From 2nd August 2024, Sri Lanka VISA will be issued on arrival for all nationals excluding banned countries at the port of entry mainly Colombo International Airport. All travellers need to access Department of Immigration at the port of entry along with 6 months plus valid passport and return air ticket. 

 

All banned countries (Afghanistan / Siriya / Nigeria / Myanmar / Nepal Etc) need to contact Sri Lanka embassy in your country and submit your VISA application.   

VISA Free countries to Sri Lanka 
China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan nationalities are eligible for free VISA to Sri Lanka until further notices. 

 

Sri Lanka announces VISA free access for 38 nationalities

On 2nd of August 2024, Sri Lankan government announces the immediate implementation of a visa-free policy for 38 countries listed below including above 7 countries but as per the latest update from Department of immigration, this will be activated from 1st of October 2024 until further notice. This decision will greatly affect to enhance the travel & tourism industry of Sri Lanka. 

 

Following 35 countries are entitle to obtain free VISA for only for tourist purposes 30 days single entry. (Final list of 38 countries list yet to be published) 
Australia / Austria / Bahrain / Belarus / Belgium / Canada / China / Czech Republic / Denmark / France / Germany / India / Indonesia / Iran / Israel / Italy / Japan / Kazakhstan / Malaysia / Nepal / Netherlands / New Zealand / Oman / Poland / Qatar / Russia / Saudi Arabia / South Korea / Spain / Sweden / Switzerland / Thailand / United Arab Emirates / United Kingdom / United States

 

How to apply Tourist VISA to Sri Lanka.

Department of Immigrations & Emigrations of Sri Lanka has temporary suspended issuing of e VISA online with effect from 2 August through its eVisa application system. With this latest decision, existing Sri Lanka e VISA web applications https://www.srilankaevisa.lk is no longer valid and please do not go through above web link until further notice.
All tourist to Sri Lanka excluding above listed banned countries can obtain your Sri Lanka tourist visa of (30 days single entry) from Department of immigration Counter / VISA officer upon arrival at Colombo or any other air or sea port. 

 

Sri Lanka VISA FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

VISA Help Desk in Sri Lanka contact details

• Immigration Dept Website https://www.immigration.gov.lk/index_e.php 
• Telephone Number (Office Hour Only) +94 011 2885 358 
• eMail ID of Immigration Department controller@Immigration.gov.lk 

If you have any other concerns regarding payments done before 2nd August, please contact travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk 

• Colombo International Airport Immigration officer contact number +94 11 225 3092 (24 Hrs x 365 days) 

 

Tourist VISA Assistance in Sri Lanka 

If you encounter any issue regarding Sri Lanka VISA, you may contact your travel agent in Sri Lanka and they will assist you. If you are a direct traveller, please contact Immigration Department as per the contact details above 
If you are a Ceylon Expeditions guest

If you book your holiday package with Ceylon Expeditions, please WhatsApp / Voice / SMS to our help Desk +94 717 88 44 99 (8 AM – 9 PM Sri Lanka Time) or else, please email holidays@expeditions.lk or directly contact your respective Ceylon Expeditions travel executive. 

 

What is the VISA fee for Sri Lanka? 

All above listed nationalities can obtain free VISA (From 1st October 2024 onwards) but all other nationalities need to pay 50 USD per person. 
What are the documents required to obtain on arrival VISA Sri Lanka?
Only valid passport (6 months + validity at the date of entry) with return air ticket. No photographs are required. 

Is Digital Arrival & Departure Cards still applicable?

This procedure is no longer valid and please ignore. There is no such application. 

 

 

Is there a long que for on arrival VISA to Colombo airport?

Generally, no but if there is a que during heavy flight arrivals at Colombo airport. But you may obtain your VISA within 30 min. 

How to extend my tourist VISA while am travelling in Sri Lanka?

Visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Contact your travel agent in Sri Lanka or directly visit the immigration Department Colombo during office hours Monday to Friday. Charges may apply if you stay more than 30 days. 

 

Are there any restrictions on the type of activities I can do on a tourist visa in Sri Lanka?

A tourist visa is primarily for sightseeing and leisure. Engaging in activities such as paid employment or business transactions is not permitted under a tourist visa