Sri Lanka Entry Requirements in 2024

Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known for its amazing biodiversity, rich culture, and of course, fiery cuisine. From the bustling city life of Colombo to its stunning tea plantations and unmissable beaches, tourists arrive in Sri Lanka in droves and seldom leave disappointed. Now it's reopened for those who want to experience it all. Below are all the latest entry requirements that all travelers need to know before booking their trip.

If you want to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation or follow our Facebook to get the latest information.

Sri Lanka Visa Policy

Generally speaking, foreign tourists who plan to visit Sri Lanka should apply for the visa for Sri Lanka before entering. To know more about the visa information of Sri Lanka, you can look through the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. With effect from April 17^th, 2024, all tourist or business travelers to Sri Lanka must have e-Visa for entering into Sri Lanka. To get more information, you can visit the official website of Sri Lanka e-Visa.

The Official Sri Lanka eVisa website is the only authorized website for the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Government of Sri Lanka, operated exclusively by IVS-GBS.

Please note that Sri Lanka has transitioned from the ETA system to the new eVisa scheme. All visitors must complete an eVisa application prior to your arrival in Sri Lanka.

A eVisa fees waiver scheme for citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan is valid until further notice for tourism only.

How to Apply for Visa in Sri Lanka

Who Can Apply for the Sri Lankan E-Visa?

All eligible nationalities planning to enter Sri Lanka, whether by air or sea, for the purposes of tourism, business, or transit can apply for the e-Visa to Sri Lanka.

Please note that nationals of Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Syria and North Korea are required to apply for a visa through the Sri Lankan embassy or through the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka.

Below are the documents required:

• Police Clearance report.
• If the applicant is coming from another country after staying for more than 6 months, are required to provide Police clearance from that country and copy of the Visa.
• Certificate from a Sri Lankan guarantor & a photocopy of the guarantors NIC.
• Affidavit from a Sri Lankan JP (Justice of Peace) or a Lawyer.
• Accommodation information (Place of stay)

Please note that nationals of Kosovo are eligible for Visa On Arrival only.

Visa Exemptions

On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic of Maldives, The Republic of Seychelles and The Czech Republic are exempt from the requirement of obtaining tourist standard 6 months eVisa to visit Sri Lanka.

All nationals are eligible for an eVisa waiver, if transiting from any of the Sri Lankan airports. Waiver is valid for a 2 day transit period only.

You can verify whether your nationality qualifies for exemption from applying for an eVisa based on the passport type and eVisa duration by accessing the provided link.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka eVisa

1. Visit the official website of Sri Lanka eVisa.
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
4. Upload the required documents, including a scanned copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and any additional documents specified for your eVisa category.
5. Pay the eVisa fee securely online using the available payment options.
6. Once your application is submitted and payment is confirmed, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt and a unique application reference number.
7. Track the status of your eVisa application online using your reference number.
8. Upon approval, download and print your eVisa to present to the Immigration officer at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

Documents Needed for Sri Lanka e-Visa Service

What documents are needed for Sri Lankan e-Visa application will depend on the visa type you apply for. If you plan to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing, passport size colored photo and passport bio page are needed. To get more information of the documents needed for Sri Lanka e-Visa, you can visit the Official Sri Lanka eVisa website.

All foreign travelers to Sri Lanka should always check the Sri Lanka visa requirements before applying for a Sri Lankan e-visa.

Application Tracking for Sri Lanka eVisa

Upon submission of your eVisa application online, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt with a unique Web Reference Number. Utilize this reference number to monitor the progress of your eVisa application by accessing the 'Track Status' feature on the website. Enter your reference number and other necessary details to track the status of your application. The tracking system will provide regular updates on the status of your eVisa application via your registered email address. Notifications will be sent to inform you when your application is approved and available for download.

Documents to be carried at the Airport

1. A printed copy of your eVisa approval letter issued by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
2. Your passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
3. A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Sri Lanka.
4. Applicants of the below nationalities need to submit yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in Sri Lanka in order to comply with international health regulations.

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela, Zaire.

If you want to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, feel free to contact us for a free consultation or get our latest information. You can also submit your request directly to create your own Sri Lanka tour.