Sri Lanka Tourist Visa (ETA) 2025: Fees, Requirements & How to Apply
Quick answers (TL;DR)
- Apply online before you fly at eta.gov.lk (avoid third-party markups).
- Stay & entries: Tourist ETA grants 30 days with double entry during those 30 days.
- Fees: SAARC passports US$20; others US$50; children under 12 are free.
- Fee-free ETA (still apply online): Seychelles, Maldives, Singapore, China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan.
- Extensions: You can extend your stay in Sri Lanka up to a maximum of 270 days (see guide below).
- Arrival card: Optional online e-Arrival; paper card still accepted on arrival.
Who pays & who doesn’t
Fee-free ETA (tourism) — still must apply online:
- Reciprocal/bilateral: Seychelles, Maldives, Singapore.
- Current fee-waiver scheme: China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan.
All other nationalities: pay the standard ETA fee during online checkout at eta.gov.lk.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Fees & Validity
| Category | Fee (USD) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (SAARC passports) | US$20 | 30 days, double entry |
| Tourist ETA (Other passports) | US$50 | 30 days, double entry |
| Children under 12 | Free | Same conditions as adult ETA |
| Fee-free ETA countries | US$0 | Apply online; 30 days, double entry |
Fees exclude bank charges. Always apply on the official site.
How to apply for your Sri Lanka ETA (5 minutes)
- Go to the official site: eta.gov.lk.
- Complete the online form and pay the correct fee (or US$0 for eligible fee-free passports).
- Watch for your approval email/PDF (keep a copy on your phone).
- At check-in/arrival, carry: passport valid 6+ months, ETA approval, and return/onward ticket.
Arrival/departure card (optional online)
You may complete the e-Arrival card online shortly before travel via the official portal, or simply fill the paper card on arrival. Online is convenient but not mandatory.
- Official portal: e-Arrival card
Need more than 30 days?
You can extend your stay in Sri Lanka up to a maximum of 270 days (30 + 60 + 90 + 90), subject to approval. Start online or visit the Department of Immigration in Battaramulla.
Extend your Sri Lanka Visa (full step-by-step)
FAQs
Do I still need an ETA if my country is fee-free?
Yes. Eligible passports don’t pay the fee, but you must apply online before travel.
Is a visa on arrival still available?
No. From 15 Oct 2025, you must obtain the ETA online in advance.
How fast is approval?
Often minutes to 24 hours. Apply early during peak seasons.
124 Comments
by Lockie
I am flying in late on the 15th of this month and leaving very early on the 15th of July. I thought this falls within 30 days but turns out I will be a few hours over as the night I arrive will count as one day. Is this correct? If so, will I just have to pay the applicable visa fee at the airport when I leave? Thanks for all your help!
by Wietse
If its just a few hours I don’t expect it to be an issue. Otherwise just pay the fee at the airport. But honestly just argue it and generally it will be fine. Possibility of going through immigrations before 12 will solve the hassle (if any).
by Viki
Hey there,
I have a 30 days tourist visa and tried to extend it online. However, I never recieved a payment notice. Will it be a problem if I extend the Visa 1 day to late? Because no I have to change my travel plans an go to colombo.
Thank you in advance!
by Wietse
You have a 7 day grace period. So when leaving at the airport, you will be asked to pay the extension. If they say you are one day late, show that you applied for the extension but never received a payment link. Should be fine, its just 1 day.
by Steven
Hi.
Thanks for your very helpful thread.
I had a query, I applied for an extension to my 30 day tourist visa. i received a confirmation email to say i needed to wait for payment details. it has now been 12 days with no email.
do I need to travel to Immigration to extend in person or is the fact I received a confirmation email of application sufficient to avoid paying a fine at the airport?
