How to get a Sri Lanka visa online

Back in 2012 Sri Lanka use to offer free tourist visa’s on arrival to pretty much anyone who showed up. They have now moved on to a digital visa that you need to apply for before you enter the country.

If for some reason you don’t want to use the online application you can apply for visa’s at Sri Lankan embassies in other countries. There is also a visa counter at Bandaranaike International Airport for those who have turned up without applying beforehand.

 

They charge you a small penalty and you may have to wait in line for a long time depending on how many others decided just show up.

 

Visa Requirements

Passport

To enter Sri Lanka you need to have at least one blank page and your passport must be valid for no less than six months from the date you arrive.

 

Online Visa

 

First you have to apply for your SriLanka Visa Online Here.

Follow through the online application process.

Pay with a credit or debit card.

Once approved – print out the visa confirmation.

Visa fees

Free – Transit visa with Single Entry for 2 days.

$30 - Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days.

$35 - Business visa with Double Entry for 30 days.

 

 

Return Flight

It is a requirement for all tourists to have a flight booked out of Sri Lanka before you land.

 

Do I need to book a return flight from Sri Lanka?

 

Technically yes. I personally used Mihin Lanka to ‘book my flight’ as they will reserve you a seat on a flight for free (for 2 days I believe) and then send you a confirmation email of your flight. I was not actually asked to show this on arrival nor was anyone I’d spoken to.

 

How long does it take to process the visa for Sri Lanka?

 

To complete the form it takes no more than 5 minutes. I applied for mine about 12 hours before my flight and had received the confirmation within a few hours. I would strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible to avoid any confusion.

[Source: http://www.ritchyfeet.com/sri-lanka-visa-online/]