Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka from the UK?

You need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa the police could issue a fine or detain you. Follow the guidelines for tourists issued by Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration department.

Can I get a Sri Lankan visa on arrival?

Visas. To enter Sri Lanka, you'll need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should do this before you travel, as there are limited facilities to obtain an ETA on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.

When to apply for Sri Lanka ETA?

You should apply for a Sri Lanka 'Electronic Travel Authorisation' (ETA) online, at least a few days before departure. You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka. If you want to extend your visa, contact the Immigration and Emigration department.

How long does it take to get an e-visa for Sri Lanka?

Fill in the ETA application and/or visa application and hand it over to the visa officer together with the relevant fee. Sri Lanka Overseas Mission, with the concurrence of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E), will issue ETA or short stay visa within 03 business days.

How much do I need to pay for an eVisa?

Getting an eVisa is free and won't change your permission to live in the UK. You'll need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. You should create an account for each person who has permission to stay in the UK - this includes your children and dependants.

What You Need to Know Before You Apply for Sri Lanka eTA

Do British passports need visas for Sri Lanka?

You need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa the police could issue a fine or detain you. Follow the guidelines for tourists issued by Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration department.

How long before travel do I need to apply for ETA?

Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Can I go to Sri Lanka without ETA?

An intended traveller visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay for following purposes, must obtain ETA prior approval for their arrival.

Where to get Sri Lankan currency in the UK online?

Simplify your holiday prep with Morrisons, where you can buy your travel money and currency in one place. Get your Sri Lankan rupees delivered to your doorstep or pick your LKR up in just 60 seconds using our Click & Collect service.

What countries are visa free for Sri Lanka?

Do I need to complete an arrival card for Sri Lanka?

Foreign visitors arriving in Sri Lanka are required to have a completed Disembarkation Card for immigration clearance. There is no requirement for departing visitors to complete Embarkation card.

Can I get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival for a maximum of 30 days

Travelers need a visa to visit Sri Lanka for Business or Tourism. Travelers can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka at the port of entry of Bandaranaike International Airport.

Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka right now from the UK?

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Sri Lanka?

Although travel insurance is not mandatorily required for Sri Lanka, it is strongly recommended that you should avail of such coverage when visiting the country.

Who needs to apply for eVisa in the UK?

From June 2 2025 you now need an eVisa to prove your immigration status. BRP and BRC cards will no longer be accepted. If you have an older document, such as a stamp or sticker in your passport, the Government will still accept these as proof of immigration status but you should consider making an eVisa application.

What is the new visa fee?

A new $250 "visa integrity fee" imposed on travellers to the United States risks piling more pressure on the struggling travel industry, as overseas arrivals continue to fall due to President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration and hostility to many foreign countries.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

Some of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka are Kandy, Colombo, Bentota. Why Sri Lanka is a preferred destination for travelling? Sri Lanka is a preferred travel destination for many due its Heritage, Adventure and Wildlife.

How quickly can you get an e-visa?

Travel with your eVisa

The Home Office will email you when it's ready to view in your UKVI account. This usually takes 2 to 3 days but it can take up to 8 weeks. Before travelling internationally, make sure your personal details (including your passport details) are up to date on your UKVI account.

Do I need jabs for Sri Lanka?

Courses or boosters usually advised: Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

What to know before going to Sri Lanka?

Do I need to print my ETA for Sri Lanka?

Upon arrival, produce your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry to obtain the necessary clearance. It is advisable for you to bring a copy of the ETA approval notice along with you.