The snow-white beaches of Sri Lanka, the lush green landscapes, the unique wildlife, the delicious cuisine, the great surfing spots, and many more reasons are enough to visit this gem in the Indian Ocean. During your travel preparations for Sri Lanka, you will quickly realize that you need a visa to explore this fascinating (island) country. This doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s practical to know what to do. We’ll explain how to apply for a visa for Sri Lanka, what to expect, and what to pay attention to!
Why Sri Lanka?
A pinch of India mixed with a laid-back island atmosphere – this description pretty much sums up what you can expect from Sri Lanka. The island is truly “one of a kind”. The green, untouched inland areas, the fantastic beaches, the delicious food, the wildlife, and the fascinating religion and culture make it possible for you to spend a few weeks on this island without getting bored. So, it’s time to apply for a visa for Sri Lanka!
Applying for an e-Visa
Perhaps the most unpleasant thing about traveling is having to consider all sorts of rules and conditions, such as the visa. For many countries outside of Europe, we Germans need a visa, and Sri Lanka is one of them. The good thing is that nowadays we can handle a lot online, and a site like VisumBuitenland.nl makes it very easy for us with e-Visas, which you can apply for from your sofa. After applying for your visa, you pay the associated costs, and in no time, you’ll receive your e-Visa in your inbox. Super chill! Here are all the details about your visa for Sri Lanka.
The application process for your visa for Sri Lanka
When you make a beautiful journey through Sri Lanka, you need a tourist visa. This is also called an ETA Sri Lanka. If you go to Sri Lanka for 30 days or less, then an e-Visa is the right way to go. The nice thing about this is that you can apply for your visa for Sri Lanka online, so you have little stress and work with it. Your visa application will also be checked by VisumBuitenland before it is submitted to the official authorities. So you can be sure that nothing will go wrong with your application process.
If you stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, you can extend your 30-day e-Visa on arrival for up to 90 days. You do this at the Immigration Service Centre. Note that you may have to hand in your passport for up to 5 days, so you should apply for the extension when you are at a place where you want to stay longer. You can also decide to travel back and forth to Colombo.
When should you apply for the e-Visa for Sri Lanka?
Issuing your ETA for Sri Lanka usually takes about 72 hours. So make sure you apply for it in time. We recommend doing this at least a week before departure, but it may still be possible 3 days before departure. If you are a last-minute traveler, you can also apply for an express visa for a fee of €5. On average, you will receive an approved e-Visa within an hour of applying. Super fast and perfect if you forgot that you need a visa to enter Sri Lanka.
Cost of e-visa Sri Lanka
A tourist visa for Sri Lanka costs €49.95 per person. This price includes application fees, service fees, consular fees, and additionally, you have access to a team of support center staff who are available 24/7 to assist you with your visa application if needed. Read more about the costs of the Sri Lanka visa.
Good to know when traveling to Sri Lanka
With your e-Visa (ETA) in hand, you are ready for departure. Actually, you don’t need to physically present your visa because at passport control, the staff can see after scanning your passport that you have a valid ETA. To avoid stress, however, we recommend bringing a printed version of your tourist visa just in case. You never know… Furthermore, it is important that when departing for Sri Lanka, you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Additionally, you must have an exit ticket to board the plane to Sri Lanka. This can be a return ticket or a onward ticket to another destination.
The Flight To Sri Lanka
Your holiday plans are set, you’re headed to Sri Lanka! Since Sri Lanka is 8,000 kilometers away from the Netherlands and Belgium, you’ll be traveling to the country by plane. A long flight can be daunting and stressful, but proper preparation is key. We’re here to assist you with that in this blog!
When embarking on a tour of Sri Lanka, you’ll fly from Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, or Brussels. Direct flights to Sri Lanka are not available. Along the way, you’ll make a stopover in destinations like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The flight route typically lasts between eleven and sixteen hours, depending on various factors such as the duration of the layover. Sri Lanka has one international airport, situated on the west coast near the capital city of Colombo, serving as your starting and ending point for a wonderful journey across the island.
To reach Sri Lanka, you’ll undertake a long flight that might raise questions. Questions like; what time should I arrive at the airport, should I check-in online in advance, and how do I ensure a good seat? We’ll gladly provide answers to these and many more questions.
The flight tickets are booked, so what’s next? It’s important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months upon your return to the Netherlands or Belgium. Additionally, you need to have two blank pages for the stamps you’ll receive for the visa. You can choose your seat immediately after booking the tickets. You can do this on the airline’s website or via the link in your confirmation email from Srilankarondreis.com. The earlier you do this, the more options you’ll have. Perhaps you prefer a window seat for the view upon arrival at your destination? Or maybe an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom during the flight? If you’re tall, we recommend selecting a seat with extra legroom for a more comfortable journey during the long flight. Some airlines charge a fee for seat selection, and the price varies among airlines.
Next, it’s time to apply for your visa to Sri Lanka. For more information on obtaining the visa, our blog about the Sri Lanka visa covers everything you need to know! It’s almost time, you’re about to embark on your journey! Your visa is approved, and your suitcase is packed. Now it’s time to check-in online. For most flights, you can check-in online 48 to 24 hours prior to departure. You can do this through the website of the airline with which you booked. If not possible, you can check-in at the airport.
Now that you’re checked in online, your suitcase is ready, and the visa is approved, the vacation can truly begin. When taking a long flight, most airports recommend being present three hours before departure. This is because you need to drop off your checked baggage at the counter and go through security. If the airport is busy, this process may take a while, so be sure to arrive on time! When dropping off your checked baggage, it’s wise to ask the counter staff about the handling of your luggage during the layover. Often, it will automatically transfer from one plane to another, reaching your final destination. Nevertheless, it gives many peace of mind to double-check this.
At airport security, they’ll inspect your carry-on luggage. Make sure to remove all electronic devices from your bag at the scan, thus facilitating the staff’s job. Also, it’s handy to take off your belt beforehand, but be cautious not to let your pants slip, avoiding an awkward situation. What should not be missing from your carry-on? A book or magazine for reading on the plane and a pair of headphones for enjoying your favorite music. When flying to Sri Lanka, it’s useful to bring a pencil or pen in your carry-on to fill out the visa form you’ll receive. You can also pack a toothbrush and toothpaste for a quick refresh by brushing your teeth on the plane or during the layover.
Another common question is whether food is served on board. And the answer is: Yes! On long flights, you will always be served breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on the time of your flight. You often have the choice between meat/fish or vegetarian options. Do you have allergies, dietary requirements, etc.? Be sure to inform the airline before the flight so they can accommodate your needs. Most airlines also include drinks and snacks during the flight. However, it’s handy to bring a credit card so you can purchase duty-free products or snacks.
We hope that this information and these tips will help you and your fellow travelers have a stress-free flight to beautiful Sri Lanka! And if you still have questions, we’re happy to answer them for you! If you come across a question while already on the plane, you can always ask fellow passengers or the staff for assistance. The very last tips we want to give you; when making a nighttime stopover, assume that the shops at the airport will be closed, and when reclining your seat on the plane, don’t forget to look back to make sure your neighbor doesn’t have a hot cup of coffee on the tray.
Are you ready for take-off? Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight!
