Before you embark on a long trip, you should always inform yourself about visa and entry requirements. In many countries, you can get a visa upon arrival (“visa on arrival”); for others, you must obtain one from an embassy in advance. For some countries, you can even apply for visas online. We’ve summarized all the important information about the Sri Lanka visa for you – so you’ll definitely be able to enter the country!

Sri Lanka visa for stays of up to 30 days

Directly at the airport

a) We obtained the visa upon entry at the airport. For this service, we had to pay a fee of 5 US dollars, plus a visa fee of 35 US dollars. It’s actually quite quick and straightforward. We paid on site with a credit card and then received a stamp for a 30-day stay. Update 01/2020: Since 2019, the visa has been free of charge upon entry.

Apply online

b) You can also apply online in advance. This application is processed via the ETA system at www.eta.gov.lk and costs $20. The data is filled out and submitted via a form. After review and successful application, you will receive a confirmation code, which must be presented upon entry at Colombo International Airport. Update 01/2020: The ETA visa has been free of charge since 2019.

Apply at the embassy

c) Visas are also issued in the traditional way at the responsible embassy. You must appear in person at least two weeks before departure. The cost is $20.

Apply for a visa by mail

d) If you don’t feel like running around, you can also apply for the visa by mail for $20. To do this, you must send your passport and all the documents listed below to the embassy. Do not put the money in the envelope; instead, transfer it to the bank account below. You should do all this at least 5 weeks before departure. Please note the information below.

Apply through an agency

e) Are you in a hurry or don’t have a credit card handy? Then you can also apply for the ETA for Sri Lanka through an agency in German. It costs a little more, but you can contact them by phone, email, or chat if you have any questions or problems. You’ll usually receive your visa the same day.

Sri Lanka visa for stays of up to 90 days

Apply directly at the embassy

a) Do you plan to stay longer? Then you should obtain a 90-day residence permit in advance. It’s best to do this through a relevant embassy. You’ll need to appear in person two weeks before departure.

Apply by mail

b) You can also complete the entire procedure by mail. Send all necessary documents, including your passport, to the embassy in Berlin or Frankfurt at least five weeks before departure. In this case, you cannot use the online ETA system.

Applying correctly

First, you need the fully completed application form with your signature. Please enter the applicant’s name, address, and telephone number clearly on the form. You will also need a valid passport with at least one blank page for the application. Your passport should also be valid for at least six months upon your planned arrival from Sri Lanka.

You will also need a copy of your flight ticket or ship reservation. A copy of your travel itinerary is also required. If you do not have any hotel reservations, you must provide the names and addresses of the planned hotels. You will also need proof of payment of the visa fee for the application.

If you wish to apply for the visa by mail, you must send your passport, all documents, a copy of the visa fee payment, and a self-addressed envelope with €3.60 postage to the Embassy of Sri Lanka. You can get the application form here: Application form. The bank details for the embassies in Berlin and Frankfurt can be found here: Embassy bank details.

Please also note:

With a 30-day visa, you may enter Sri Lanka twice. The visa for up to 90 days is available for a single entry for €57 or for a double entry for €82. The validity of an ETA visa begins on the day of entry to Sri Lanka and is valid for 30 days from that day.

For the online ETA system, the fee is USD 15 for nationals of SAARC member states (i.e., Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan) and USD 30 for all other travelers. The ETA visa fee can only be paid in US dollars at the airport (BIA).

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from visa fees for stays of 30 days. For stays exceeding this limit, a visa fee of €20 is charged. Please do not send your visa fees in cash by mail. The Embassy assumes no liability for banknotes sent by mail. Visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Nationals of Singapore and the Maldives do not require a visa to enter Sri Lanka due to bilateral agreements. Crew members of commercial aircraft and ships do not require a visa to enter Sri Lanka.