Visas for Sri Lanka can vary based on the length of stay and other permitting factors. In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to know about applying for a Sri Lanka visa, including various visa types, processing times, general requirements, and more.

Types of Sri Lankan Visas

Sri Lanka offers several types of visas, the most common being the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa, which allows for both tourist and business travel. ETA visas are available for stays up to 30 days and are suitable for those traveling for tourism purposes. Business visas are valid for 30-day visits and are for those traveling for work-related purposes. ETAs are a convenient option for those who want to apply for their visa online.

Entriva offers a range of Sri Lanka visa services, including ETA tourist and business visas. The company provides comprehensive visa application services, from assistance with the application process to support with tracking your Sri Lanka visa application. Contact us to receive a quote.

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa allows foreign passport holders from dozens of  to enter Sri Lanka for tourism purposes. They are usually issued for a stay of 30 days. Holders of a tourist visa are not allowed to work in Sri Lanka. Currently, US passport holders can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization visitor visa.

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Types of Tourist Visas

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
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Tourist Visa Validity

  • 180 days for US nationals, double entry permitted
  • 180 days for all other countries, double entry permitted
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Tourist Visa Required Documents

  • A passport with at least one blank page for your entry stamp, valid for six months from your expected date of departure from Sri Lanka
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Tourist Visa Government Fees

The Sri Lankan government charges US$50 for a Tourist ETA visa.

While it’s possible to apply for a Sri Lanka visa yourself, booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees (starting at just $50).

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Tourist Visa Average Processing Time

Three business days.

Business Visa

Sri Lanka business visas are for those traveling for work-related purposes, including business meetings and attending conferences, and are valid for up to 30 days.

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Types of Business Visas

  • ETA for Business Purposes
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Business Visa Validity

  • Valid for 180 days, up to 30 days each visit; double entry permitted
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Business Visa Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Scan of passport ID page
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Business Visa Government Fees

The Sri Lankan government charges US$55 for an ETA for Business Purposes.

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Business Visa Average Processing Time

Three business days.

What to Know Before Applying for a Visa

A visa is not required before booking your flight. You can apply for your Sri Lanka visa after making your travel plans.

Average Processing Time

The average processing time for a Sri Lanka visa depends on the type of visa you’re seeking. In general it takes three business days to process a visa application.

How to Track Your Visa Application Process on Entriva

When planning a trip, few things are more stressful than waiting for your visa to arrive without knowing if it will get there in time. At Entriva, we take the stress out of the equation by letting you monitor your application in real-time. Here’s how:

After registering and setting up your profile, you’ll get access to your personal Traveler Dashboard, and once you have submitted your visa application to Entriva, you can track the progress of your application online. To track your application, log in to your Entriva account and click on the “My Applications” tab.

On the “My Applications” tab, you will see a list of all of your visa applications. You can click on the “View Details” link for an individual application to see the status of your application.

The status of your application will be updated as it progresses through the processing system. The possible statuses for your application are:

  • Pending: Your application is currently being processed.
  • Approved: Your application has been approved, and your visa will be sent to you.
  • Denied: Your application has been denied. You will receive an email explaining why your application was denied.

In addition to checking your Traveler Dashboard for updates about processing, approval, and more, you can also use it for things like organizing to-dos before your trip and checking out our other Sri Lanka travel resources to answer all your questions.

If you have any questions about your visa application, please contact Entriva customer support .

FAQs about Sri Lanka Visas and Sri Lanka Visa Applications

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Can I travel to Sri Lanka without a visa?

No, all US travelers need to have a valid visa in order to enter Sri Lanka. Only nationals of Singapore, the Maldives, and the Seychelles can get visas upon arrival  in Sri Lanka.

How long can I stay in Sri Lanka with my visa?

Most Sri Lankan visas allow stays of up to 30 days.

Can I extend or renew my Sri Lanka visa?

Yes, you can apply for an extension  of your Sri Lanka visa for a maximum of up to 270 days (60 days for your first extension, 90 days each for the second and third extensions).

Can I travel to Sri Lanka with a different or separate passport than the one I used to get my visa?

No, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport.

Where can I find the Government of Sri Lanka’s official ETA visa portal?

This is the Government of Sri Lanka’s official authorized ETA visa website, where you can learn more.

Where should I keep my Sri Lanka visa while traveling?

If you received a regular or paper visa, it’ll be put directly into your passport.

For the ETA, you will receive a digital copy by email. You should print out a copy of the ETA to show immigration officers and to keep with you while traveling. International travel document holders are a tidy way to secure your essential travel documents.

Didn’t find the answer you needed? Reach out to us directly —we’re happy to help.

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.

For more information on other aspects of travel to Sri Lanka, such as health and safety and cultural customs, visit our Sri Lanka content hub.