Many thanks
Steve
by Wietse
Hi Steven, common issue. Please keep emailing them asking. You can also try and call them and ask. Regards, Wietse
by Stefan
hello. me and my friends extended visa online for another 60 days and now we want to extend again for more days, but cant do it online.I ve read that next extension is for 90 days but apparently its not possible to do it online ?
by Wietse
Correct, for the next extension further than 3 months, you will need to visit the Immigration Office in Battaramula, Colombo.
by JIABEIWEI
Dear Wietse, wonderful post !
i have a 60 day visa and i arrived on the 29th of october , i did a mistake in calculations so ended up buying a flight on the 29th of december, which is actually 2 days of overstaying . should i be worried about this? how much would i need to pay in the airport or should i visit the immigration office beforehand? thank you!
by Wietse
You will still have to pay the extension + late fee at the airport at departure. The grace period means you can extend in-country without paying the late fee. So always recommend extending to avoid the late fee. Regards, Wietse
by Vin
If i overstay 5 days. I read there is a 7 day grace period to leave voted in parliament 2023? Is this still true please? Appreciate a swift response if you can. Thanks
by Wietse
Yes, but you will still have to pay the extension + late fee at the airport at departure. The grace period means you can extend in-country without paying the late fee. So always recommend extending to avoid the late fee. Regards, Wietse
by Kevin
Dear Wietse
what are the current rules for extending more than 30 days based on the visa on arrival? can one get up to 6 months in total on this ? since the ETA is not working online I plan to arrive with 30 day visa on arrival but wish to stay up to 6 months or more if possible. please advise! thank you!
by Wietse
Hi Kevin, yes its a bit of a mess at the moment. But you can always visit the Immigration Office in Colombo for extensions, or use an agent who can do it for you to save you the hassle. Cheers, Wietse
by Maisie
Hi,
I have just realised that my flight is booked home 3 days after my visa runs out! What do you suggest I do? Thanks for your help!
by Vin
I have same Q for 5 days over. Apparently a 7 day grace period to leave?
by Wietse
Yes, but you will still have to pay the extension + late fee at the airport at departure. The grace period means you can extend in-country without paying the late fee. So always recommend extending to avoid the late fee. Regards, Wietse
by Anonymous
I’m I’m day 53 overstay, due to leave mid June.
I am.yet to find out my fate on my 1st ever overstay, I think going off global travel & many years in South East Asia, you just need to be honest and say you’ve made a mistake, agree to pay the fine & fingers crossed it should all be clear.
by Wietse
53 days overstay is quite some days! You could try and get the extension pushed through an agency, I think it will cost $500 fine.
by Moa
Hi, thanks for this page. I wonder if you can help me with this, does kids under 12 years need to pay for visa extension? Also whats the price for a Swedish citizen to extend the visa?
Thank you again for this page
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Moa, everyone on a tourist visa must extend and pay for it. It costs $100, I believe. Do note that at the moment you can apply for a 180 days visa online for $50!
by Mat
Hi,
On the Dept of immigration website https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/home.php it lists the steps to apply for an extension. It now appears that this can all be done online, with no visit to the office needed. Is this correct? Also wondering, at what point can you apply for an extension. At any time after the initial visa was granted, or only after arriving into Sri Lanka?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Mat, thanks for this. I have updated the blog! You will still need to visit the office through. Please find the official steps here: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/how-to-apply.php
You can only apply for the extension of the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa, once you have entered the country on your initial tourist visa.
by Olesia
Hello!
Thank you for the article and all your answers!
I have a question too 🙂
I am Russian and I am in Sri-Lanka. I got my tourist visa for 180 days. It will expire in May. I want to make a visa run (leave the country 10 days before visa expires and come back).
Can I get the new visa for 180 days? Or only for 30?
And should I apply for the next visa before June to get a 180 days? You wrote in the article that 180 days visa works only before June 2023.
Thank you in advance 🙏
Best regards, Olesia
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Olesia, yes, no worries. You can leave the country and apply for a new visa (unless there is a reason they will not grant you one). At the moment, the visa price is $50, but this gives you a 180-day visa. They launched this to boost tourism arrivals and announced this would be valid till June 2023. However, they might change this again. No one knows.
Technically, you can leave the country, apply for a visa, and take the next plane back.
Regards, Wietse
by Aleks
Hello!
Is it official information?
There is a 7-day grace period for overstaying, an agent like IMMIGRATION SERVICES CENTER can help you obtain your visa when still in this grace period.
