle. You can also apply from Sri Lanka Embassy DC which is situated in Washington the capital of the USA.
Sri Lanka Visa extension
If you are in Sri Lanka and wish to extend your visa for a few more days, you can do it by visiting the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration. However, you will have to pay some extra money in order to extend your visa as pr the state-defined laws and policies.
Applying for Physical Visa for Sri Lanka
Because of high prices and longer processing periods of Sri Lanka visas, US travelers who do not meet the visa requirements for Sri Lanka for us citizens of e-visa can apply for a physical visa. There are various types of physical visas, and each focuses on a certain target group.
How to apply to the Embassy of Sri Lanka?
Fill in the Electronic Travel Authorization at the Embassy and submit the duly filled form to the visa officer with the appropriate fee
How to apply for a Sri Lankan visa?
How to apply to the Embassy of Sri Lanka? 1 Fill in the Electronic Travel Authorization at the Embassy and submit the duly filled form to the visa officer with the appropriate fee 2 The embassy will issue you with the ETA/short live Sri Lankan visa within 3 business days 3 A confirmation with the reference code will be sent to the principal applicant as well as the Embassy 4 To check your ETA application status, contact the ETA call center.
How to check ETA status?
To check your ETA application status, contact the ETA call center.
How long is a transit visa?
Lastly, there is a transit visa, which has a duration that ranges from 2 to 15 days.
Is ETA system reliable?
It is worth mentioning that the ETA system is efficient, reliable, and easy to use. Here below are the various ways in which you can apply for your ETA:
Does a US citizen need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
If you are considering traveling to Sri Lanka, there are some details that you should know. If you’re a US citizen, you need a visa before entering Sri Lanka. If you’re traveling as a visitor, student, company, or for some other purpose, you’ll need a visa. The excellent thing is true that you can apply for a Sri Lanka visa for US citizens online without visiting any Sri Lanka embassy/consulate.
Could I apply for a Sri Lanka visa for US citizens at the port of entry?
You can able to apply for a Sri Lanka visa for US citizens at the port of entry with an extra cost of 5 USD. But applying online beforehand is much better, particularly if you don’t want to wait in a queue for an hour. These are also referred to as Sri Lanka ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization.
Who can Get Sri Lanka Online Visa?
Citizens of any country can get an ETA. But citizens of the following countries must get a visa before their arrival to Sri Lanka in an embassy/consulate. The procedure is the same as the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens.
How can I apply for a Sri Lanka visa for US citizens?
It is quite simple to complete the request. Please follow the below steps carefully:
What happens if you exit Sri Lanka with foreign currency?
If exiting with foreign currency over USD 5,000, the full amount brought in or acquired in Sri Lanka must be declared.
What are the road conditions in Sri Lanka?
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicular traffic in Sri Lanka moves on the left (British style). Traffic in Colombo can be congested. Narrow two-lane highways, overloaded trucks, poorly driven buses, and a variety of conveyances on the road, ranging from ox carts and bicycles to new four-wheel-drive vehicles, make driving dangerous. Unexpected road blocks and one-way streets are common and may not be clearly marked. Many visitors hire cars and drivers for long trips through the country. Individuals who choose to hire three-wheeled vehicles (“tuks” or “three wheelers”) should use metered vehicles or negotiate prices beforehand to avoid confrontations upon arrival. If you are renting a vehicle, you should specifically request one with working seatbelts.
What is transit passenger?
Transit passengers are defined as foreigners who expect to enter Sri Lanka and remain for a period not exceeding 2 days while waiting for onward travel. Passengers who do not cross Sri Lankan immigration lines, but who transfer between flights inside the airport, are defined as transfer passengers and do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval or a visa.
Why does Sri Lanka have heavy rain?
Sri Lanka occasionally experiences heavy rain fall due to depressions around the island. Heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding in low lying urban areas and near rivers. Landslides have occurred during and after heavy rains in Colombo, as well as Central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, and other Provinces depending upon prevailing weather conditions.
What happens if you break local laws in Sri Lanka?
If you break local laws in Sri Lanka, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you travel.
How long is a visa valid in Sri Lanka?
Must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Sri Lanka.
When will Sri Lanka be updated?
COVID-19 Information – Sri Lanka Last updated: June 3, 2021 Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered ...
Do I Need A Sri Lanka Tourist Visa for US Citizens?
Many people contact us to ask, ‘Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?’ as they are concerned about organising the correct documentation before they travel. And with good reason!
How Do I Apply for A Sri Lanka Visa for US Passport Holders?
Applying for your travel authorisation is simple with Byevisa. Just fill out our online application and pay for the ETA and the processing fee. Then you can sit back and wait for your authorisation document to arrive directly in your email inbox. Print out a copy and take it with you when you travel.
Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for US Citizens
When you are ready to travel to this destination, you need to adhere to the requirements set out by the Sri Lankan government. These requirements are as follows:
Sri Lanka Visa for US Citizens – Cost
Getting your ETA does not need to be an expensive process, and Byevisa works hard to keep all costs to a minimum. The current ETA fee, as set by the Sri Lankan government, is 35 USD and is payable as part of your application.
Your Questions About Travelling To This Destination
By reading our guide, you should now know what you need to do to get your ETA processed. However, you may still have a range of questions that need answering before you can be ready to set off. We have gathered the most commonly asked questions and answered them below to help you prepare.
Find More Information About Travelling To This Destination
You should now be clearer on what you need to do and obtain in order to travel to this beautiful destination, but if you want more information then head over to our main Sri Lankan visas page here.
What is the Processing Time for an ETA for Sri Lanka for US Travelers?
Nevertheless, to account for busy tourist periods, we recommend they send in their form at least 20 days before their arrival. They will receive their approved ETAs by email. Upon receipt, they should print out a copy and keep it next to the rest of their travel documents.
How old do you have to be to get an ETA in Sri Lanka?
Any traveling party reaching Sri Lanka with minors should note that any visitor aged 16 or less and sharing the same passport with one of their parents or legal guardians is exempt from needing an individual ETA. If they are over 16 years old or have their individual passport, they will need their own individual ETA approved.
How long is the Sri Lanka visa valid?
This visa waiver is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. Americans can use it to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transiting through any international airport or seaport. US nationals with the Tourist ETA can enter twice in Sri Lanka, whereas Americans traveling on business are allowed multiple entries.
How long is a US passport valid in Sri Lanka?
A US passport valid for at least 6 months on their arrival date in Sri Lanka. A frequently used email id. A valid debit or credit card. Once travelers have gathered these items, they can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA.
How long do you have to quarantine in Sri Lanka?
Travelers may also be required to quarantine for 14 days. Until 31 July 2021, passengers may not enter Sri Lanka if they have been in the following countries in the past 14 days: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, , Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
How long does it take to get a negative PCR test in Sri Lanka?
Foreign travelers are required to have a printed negative PCR test result for COVID-19 in English taken no more than 96 hours before departing for Sri Lanka from the first embarkation point.
How long does it take to get an ETA?
The ETA application is a quick and straightforward questionnaire that usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, where they will be required to share the following personal information: Full name. Date of birth. Home Address.
