Yes, most tourists need a visa to be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka. Most people can get visa upon arrival. You can also apply for e-visa before arrival:
UPDATE 17.april 2024: New website for e-visa:
New official application page: 👉 https://www.srilankaevisa.lk
And just like that 
from one day to another: a new web page to apply for e-visa to Sri Lanka…. Hopefully this will be a good change (the last webpage was horrible).
However, I wish they would give us a little more time to prepare, to update information we send out to upcoming guests, to update our webpage, change links etc 
I guess I will be spending the next week answering questions from confused tourists planning to travel to Sri Lanka.
Just praying now that this page will work
I will be back with more information as soon as possible
Technical issue when applying for E-visa:
(information after last update coming soon)
As stated in the ETA webpage, all ETA holders should be able to provide:
- A round trip ticket to show at the port of entry in Sri Lanka
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. (Holder of a credit / visa-card is sufficient👍)
Do you want more help to plan your holiday in Sri Lanka?
Check out all the information in the Travel At Ease-page, or send me a mail to travel@ateasehotel.com.
Applying For ETA on Arrival
Price: USD 60
(When arriving in Sri Lanka you do have to option to apply for ETA at the airport. This is not recommended as it often is long lines to the application desk and at the immigrations stations. Meaning you will have to wait for quite some time, before you can pick up your luggage. This can also be an option if you have issues with your online ETA application, or if you did not receive confirmation of the ETA.)
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
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
💥 Newsflash 2023: It is now possible to fill out the Arrival Card for Sri Lanka online. 💥
👉 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.
I hope these travel tips are helpful💖
Next read: Updated ENTRY RULES TO SRI LANKA.