When your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa is expired, you have 24 hours to leave the country without being fined.
by Wietse Sennema
Like a lot of things in this country, not often is official information to be found online. What got this information from the immigration agents, who are in contact with the relevant department.
by Chatryn
Hi，we had our flight actually on 31.1 which in our valid visa day but Sri Lankan Airlines cancelled the flight and move us to 2nd February flight however our visa is ended on 1.2.2021, the flight is on 2.2.2022 on 7 AM in the morning, early check in or one day check in in advance is not possible, will we get fine by the immigration? Extension doesn’t make sense when we had to pay 200 USD for 4 hours
by Wietse Sennema
Should be fine, show them the Sri Lankan Airlines cancellation proof.
by Mikky
Hi,
Your post is very helpful.
Could you let me know if I can renew my visa ext on the arrival date? Or does it have to be after certain days?
Thank you
Mikky
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Mikky, you can actually apply for a 3-month visa at the nearest embassy in your home country even! But otherwise, you can extend your visa just after you arrive in Sri Lanka 🙂
by Miriam
Hello, thanks for the article!
I am in Sri Lanka right now and have a 30 day visa, but I applied for it with another flight than I really took in the end.
So I planned on arriving on the 29th of December but in the end I arrived on January 2nd, do you know if I can stay for one month from my application date (until 28th of January) of for one month from the actual date (until February 1st)?
Thanks so much already!
Greetings from Sigiriya 🙂
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Miriam, it’s one month from your arrival date 🙂 You can check the sticker in your passport which shows till which date you can stay. Enjoy the island! Regards, Wietse
by Wannes
Hi there,
my partner and I will visit Sri Lanka in november this year. We’ll stay for a total of 2.5months so we need to extend our visa. The information provided on this page is a gold mine, so thanks a lot. I do am wondering if the process is still the same nowadays (COVID etc) as described above? Is it still like this and can I still do it myself?
Kind regards,
Wannes
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Wannes! We try and update the blog as often as possible. Currently (as lockdown has ended), it should be possible to extend the visa again yourself, however, using an agent is super easy and saves a lot of time! The shops around can be closed though, so you might need to get the papers printed and photos beforehand. Cheers, Wietse
by Sian W
Hi, my husband and I are planning an extended trip on a tourist visa. Our plan is to extend as many times as possible, so that we can get 6 months in the country before needing to leave. My query is with regards to onward travel tickets – if we are originally applying for a 30 day visa (but knowing we will be in the country for 6 months…), do we need a ticket that will take us out after 30 days? Or will they accept a ticket to leave 6 months after original entry? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Sian, very late reply. Apologies! There is a possibility of even extending to 9-months in certain cases, but an agent can help you with this. They can ask you for a ticket within the original 30 days, but a fake onward ticket does the trick 🙂
by Sri
I am a UK citizen and my wife is a Sri Lankan citizen. We are planning to visit SL for 3 months. I can apply for 30 days free evisa and extend while in SriLanka or I can apply for 3 months in High Commission. What is the best option?
by Wietse Sennema
From my experience, the extension in Sri Lanka is cheaper. The only thing you will need to go to the department of immigration and sit through the process. I think with the high commission, you also need to go there, leave your passport, wait a couple of days before picking it up again. All in all, will also take quite some time. At least that is the procedure in The Hague, could be different in the UK.
by Sri
Hi Wietse, Thank you for your information. I still haven’t decided yet what to do. I’ll keep your in mind when making the decision. Best regards
by Wietse Sennema
Alright!
by Prema
I have an e-visa for 30 days and planning to extend my stay for another 30 days. How much it would cost for Canadian in Sri Lankan Rupees or US $ to get an extension in SriLanka?
by Wietse Sennema
It would cost 50USD!
by kumara
Hi one of my best indian friend has come to help my hotel business and will be working in thee hotel as a cook, since we dont have tourist board approval. will it be a problem.
by Wietse Sennema
You will need to apply for a work visa somehow! Depends at which department the business is registered, thats where you will need to get the recommendation letter.
by Amanda
Do you know if children have to pay for the visa extension? We have booked to go to Sri Lanka in March/April 2020. We booked for 32 days (not realising the 30 day requirement) we have three kids aged 10 and under, the costs of 5 visa extensions seems a lot! Not sure whether to risk the airport 2 days passed expiry or not. If we book a 90 day visa in Australia do children pay for that? THANKS!
by Wietse Sennema
Unfortunately, there is no exception for children. Extending an Australian visa will cost $30 per person. I think the same rule applies for getting the visa in Australia, but for that, it is best to call the Sri Lankan embassy and ask. Risking a 2 day stay with children could be something you could try but would not advise, could end up paying more.
