Sri Lanka ETA – The government of Sri Lanka has announced the latest travel rules post COVID-19 after 10 months for foreign tourists or travelers looking to visit Sri Lanka. The borders were closed for the tourists for the first time when COVID-19 spread across the world in February 2020.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s chairperson, Sri Lankan borders are now open for tourists and travelers from January 21st, and anyone willing to enter the country can apply or get a Sri Lankan visa.
He further says that when we are opening our doors to the world again, we have taken all the possible steps to make sure that all the precautionary measures have been set in place for making the island gateway safe, serene and secure for the visitors entering the country.
So if you are looking to travel to Sri Lanka as a foreign nationalist, you can apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) by filling a simple online form. ETA saves you much time and keeps you from the hassles that you otherwise have to face visiting the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in the country of your residence.
Some latest Travel guides are as follows:
- All the Tourists Entering Sri Lanka are required to follow the COVID-19 safety measures as announced by WHO & the country
- The tourists traveling to Sri Lanka will have to stay in one of 55 hotels across the country that the government approves
- They’ll have to present a medical certificate showing negative COVID-19 PCR Test results, and this test must be taken no more than 4 days before arrival in Sri Lanka
- 2 PCR tests are required for tourists who are planning to stay up to 7 days, and those staying for a longer period will need to take 3 PCR Tests
- The one who tests positive but does not show any symptoms will be required to self-isolate in hotel room
- The one who shows COVID-19 symptoms will be taken to the hospital
- All tourists to Sri Lanka will have to pay a US $12 insurance fee for covering up the COVID-19 medical care potential costs
- For UK Residents/Tourists
The government of Sri Lanka has imposed some restrictions on foreign citizens or tourists/travelers coming from the UK. According to the government, travelers from the UK who’ve spent up to 14 days in the UK are not allowed to enter the country to date. This step has been taken to prevent the country from another variant of COVID-19 that has spread in the UK. The flights from the United Kingdom are suspended for some time.
Sri Lanka Visa Types
Tourist ETA
The tourist ETA for Sri Lanka allows a double-entry stay of up to 30 days and is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Eligible citizens can complete the simple Sri Lanka ETA online application form with personal and passport information.
Business ETA
The business ETA for Sri Lanka allows you to enter and stay there in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days, and this visa remains valid for 6 months starting from the date when the visa was issued.
After going through the eligible criteria, you can find yourself whether you meet the requirements or not and accordingly can apply for Sri Lanka e-Visa online via Natvisa as Natvisa provides you a fantastic platform for getting a Sri Lanka Visa successfully.
Transit ETA
Transit ETA is issued for up to 2 days for a single entry, and this visa is valid for 6 months.
Allowed Activities on Tourist ETA
Following activities are allowed for the tourists to do in Sri Lanka on Tourist ETA:
- Sightseeing (recreational visits)
- Meeting with friends or relatives
- Holiday visa
Allowed Activities on Business ETA
Following activities are allowed for the tourists to do in Sri Lanka on Business ETA:
- Attend business meetings
- Attend conferences
- Attend training
- Attend Seminars
Allowed Activities on Transit ETA
- Only Transit through Sri Lanka is allowed on a Transit ETA visa for Sri Lanka.
Step by Step Visa Processing
Online Application
At the very first step, Natvisa receives the application for the Sri Lanka ETA visa, and then the application is sent to the review team that works and goes through the application thoroughly and checks whether the application meets all the requirements or not and once found.
Receive Document
Once the application is approved, and the ETA visa is issued, it’s emailed to the applicant via email. The processing time is up to 3 working days for a normal Business and Tourist Visa and 24 hours for Tourist Visa Express Service (365 days a year). In all cases, processing time starts when the application acknowledgment email is sent after the application is submitted and online payment is successful.
Arrive in Sri Lanka
On entering Sri Lanka, you will have to present your documents to the immigration officer at the airport or the border if you travel via road.
Upon arrival at border entry points, it is also necessary to present the following supporting documents:
- A printed copy of the Sri Lanka ETA visa Approval Letter
- Confirmation of hotel reservations
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay in Sri Lanka
- Proof of tickets for an onward or return journey
ETA visa holders are also advised to keep a printed copy with them at all times during their stay in Sri Lanka.
Requirements for Application
To apply for the Sri Lanka tourist visa online, applicants must have the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months expiry from the date of arrival
- Recent photographs of the applicant in passport-style, meeting the Sri Lanka ETA visa photo requirements
- Current and working email address so that you successfully receive the approved Sri Lanka tourist ETA visa
- Credit or debit card to pay the Sri Lanka tourist visa fee
- Applicants are also required to provide details about their accommodation in Burma (Republic of the Union of Sri Lanka)
ETA Exemption for Some Travelers
In the interest of reciprocity, citizens from the following countries/territories are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an ETA visa to visit Sri Lanka:
- The Republic of Singapore
- The Republic of Maldives
- The Republic of Seychelles
