Your Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Sri Lanka Visa

Known as the Teardrop of India, Sri Lanka is an island nation sitting just off the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula in the Indian Ocean. But its other nickname gives a better clue as to its offerings: the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

For such a small island, Sri Lanka is an under-appreciated Southeast Asian gem renowned for its scenic beaches, lush jungles, and rich religious heritage. A bastion of the Buddhist faith, the island is dotted with temples and sacred sites, like the Gangaramaya Temple, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Temple of the Tooth.

Other top tourist attractions include Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress towering over the jungle in the center of the island, and the bustling city of Colombo on the western coast. Sri Lanka’s deep jungles and forests are also home to elephants and leopards and ancient ruins.

It’s true that recent Sri Lankan history has been fraught, from the long civil war (which ended in 2009) to the current economic collapse. But amid all the hardship, Sri Lankans remain resilient people ready and eager to welcome visitors to discover their island home. With proper preparation and awareness, travelers can expect a safe, fun, and deeply enriching visit to this vibrant island.

 

Essential Travel Information to Visit Sri Lanka

  • Official language

    Sinhala/Tamil

  • Time Zone

    India Time Zone (GMT+5:30)

  • Climate

    Tropical

  • Calling Code

    +94

  • Electricity

    230V/50 Hz

  • Capital City

    Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

  • US Embassy

    Colombo

  • Currency

    Sri Lankan rupee (LKR; Rs in English, රු in Sinhala, ௹ in Tamil); current exchange rate, 1 US dollar = 309.10 LKR (exchange rate subject to change).

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Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Travel to Sri Lanka?

Yes, US citizens need a valid visa to visit Sri Lanka. The Electronic Travel Authorization Visa (aka the Sri Lanka ETA) is the best option, allowing for both tourist and business travel.

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for US Citizens

The most common type of visa for Sri Lankan travel is the Electronic Travel Authorization, a digital e-Visa offered through the Sri Lankan government. Both tourism and business travel are allowed with the Sri Lanka ETA visa, which is valid for 180 days and allows for multiple entries into the country (up to 30 days each).

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Sri Lanka Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa or Tourist ETA allows you to visit Sri Lanka for 30 days for the following tourism-related purposes: sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, participating in sporting events, and undergoing medical treatment (Ayurvedic and yoga). You can easily apply for it online as opposed to visiting a Sri Lanka embassy.

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Sri Lanka Business Visa

Business travelers can apply for an ETA to visit Sri Lanka for up to 30 days for the following business purposes: short-term training, participating in meetings and negotiations, and attending conferences, workshops, seminars, and symposiums.

General Travel Requirements to Enter Sri Lanka

In order to enter Sri Lanka, you’ll need to have the following:

 

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  • A passport valid at least six months after the date of your Sri Lankan departure with at least one blank page
  • A valid Sri Lankan visa
  • Yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if you’re traveling from a country in an infected area)

Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions

There are no entry, testing, or masking requirements for COVID-19. If foreign nationals or tourists test positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Sri Lanka, they will be asked to isolate for seven days in a private hospital, hotel, or place of residence at their own expense.

Consult the Embassy of Sri Lanka for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most recent recommendations regarding travel to Sri Lanka.

Due to civil unrest, fuel, food, and medicine shortages, and a history of terrorist attacks, the US Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for American citizens in Sri Lanka.

Travelers should exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka. While no terrorist attacks have taken place since the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, they can and have occurred with little or no warning. Monitor local media for updates on breaking events, listen to local authorities, steer clear of demonstrations and crowds, and be aware of your surroundings in touristy areas and crowded public spaces.

For more up-to-date information about travel restrictions to Sri Lanka , check Entriva’s travel map  or with the US State Department and the US embassy in Sri Lanka.

Health and Safety in Sri Lanka

For the most part, Sri Lanka is a safe and healthy country to visit, with a world-renowned healthcare system and affordable care available if necessary. But travelers should still take precautions against the following risks:

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  • Mosquitos: As a hot, humid country, Sri Lanka has a significant mosquito population. Dengue fever is very common, especially along the western coast and in Colombo, the island’s biggest city. Travelers should avoid getting bit by mosquitos by wearing layers, avoiding stagnant pools of water, and using mosquito repellent.
  • Drinking water: Avoid drinking unboiled or treated tap water and only eat foods that can be boiled, peeled, or cooked.
  • Civil unrest: Since 2019, Sri Lanka has been going through an economic crisis that has destabilized the government, caused food and fuel shortages, and led to protests and demonstrations in Colombo. Travelers should avoid these demonstrations and always follow the guidance of local authorities.

Local Laws for Travelers to Sri Lanka

As a foreign national traveling in Sri Lanka, you’ll need to follow local laws. If you want to drive, you’ll need to apply for a special permit upon arrival and follow all road laws, including speed limits.

Avoid taking photographs or video recordings of sacred temples and high-security areas, respect local drinking and smoking laws, and don’t carry any illegal drugs. Female travelers should be aware that it’s illegal for women to purchase alcohol in Sri Lanka.

If you’re arrested and imprisoned in Sri Lanka, you should immediately seek legal assistance from a reputable law firm or lawyer. You should also alert your country’s embassy or consulate right away. They can provide assistance and guidance on what you should do next.

Money, Banking, and Currency in Sri Lanka

While you can use credit cards in Sri Lanka, credit-card fraud is widespread, making it safest to stick with cash. You can exchange US dollars for the official currency, Sri Lankan rupees, or withdraw local banknotes at currency exchanges, ATMs, and banks.

You should also learn how to identify counterfeit banknotes  and read up on local customs, such as tipping, to be prepared money-wise.

Preparing for Your Sri Lanka Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Sri Lanka visa. Start your visa application process.

Essential Travel Information to Visit Sri Lanka

  • Official language

    Sinhala/Tamil

  • Time Zone

    India Time Zone (GMT+5:30)

  • Climate

    Tropical

  • Calling Code

    +94

  • Electricity

    230V/50 Hz

  • Capital City

    Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

  • US Embassy

    Colombo

  • Currency

    Sri Lankan rupee (LKR; Rs in English, රු in Sinhala, ௹ in Tamil); current exchange rate, 1 US dollar = 309.10 LKR (exchange rate subject to change).

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