by Barry
Having left London and arriving in SL for a connecting flight can you leave the airport if you have a long wait for for your next plane . Sorry, probably not a visa issue.
by Wietse Sennema
Hey Barry, yes this is possible. You can either apply for the 30-day free visa or the transit visa which is for 48 hours. Enjoy your short stay!
by Deepak Nallendran
Is business visa is convertible into multiple entry visa is there any procedure kindly advice me for an emergency situation
Thank you
by Deepak Nallendran
I am an indian and I have extended my business visa for three months today whether can i go to India and come back to srilanka with same visa during this period
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Deepak, unfortunately not. Business visas are single entry, once you leave the visa becomes invalid and you will have to apply for a new one when coming back.
by April
Hi,
I’m working in Colombo now, and my residence visa will be expired by the end of this month. I’m planning to travel after I finish my work, is it possible to extend my stay with holiday visa? Do I have to go overseas to get that visa?
Thanks in advance
by Wietse Sennema
Hi April, great that you want to continue travelling! As far as I am aware, you need to leave the country and come back on a different visa if you want the visa to change.
by Apolline
Hi! Thanks for this helpful article!!
Do you know if they make you pay 500$ for overstaying one week? Or is that just written theory? Thanks a lot!!
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Apolline, never heard of anyone actually paying the $500 fine. When overstaying, people do have to pay a fine and the extension anyway. But what this is all depends on the immigration officer and the mood he/she is in.
by Jacob
Hi, i Just would like to check with you that my visa is expiring on 18 June and i intended to stay until 20th in Sri Lanka and will leave and be back again on 1st of July, however if i extend my visa, for another 30 days, am i able to apply visa again for the coming 1st of July arrival?
by Wietse Sennema
Hey Jacob, once you leave your visa is void. So you can re-apply for a new one before coming back. However, if you are not in the country yet. Please check and see if you can get a 3-month visa at the Sri Lankan Embassy in your home-country, those are multi-entry and will save you money!
by Sumanth
Hi. The article is really helpful. I still have only one question remaining. I am on a business visa here for 30 days and it expires in 4 days. When I checked on the Immigration website they are asking us to carry a letter from the company/organisation to extend my business visa. Can you guys help me with what kind of letter is it? and where can I get a format for the same?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Sumanth, a quick google search will give you some sample letters. Just change the country/business, etc to your situation and you’re good to go!
by Abhishek
Sir I have my project in srilanka for 45 days and we are planning to make e visa of 30 days and then extend it afterwards after reaching srilanka.. does this leads us in any trouble?? Also what is it cost if we want only 15 days visa.. please do reply
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Abhishek, no this should not get you into trouble. If they ask about this at immigration, just mention you are going to extend your visa at the Department of Immigration and show them your return flight. Cost depends on your nationality. Another option is to already apply for the extension visa at a Sri Lankan Embassy in your country.
by DEBORAH POWELL
Hello,
I think I’m asking a question that won’t have a clear answer but here it goes. I was supposed to stay in Sri Lanka until the end of June so had plans to renew my tourist visa on Monday before it expires on Tuesday. Due to recent tragic events I’ve decided to leave the country sooner and the best flight option I can find is May 7th. My visa expires April 30. I would rather avoid paying the extension fee along with the hassle and potential danger of traveling to Colombo right now however if I don’t get an extension I from what I’ve read in this article that puts me at a very high risk of having to pay both the fee and the penalty. Do you have any sources on information if there are exceptions being made due to the current situation? I have not been able to connect to the department of immigration, their phone hangs up after being on hold forever.
Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks so much.
Deborah
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Deborah, I understand your point. Let me lay out some solutions/answer some questions for you:
1. Is it safe in Colombo? Absolutely. The situation is improving every day, the chance of another attack is unbelievably low and the government has enhanced security all over, especially at government offices, busy places and places where tourist gather in numbers. I can safely say that visiting the office yourself should be perfectly fine, they will welcome you with open arms even!
2. You can use an external agent like http://www.immigrationlanka.com to extend your visa. You can courier your passport to them and they will do the needful. However, with the security situation maybe it’s wise to keep your passport on you at all times.
