Sri Lanka
Phone Code
+94
Capital
Colombo
Population
22 Million
Native Name
śrī laṃkāva
Region
Asia
Southern Asia
Timezone
Indian Standard Time
UTC+05:30
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Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island nation in the Indian Ocean off India's southeastern coast, attracts travelers with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites including ancient Buddhist temples at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, colonial architecture in Galle Fort, diverse wildlife in Yala and Udawalawe national parks, pristine beaches along the southern and eastern coasts, tea plantations in the central highlands around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and rich cultural heritage blending Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and colonial influences. With population of 22 million concentrated in Colombo (commercial capital) and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative capital), the island recovering from decades of civil conflict and 2004 tsunami has emerged as accessible tourist destination. Entry requirements straightforward yet mandatory: U.S. State Department confirms visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required for stays up to 30 days, available free online; UK Foreign Office notes Sri Lanka discontinued visa-on-arrival services with all visitors now requiring ETA obtained online before traveling; German Foreign Office recommends ETA application through official portal at eta.gov.lk before arrival. All three sources confirm passport must remain valid at least 6 months beyond arrival date, with travelers required to present onward or return tickets and proof of sufficient funds. Yellow fever vaccination certificates mandatory only if arriving from or transiting through endemic countries per U.S. State Department.
Sri Lanka Visa & Immigration System
Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system simplifies entry for short-term tourism while maintaining immigration control. U.S. State Department confirms visa or ETA required for stays up to 30 days, available at no cost via ETA online or upon arrival. UK Foreign Office emphasizes Sri Lanka discontinued visa-on-arrival services, requiring all visitors obtain ETA online before traveling, valid 30 days from issue with applications submitted through official ETA portal at least several days before departure. German Foreign Office recommends ETA application online before arrival via eta.gov.lk, noting tourist visas issued for either 30 days with two entries or 180 days with one entry, while warning to use only official website to avoid intermediary fees and ensure all information including passport numbers is accurate as authorities require new visas for even minor errors. UK Foreign Office notes ETA extensions available online via Sri Lanka's Immigration portal for stays exceeding 30 days. German Foreign Office confirms visa on arrival available at airport but warns limited capacity exists potentially causing long delays ("es für das Visum bei Einreise nur eingeschränkte Kapazitäten am Flughafen zur Verfügung stehen"). Business visas required for short business trips, meetings, negotiations, or conferences per U.S. State Department, obtained from Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before arrival. Employment and volunteer visas necessary for religious work, volunteering, or local employment per U.S. State Department, secured from Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in advance and not available at port of entry or through online systems. UK Foreign Office warns no ETA needed for air transits with connecting flights within 24 hours of arrival. Passport validity critical: U.S. State Department requires passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended departure date with 1 blank page for entry stamp; UK Foreign Office requires passport remain valid "at least 6 months after the day you arrive"; German Foreign Office confirms travel documents must remain valid at least six months upon entry ("Reisedokumente müssen zum Zeitpunkt der Einreise noch mindestens sechs Monate gültig sein"). Entry documentation requirements include valid passport, onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds per U.S. State Department. Overstaying serious: UK Foreign Office warns overstaying authorization carries temporary detention, fine, deportation at traveler's expense, travel ban, or refusal of future entry to Sri Lanka. German Foreign Office notes visa extensions possible but extremely time-consuming ("äußerst zeitaufwändig"), advising longer-stay travelers contact Department of Immigration and Emigration directly at adcvisa@immigration.gov.lk. U.S. State Department confirms visa extensions available through Department of Immigration and Emigration, advising travelers always carry identification such as passport while in Sri Lanka.
Common Visa Types
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Tourist
Tourism, leisure travel, sightseeing, beach holidays, cultural visits, wildlife safaris, family visits, and short-term recreational purposes up to 30 days. U.S. State Department confirms visa or ETA required for stays up to 30 days, available at no cost. UK Foreign Office requires ETA obtained online before traveling, valid 30 days from issue through official ETA portal. German Foreign Office notes tourist visas issued for 30 days with two entries or 180 days with one entry. Application submitted online at eta.gov.lk at least several days before departure. Requirements include valid passport with 6 months validity beyond arrival, onward or return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic countries. Free tourist ETA simplifies entry for eligible nationalities. Extensions available online via Sri Lanka's Immigration portal for stays exceeding 30 days per UK Foreign Office. Common for beach tourism along southern coast (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Bentota), cultural triangle visits (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya), wildlife safaris (Yala, Udawalawe), tea country exploration (Nuwara Eliya, Ella), and Colombo city breaks.
Business Visa
Short business trips, meetings, negotiations, conferences, exploring investment opportunities, and commercial activities not constituting local employment. U.S. State Department confirms business visa required, obtained from Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before arrival. Not available through online ETA system or at port of entry. Application requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company or organization, letter from applicant's employer explaining business purpose, completed application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity, passport photographs, proof of accommodation, return tickets, yellow fever certificate if applicable, and business visa fees. Processing through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions; timeline varies by location. Common for business professionals attending meetings, conferences, exploring partnerships, and conducting market research in tourism, trade, textile, IT, and tea industries.
Employment & Volunteer Visa
Local employment with Sri Lankan employers, volunteer work with NGOs and charities, religious work, teaching positions, and long-term work assignments. U.S. State Department confirms employment and volunteer visas necessary, secured from Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in advance, not available at port of entry or through online ETA system. Application requires employment contract or volunteer placement letter from Sri Lankan organization, proof of qualifications and professional credentials, completed visa application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity, passport photographs, police clearance certificates, medical examination, sponsoring organization documentation, and applicable visa fees. Processing through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions before travel; timeline varies significantly. Common for NGO workers, teachers, religious workers, business professionals on long-term assignments, and volunteers with development organizations. Visa holders must comply with employment conditions and maintain legal status.
Critical Information for Sri Lanka Travelers
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
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Embassies in Sri Lanka
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