Visa to Sri Lanka

Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka (US Citizens)

This visa is for US citizens who are visiting Sri Lanka for the following purposes:

  • Sightseeing, holidaying
  • Visiting friends and relatives
  • Medical treatment including Ayurveda and yoga
  • Participate in sporting events, competitions and activities relating to cultural performance

After your application is approved you will get an entry permit called ETA. It is valid for entry to Sri Lanka for three months. When you arrive in Sri Lanka holding an ETA, you will get a 30 days visa.

If you have planned to combine business with holiday, you need to apply for a business visa. It is not allowed to perform any kind of business activities while in the country on a tourist visa. It is however allowed to have holiday with a business visa.

Extend the visa

It is possible to apply for an extension of a tourist visa. The application should be done while in Sri Lanka and before your current visa has expired. Contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration Head Office in Colombo if you wish to apply for an extension. Two months extension beyond the original 30 days can be granted. Further extension will only be considered with valid reasons.

When you apply for an extension you need to keep in mind that your passport needs to be valid for at least 2 months after your intended departure from Sri Lanka.

Exceptions from the visa requirement

Citizens from Singapore and the Maldives do not need to apply for a visa (ETA) before arrival to Sri Lanka.

Proof of granted visa

Your entry permit (ETA) is registered electronically via your passport number. After you are granted a visa you can print the confirmation e-mail and bring on your trip.