3. I do not know if they make any exceptions to the current situation, but I would assume so. Do not mark my words on this, but knowing the Sri Lankan people and the fact it depends on the immigration officer at the airport, you could be able to leave without a fine after explaining what you explained to me. Again, this is at your own risk.
4. I saw a Facebook message in a group somewhere from someone who left after his visa expired after the attacks and had no issues. But again, this was a message on social media.
5. Personally, I think, if you decide to leave because of the security situation, take the next flight out and do not wait for your ‘best flight option’.
6. Stay! The situation is getting better every day 🙂
Good luck!
by pinky
do we need to go in person to extent my visa or I can send someone behalf of me to immigration and emigration department if srilanka?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi there, the only way to send someone on your behalf is to make use of an authorized agent. Now travel agents are able to do this, but we recommend using http://www.immigrationlanka.com
by Friso
Hi all,
In January I arrived in Sri Lanka on an electronic business via. I have extended this visa in February and now it is expiring. I need to stay in Sri Lanka for a bit longer and I wonder how often are you allowed to extend the business visa before you have to actually leave the country? I’m a citizen from the Netherlands.
Thanks for all the help.
Kind Regards,
Friso
by Wietse Sennema
Goedenmiddag Friso, a business visa is valid for a maximum of 3 months. There are one-year business visa’s, but even then you need to leave the country every 3 months. In your case, I am afraid you will have to leave and return to the island. Luckily, a quick up and down to the closest overseas airport is enough to get your next visa 🙂
by Jancee
Hi i am married to a srilankan and planning to apply a spouse visa once i reached der. I now resigned in my job here in uae. To enter srilanka can i use the ETA 30 days visa and apply spouse visa later. Also for ticket do i need to present 2 way or just one way enough?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Jancee, I am not sure about that. But if you can prove with a marriage certificate if they ask, that should be fine. You can mention that you are applying for a spouse visa.
by Shahul
Hi
I will come to srilanka from saudi arabia and return to india.(home country)
I Have onward ticket to my home country
Will allow this onward ticket. Are they need return ticket to saudi arabia
by Wietse Sennema
Onward ticket to India is fine!
by Juli
Thank you so much for this article first of all and second – I have a question: “Do I need some more proove or explanation for extending the visa for 3 more month ( after I already extended for 2 month before), or financial stability and back flight ticket is enough?
by Wietse Sennema
From my experience, return-flight and financial statements are enough. Enjoy the island!
by Garvin Timmann
Hello,
I had the one month visa on arrival sticker on my passport.
After one week i applied for the 2 months to be topped onto the end of the visa date, which cost from memory about 4000 rupees.
To then get the 3 months added to the end of the now 3 month visa, when should i apply for that Do i wait for the end to come close then make the application.
Will it cost the same.
Then when i have to fly out when the visa expires, what is the nearest airport in India to do the roundtrip for returning for the Visa rounds again?
I have a German passport.
My mother is born in Kandy, but she did not apply for me to get a Sri Lankan passport. How i have to go through a two stage citizenship (single then dual citizenshiop), pay 300,000 rupees, then after one year i receive a Sri Lankan passport. All very slow, plus getting birth certificates (mother and grand father), Lawyers to sign affadavit too, Oaths, marriage certificate, residential certificates that have to signed by Divisional Secretary. Can a drive a happy person mad!
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Garvin, from my experience you can get the extra 3 months whenever. They could ask some questions, but if you mention your Sri Lankan heritage they will understand. But in general, you will be fine. The cost will be twice of the if the first extension, essentially it’s the same but they add a 100% tax on top of that.
I would just check the cheapest flight out, often it’s Chennai/Trivandrum/Kochi. All around 1 to 1,5 hours flight.
I guess you were you not born here? Then the process should be easier and cheaper. Anyway, good luck!
by paul cogin
I was not charge for my one month extension visa, why?
by Wietse Sennema
Don’t know, but lucky you!!
by Verity
Hello, I am booking my returning flight after changing my travel plans and will need to overstay 1 day, will this be a problem?
by Wietse Sennema
Can’t say, always depends on the immigration officer!
by DILINI
Me and my husband have dual citizens of Sri lanka & Australia, but my kids do not have SL citizenship.
So if we stay 35 days in SL, do our kids need to get a visa extension. They are Australian citizens. (i believe kids under 16 yrs dont need to obtain the visa?)
