TikaWeeks #40/2024: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 30th September 2024
The new Sri Lankan Government has reinstated the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for tourist visas to Sri Lanka, which is effective from 27 September 2024.
All foreign visitors must apply for a 30-day tourist visa through the ETA system, as follows:
- Visa fee: US$50 for most countries, except China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan nationals where a visa waiver (free visa) is in place.
- Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles and the Czech Republic nationals do not require a visa.
- For SAARC countries, the visa fee is US$20 (excluding India, which is free).
- Children below 12 years will receive a free visa.
- Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor via the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
As before, ETA holders will be issued a 30-day short visit visa at the port of entry to Sri Lanka. Foreign nationals, who intend to visit Sri Lanka for short stays of up to six months, must obtain an ETA either prior to arrival, which is the best method, or on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, where there is a limited facility and additional fees apply (only electronic payment cards [credit cards/e-commerce enabled debit cards] and cash in US$ are accepted). The ETA is issued through an online system and no passport copies, documents or photographs are required, and there is no requirement to endorse the ETA in your passport. Upon arrival, simply produce your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry along with a copy of your ETA approval notice.
For more information and to apply online, please go to Sri Lanka tourist visa, which is the only official Sri Lanka Government portal for ETA applications and approvals.
Categories: News, Sri Lanka, Travel tips
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