The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced the commencement of the new visa system and online services.
The new online visa system, E-Visa, which replaces the existing Electronic Travel Authorisation system, will be implemented from tomorrow (17).
Sri Lanka has transitioned from the ETA system to the new eVisa scheme. All visitors must complete an eVisa application prior to their arrival in the country.
A eVisa fees waiver scheme has been introduced for citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, with immediate effect, valid until April 30th, 2024 (Last date of arrival) for tourism only. To avail of the scheme, please select the 30-day single entry eVisa option.
You can use this link tohttps://www.srilankaevisa.lk/accessthe Official Sri Lanka eVisa website. This is the only authorized website for the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Government of Sri Lanka, operated exclusively by IVS-GBS and VFS Global.
In a statement released, the department highlighted that details regarding the new visa system, its requirements, associated fees, and the duration of stays in Sri Lanka were officially published on 11.27.2023 through aspecial gazette.
You can download the charges and the regulations in English from the following linksClick hereor http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2023/11/2360-24_E.pdfThis is the full complete gazette (43 pages) published with all requirements and sample applications and fees.
Who Can Apply?
All eligible nationalities planning to enter Sri Lanka, whether by air or sea, for the purposes of tourism, business, or transit.
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.
Sri Lanka eVisa Fees
The eVisa fee payment is the last step of your application process after submitting your details and the other mandatory documents.
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.
Visa for the following
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 and submit the following documents:-
1. Police Clearance report.
2. 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.
3. Certificate from a Sri Lankan guarantor & a photocopy of the guarantors NIC.
4. Affidavit from a Sri Lankan JP (Justice of Peace) or a Lawyer.
5. Accommodation information (Place of stay)
Nationals of Taiwan would need to select People's Republic of China (Special Administrative Region of China) as their nationality while applying for the eVisa.
Nationals of Kosovo are eligible for Visa On Arrival only.