Thanks
by Wietse Sennema
They have free for 1 month, but I am not sure about the extension though.
“Requirement for Sri Lankan Visa or ETA is exempted if you are:
– Children born abroad to Sri Lankan parents whose birth has been registered in Sri Lanka under section 5(2) of Citizenship Act 1948 who are below the age of 21 years”
Above is for children born to Sri Lankans abroad, for all other children:
“Following category is exempt from ETA Processing Fee:
– Children under 12 years of age”
Another option is to get them to apply for a ‘Visa for Ex-Sri Lankan – (Foreigners of Sri Lankan origin)’, they then get a residence visa for a year.
by Doug
We are leaving Sri Lanka for a few days but will then return to Colombo for one day before taking an international flight. Our visas will still be valid. What is the process at the Colombo airport on our return? Do we have to go through the eVisa lineup again? Thanks
Doug
by Tom
Yo, thanks for the useful info.
Im doing a visa run after my 3 month visa, but i left Sri Lanka a week before my old visa has run out (8th) Feb.
Ill be returning at the end of this week (prior to 8th) will this be an issue or will my visa have expired as soon as i left?
by Chaithra
Hi,
I have visa for my travel to Srilanka. But due to personal emergency I had to reschedule my flight. Now the visa is outside the valid 30 days. Could you please help on how I can proceed with this scenario to get the visa.
by Wietse Sennema
Did you apply for the ETA through the official website? That is valid for 3 months before entering the country. Your 30-day visa then kicks in once you enter the country.
by Ewa
Hello, I have a question – i will spend 32 days in Sri Lanka. Is it possible to get free 2 days transit visa after regular 30 days visa?
by Wietse Sennema
Unfortunately not, you will have to get an extension from the Immigration Department.
by Henry McEndoo
Hey! I have already extended my visa up to 3 months and think I want to extend it again up to 6 months. Is it the same price as the first extension ? And will I need proof of a flight out ? Thanks, Henry
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Henry, for the extension you pay an additional 10000 tax. Sometimes they will ask for a proof of a flight out.
by Johannes
Hello! Have few questions, maybe stupid ones but I´m going to ask anyway because have seen some other people also wondering same stuff and now I´m bit nervous. 😀
I will do the ETA form online before going to Sri Lanka.
1. Do I need to print any documents or passport pictures for the authorities working at the airport border of Sri Lanka? If needed, what is the size of the passport pictures and how many do I need?
2. Can my onward flight be to any country in the world or does it have to be my home land?
So much info on the internet makes me confused…
by Wietse Sennema
Hey Johannes, in general, you do not need to print anything. But you can print the ETA confirmation email just to be sure. Onward flight can be to any country. Enjoy Sri Lanka!
by Lucas
Hey, thank you for all the useful information. I already used my 30days and extended for 2 months(finishing on feb 3rd). I need to leave the country tomorrow, dec 10th for 10 days and come back. On my extension visa it’s witten that they don’t assure that I can land, but “not assuring” maybe means that I can, depending on the authority at the immigration?What do you think? Have you heard of anyone who has done an extension, left the country and came back with the same visa?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Lucas, unfortunately only seeing this now. Because you extend to up to 6 months! Initial 30days, then 2 months extension, then three months extension. In general, they will not deny you entry again unless the suspect that you are here for employment purposes, or look like a hobo. When you do the extension and leave the country, your visa expires and you will have to get a new one.
by Sophie
Hi,
We are planning on doing a medical elective in Sri Lanka for 3 weeks and have been told we have to apply for the 30 day business visa online. We however want to stay for 2 weeks after this and so it will take us over the 30 days. I know we can’t extend the business visa but do you know if we can go to the office and get a tourist visa to cover this extra time?
by Wietse Sennema
Don’t think it is possible to extend tourist to visa, never heard of this. But extension of business is pretty easy and process is the same 🙂
by Ebba
Hello! im a bit confused about this proof of onward flightticket,
i plan to stay in Srilanka for 90 days but atm only have the 30 day ETA, which im planning to extend,
wont it be an issue when i show a flight out far later then my visa reach on arrival?
