Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations for European visitors, but many travellers are unaware that travelling to this country first requires thorough preparation, including obtaining a visa or electronic travel authorisation, or e-visa. As we will explain in this article, an e-visa is a simplified travel authorisation system that avoids the long and tedious process of applying for a visa. Here we explain in detail how to obtain this famous document, which will enable you to travel to Sri Lanka under the best possible conditions.
Applying for a Sri Lanka e-Visa online
- The e-visa for Sri Lanka is a residence permit and an alternative to a visa for this country.
- You can apply for a Sri Lanka e-visa online for tourist and business trips
- The duration of stay authorised by the Sri Lanka e-visa is 30 consecutive days
- It takes between 1 and 3 working days to obtain a Sri Lanka e-visa
- The price of a visa for Sri Lanka is approximately $100.
What is the e-visa for Sri Lanka and how does it work?
First of all, let's take a few moments to explain what an e-visa is and how this travel authorisation works. Before applying for an e-visa, you should be aware of the differences between an e-visa and a visa, and make sure that you meet the necessary conditions.
The e-visa is an electronic authorisation allowing you to travel to Sri Lanka under the best possible conditions and in the same way as a visa, but with a few exceptions. Firstly, this document allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days, i.e. one consecutive month.
If you wish to stay in the country for more than 30 days, you can apply for a standard visa, which will authorise you to do so.
Another special feature of the e-visa is that it is only available to travellers from certain countries, including the United Kingdom. You will also need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return flight. In theory, the Sri Lankan government also requires proof of sufficient financial resources to cover the trip. In practice, however, such proof is rarely required, except for longer-term trips.
You should also be aware that you can only apply for an e-visa online, by visiting the official website or a specialised website that gives you access to this form, such as the one we recommend on our website. As far as the deadline for applying for an e-visa is concerned, we recommend that you apply a few weeks before your departure to be prepared for any eventuality. You can apply for your e-visa up to 3 months before your departure.
Of course, as an electronic travel authorisation, the e-visa is not in paper form but is a digital document that is automatically attached to your passport. You can, of course, print out the confirmation you received by email, but this is not compulsory, as you will not need to present any physical document when you travel to or arrive in Sri Lanka.
How much does an e-visa for Sri Lanka cost?
The price of an e-visa for Sri Lanka is approximately 100 US dollars. This price is payable online when you apply for the visa. Payment is secure and can be made by credit or debit card.
The e-visa is an electronic visa that allows citizens of certain countries to visit Sri Lanka without the need for a traditional visa. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be used for tourist or business purposes.
The different stages of applying for an e-visa for Sri Lanka :
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty: we're going to explain, step by step, how to apply for a visa online and how to obtain this travel authorisation as quickly and easily as possible.
- The first step is, of course, to go to the official website or a website offering to provide you with an application form, preferably in French, like the one we recommend on this website. We advise you to choose this service provider carefully, as the quality of the service provided, and in particular the online help, differs from one provider to another.
- Once you have accessed this form, you should fill it in, making sure that you enter one form per person. However, there is an exception here for children under 16 travelling with their parents, who simply need to be mentioned on their parents' e-visa. Children under the age of 12 travel free of charge. However, these children must appear on the same passport as you.
- On this form, you will need to quote your passport number. This is the unique number on the same page as your passport photo. You will also need to give your full name, date of birth and the date of issue and expiry of your passport. You will also need to state the name of your departure airport and your full address. You will then be asked further questions about the reason for your visit to Sri Lanka. Remember that the e-visa is not valid if you wish to work in the country. You should also indicate the address where you will be staying during your trip, i.e. the address of your hotel or a gest house. If you don't yet have your accommodation, it doesn't matter, as you won't be asked for this proof. Finally, you will also need to enter your telephone number, making sure that it is in the correct format and includes the area code for your country of residence. The email address you enter on the form is also very important, as this is where the reply to your application will be sent.
- When you have finished filling in the application form, you will be able to check all your answers before validating it definitively. We strongly advise you to take the necessary time for this stage before clicking on the validation button, as a simple typing error may result in your application being rejected. If you are sure of your answers, click on the confirmation button.
- This will take you to the payment page. Although the e-visa for Sri Lanka is free for nationals of certain countries, you will still have to pay the transfer and processing fees. These fees may vary from one site to another. This payment should preferably be made by credit card on a secure server. It is essential for your application to be validated.
- Once this payment has been made, you will receive a response to your request by email within a few days. Generally speaking, the response time is around 24 hours following submission of the form. Depending on the site, you may also receive an initial email confirming that your request has been registered.
You then have nothing further to do, as your e-visa, if approved, will be automatically attached to your passport electronically.
Sri Lanka e-visa: How long before departure?
The average processing time for a visa application for Sri Lanka is 3 to 4 working days. However, it is recommended that you apply at least 15 days before your departure, so that you have enough time to process your application and receive your e-visa.
If your application is rejected, you will have to apply for a traditional visa, which may take longer. What's more, the Sri Lankan authorities may be stricter when examining visa applications around peak full stops, such as school holidays or religious festivals.
It is therefore advisable to apply for your visa online as early as possible, to ensure that you have enough time to receive your visa and plan your trip with peace of mind.
When is it necessary to apply for a traditional visa?
As we mentioned above, the e-visa application is only suitable for a certain category of traveller and according to certain criteria. If any of these criteria are not met, you still have the option of applying for a visa.
This applies in particular to travellers who do not reside in one of the member countries of this scheme and who are therefore obliged to apply for a visa at the Sri Lankan Embassy in France.
Similarly, if you are planning to stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, you will also need to apply for a visa, as the e-visa is not suitable for longer stays.
Finally, the reason for your trip is also important. The e-visa was introduced more specifically for tourist trips or visits to relatives. You cannot therefore use it to work in the country, for example.
It should also be noted that, whichever solution you choose, you must have a passport in your possession, as Sri Lanka is not accessible with a simple identity card.
If your situation requires you to apply for a visa for Sri Lanka, you must apply to the relevant authorities in France or in your country of residence. Note that this process takes much longer than applying for an e-visa, so make sure you apply well in advance to avoid compromising your trip.
