7. Visa Gen. Information (ETA)
An intended traveler planning a holiday visit, a short business trip or to transit, needs to apply and obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.
(Note: Syrian citizens are not entitled)
Please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk for more information
The following categories are eligible for visa exemptions.
The following nationals & categories are exempt from ETA
The type of ETA
ETA application can be submitted using one of the following options:
Person intending to visit Sri Lanka for 30 days or less can apply for ETA online. If visa is required for more than 30 days the intended travelers must visit and apply for visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration visited to Sri Lanka.
Visa categories:
Tourist / Business ETA cannot be converted into a Residence visa to obtain a Residence visa, it is necessary to arrive in Sri Lanka on an Entry Visa processed through the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka after submission of necessary supporting documents.
Please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk
ETA holder is entitled to enter Sri Lanka within three months from the date of issuance of ETA. It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. All ETA holders must fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry.
For travelers who wish to visit Sri Lanka without prior approval, a limited facility to obtain ETA at the airport is available. Additional fees will apply
Diplomatic and official passport holders should not apply for Tourist / Business ETA on their official visits.
The traveler should not engage in any form of employment, paid or unpaid or in any trade or business other than that specified in the visa during the period of stay in Sri Lanka.
Online ETA facility is not available for under mentioned purposes,
All applicants may obtain the relevant visa either from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Lebanon or from the visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, by submitting proof of evidence for the above purposes.
For more information please visit http://www.eta.gov.lk
7:1. Requirements for tourist / Business Visa if applying through the Embassy
Important: Copy of the letter of invitation by the Sri Lankan company / organization to the applicant and a formal letter from the company / organization in Lebanon requesting for a visa to the person concerned with a brief introduction about the company, nature of business and details of conduct person/company in Sri Lanka should be attached as proof when applying business visa.
Please visit visa fees page of http://immigration.gov.lk to refer the country fee.
Important: Prior approval for visa is required for persons proceeding to Sri Lanka for Educational assignments/ academic research, employment, voluntary work in social service organizations and non-governmental organizations, officers designated to Diplomatic Missions in Sri Lanka and other International Organizations or to join their spouses in Sri Lanka.
7:2. ETA for Official and Diplomatic passport holders
Foreign diplomats intending to visit Sri Lanka for official purposes should forward the following documents to this Embassy to obtain prior approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo. Therefore, please submit relevant documents well in advance to obtain prior approval.
The Gratis Visa will be granted after obtained prior approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo with consultation of Department of the Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.
Diplomatic and Official passport holders should not apply tourist /business ETA for their official or to engage in any official assignment in Sri Lanka.
Diplomatic and Official passport holders should follow the normal ETA application procedure for their personal visits.
7:3. Residence Visa
The Embassy requires prior approval from the Controller General, Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka (CG, I&E) to issue entry visa under this category. Please see Residence Visa section in the website www.immigration.gov.lk for details.
Business Organization or the NGO in Sri Lanka should submit the application for work / resident visa on behalf of the applicant directly to the Controller General, I & E. The Controller General, I & E will then authorize this Embassy to issue entry visa to the applicant.
On receipt of the approval from the Controller General of Immigration & Emigration, the Embassy could issue entry visa once the applicant submit the documents mentioned under 'REQUIREMENTS'.
Requirements for entry visa:
7:4. Journalist Visa
Applicants are required to submit applications to the Embassy. Please note that visa will be provided only after clearance is granted from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.
Requirements:
7:5. Transit Visa
Passengers wishing to transit through Sri Lanka may apply for transit visa (single Entry) online OR at the port of their Entry (Free of charge) only for 02 days (48 hours)
To apply please visit http:///www.eta.gov.lk