Thanks in advance!
by Wietse Sennema
You can tell them you are extending your visa and that should be okay! Alternatively have a fake onward flight 😉
by Gemma Yemm
What is the latest time I can arrive at the office to extend my visa? It used to be 12:30 but my flight doesn’t land until 10:30 and I’m not sure I will make it to the Dept of E&I office in Battaramulla on time.
by Wietse Sennema
I suggest staying close-by and being there first thing early next day!
by Xalman
Hello,
Good Article. I have a very different question. I have already extended twice and I am suppose to leave next month but I want to extend my stay further. Is it possible? I am not in a posotion to leave the country and come back right now and the most affordable option for me right now is to get an extension.
Is there a ferry ride or something that I can use for exiting and then applying for re-entry to sri lanka?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Xalman, unfortunately I do not know of any other option than to leave the country and come back. There are no ferries to India / Maldives, only other option would be a cruise ship. Hope you are able to figure it out!
by Lauren Bradshaw
Hi,
I got an extension but I’m flying over to India for 6 weeks during that time and coming back to columbo to get my flight back home. So I’ll be back for a day before my flight.
Can I re enter on an extension ?
Because I don’t want to pay another $40 just for a day.
Thanks in advance.
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Lauren, you can get a free transit visa! Its valid for 2 days Check http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp
Good luck!
by Ravi Shankar
I would like to add in your article that while going to immigration that timing to get your token for your turn to apply visa is by 2.30 PM so i request to visit immigration office for visa by 2.30 PM
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Ravi, not sure what you mean? Are you trying to say that it is better not to get there after 2.30pm? Which could be plausible because there will not be enough time to process the visa since the office closes at 4.30pm.
by Simon
Can you also get a 90-day tourist visum at the airport entry or only the 30-day option? I want to stay 40 days and that looks easier for me then to first get a digital ETA and later have to extend it.
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Simon, not possible on arrival unfortunately. The Sri Lankan embassy in your country would though!
by Simon
Thank you! I will arrange it in the Netherlands then.
by Wietse Sennema
Yeah can get it done in the embassy in Den Haag, you will need to go there to to give your passport. Maybe you can post it. More expensive than doing the extension in Sri Lanka itself though.
by Simon
It will cost me 78 euros per person and it can be done by post (http://www.netherlands.embassy.gov.lk/content962e.html?subotherpage=43#98900448). I think I find that more convenient then to arrange the extension in Sri Lanka.
by Wietse Sennema
Amazing!
by Lisa
I have just booked a one way ticket to Sri Lanka as I don’t know my return date yet. I’m now worried that I might be refused entry, any tips?
by Wietse Sennema
You can get a fake onward flight, a quick google search will help you out 😉
by Sakshi
Hey! I have got my ETA and it’s valid till August 7th ..but my flight back to my nation is booked for 8th ..,will there be a problem in airport ? Should I pay fine?please help me out with this confusion.Thanks
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Sakshi, there is no real information to be found on this. But in general 1 day will not be a very big problem. Some people had to pay the extension + fine at the airport, others were free to go without. Depends on the immigration officer I guess 🙂 If you can clear immigration on the 7th, you would be safe.
by Yolanda Fabra
Hi!And do you know how long do you have to be out of the country for coming back again?
Thanks
by Wietse Sennema
You can take the next flight back 😉
by Johnny
Hi ,how many months can I stay
after have been in Sri Lanka for 6 months and live the country and return in the next flight??
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Johnny, you can stay for another 6 months after leaving the country and returning with the next flight. I have never heard of any problems regarding this. Good luck!
by darren
doni have to leave afyer 6 months on a tourist visa or can i renew again ?
by Wietse Sennema
After 6 months tourist visa you will have to leave the country, but can return with the first flight back and get a new month!
by Dan
hi guys, thanks for the article, do you think an extension is necessary for an overstay of one day? I made an error when I booked my flight, I fly out on the 18th and visa runs out on 17th, thanks
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Dan, you should be ok! According to below article the fine is $500 for more than one day and $25 for overstaying at the moment. However from experience I know one day is never a problem and even though the government has issued a statement with new rules, it’s always the question if and when they get applied.
“Meanwhile, the penalty for overstaying visas have been increased. Those overstaying visas more than one day will be charged US$ 500. At preset those who overstay their visas for more than a month are imposed a fine of US$ 25, while those who overstay for more than two months are required to pay US$ 50.”
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180311/news/sweeping-visa-policy-changes-to-attract-professionals-and-investors-285689.html