Tourist visa to Sri Lanka -

Yes, most tourists need a visa to be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka.

Most people can get visa upon arrival. The cost is USD 60 per adult, children (below 12) is free. You can also apply for e-visa before arrival: For the normal tourist visa – 30 days single entry the updated price is USD 50.

UPDATE May 9th 2024: New website for e-visa:

New official application page: 👉 https://www.srilankaevisa.lk

How to apply for e-visa to Sri Lanka:

Go to this page: https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/
Click on “Apply Now”
On this first page, you need to register and receive a one-time code for login. Enter your email and phone number and click “Send OTP”
Open your email to find the code that was sent to you. Copy it and paste it into the OTP field – then click “Sign Up“

Then you are logged in, and can start your visa application.

This is quite straightforward and relatively simple, but there is a lot to fill out – in 6 steps. I will soon create a new video where I go through the entire process for the new e-visa on my YouTube channel – Travel Sri Lanka At Ease.

The regular tourist visa for a single stay, maximum 30 days, costs 50 USD; there are other options for 180 days, 2 years, etc.

You must upload 2 photos to your e-visa application:

1 jpg image of the first page of your passport. Note! it must be resized to be maximum 1 MB.
1 .jpg image of you with a white background. Note! it must be resized to be maximum 1 MB.

💻 On the website, you can check if your visa is approved. This typically takes just a few hours.

📧 After 2 days, you will receive the e-visa by email – and can print it out to show at immigration control.

(From experience, it does not necessarily need to be printed out; it is electronically linked to your passport)”

Documents to be carried upon arrival to Sri Lanka:

Your passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.

A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Sri Lanka.
Proof of eVisa approval.

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. (Holder of a credit / visa-card is sufficient👍)
Some arrivals from African and South-America countries need to submit yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Visa on Arrival to Sri Lanka:

You can also skip the e-visa and opt for VOA: Visa on Arrival.

The price in May 2024 is USD 60. Children under 12 is free of charge.

In the slow season, May-June and September-November this can be the easiest option.

However in the busiest time of the year, the extra line and process can be a time consuming hassle. You can avoid this by applying eVisa in advance.

Transit Visa

For short transit in the Airport, there is no need to get a visa. For up to 2 days, you can obtain the transit visa at the airport for free.

Extending your Visa to Sri Lanka:

If you wish to extend your visa after arriving Sri Lanka you can apply for an extensions. The short term visit visa may be extended maximum 3 times: first 60 days and following that 90 days 2 times.

If you want to extend your visa, you have 3 options:

Online application: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/home.php.
Visit to the department of immigration in Colombo. There are several steps you have to take and waiting in between each step. Make sure you plan ahead and bring water, snacks and something to make the time pass by.
There are third party agents that can help you with the process. These agents charge extra of course, and you have to make sure they are officially authorised.

For more information on what to do, you can contact us: travel@ateasehotel.com

Arrival Card

In addition to visa, you need to fill out the an arrival card.

It is possible to fill out the Arrival Card for Sri Lanka online, from 72 hours before you travel.

👉 Link to online Arrival card.

The next best option is to fill out the Arrival Card on your flight to Colombo. (It saves you the time and trouble in front of the Immigration Desk).

An example on how to fill out the Arrival Card for a foreigner visiting Sri Lanka for a holiday at ease:

☝️ This is an example of what it looks like.

PS: make sure you ask the flight attendant for the arrival card, if they do not give it to you. It is so much easier to fill it out while seated in your flight. Depending on the airport, the line to the immigration check point at arrival can be long and especially during the high season in December and January.

Many people do not realize that they need to fill this card out and head straight to the immigration line. When they finally make it to the immigration officer they have to go to the back of the line to fill out the card. Therefore it is very important to fill out this card before you head to the immigration line.