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Ruins on top of Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka

© 123rf.com / Valery Shanin

Sri Lanka: visa and passport requirements

Passport required Return ticket required Visa required
Australian Yes Yes Yes
British Yes Yes Yes
Canadian Yes Yes Yes
Other EU Yes Yes Yes
USA Yes Yes Yes
Passports: 

To enter Sri Lanka, passports should have one blank page and be valid for no less than six months from date of arrival.

Visas: 

Since 1 Jan 2012, it is no longer possible for foreign nationals (except Singaporean and Maldivian nationals) to get 30 day visas on arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka. Tourists must apply online through the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA; www.eta.gov.lk and pay the requisite application fee.

Tourists wishing to stay for over 30 days should apply at their nearest embassy for a 90-day visa. Business and transit visas are required by all nationals, although countries listed above can obtain a landing endorsement from Colombo airport if they wish to leave the airport and enter the country as tourists during the transit.

Visa note: 

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Sri Lanka.

Types and cost: 

Tourist and Business: single entry, up to three months; multiple entry, up to three months; multiple entry, up to 12 months. Prices between countries - check with your nearest consulate – but in general, a single entry visa costs around $20. Children under 12 are exempt from the processing fee.

Validity: 

Visitors can request to extend their stay by applying to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Third Floor, 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mw. Colombo 10, Sri Lanka (tel: (11) 532 9300; www.immigration.gov.lk). This is issued at the discretion of the authorities who must be satisfied that the applicant has at least US$30 per day for the stay, and holds an onward or return ticket for travel.

Transit: 

A transit visa ETA must be obtained prior to your arrival in Sri Lanka. These are valid for seven days, with the first 48 hours free of charge; 3-7 days is $10.

Application to: 

Consular division of the Sri Lanka High Commission.

Working days: 

Generally two days, although sometimes longer depending on the type of visa applied for.

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