Different Types of Sri Lanka Tourist Visas Explained

Different Types of Sri Lanka Tourist Visas

Sri lanka is also known as the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’, an island country with the pristine beaches, ancient temples as well as rich culture. From the busy city streets of Colombo to the serene beauty of Kandy, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. If you’re looking for adventure, history, relaxation Sri Lanka is the perfect place for your next getaway.

Let’s know which type of tourist visa that Sri Lanka offers before you go to Sri Lanka. Since it is a hassle free trip, it is important to know exactly which visa option is fit for your travel purpose and there are several Sri Lanka visa options available. In this guide we’ll read on what each visa is for on a Sri Lankan adventure to come.

Types of Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka

Now, when you are thinking of visiting Sri Lanka, there is one of the first things you’ll need to consider; what type of visa you need. There are a number of categories of tourist visa according depending on the length of your stay and purpose of your visit

Tourist Visa:

Standard visa for a stay of up to 30 days.
Common choice for most tourists.
It can be easily applied via the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for online.

Transit Visa:

Good for those on their way through Sri Lanka.
It grants you the right to spend up to 2 days as you select another destination.

Tourist Visa (Extendable):

For a longer stay longer than 30 days, you can extend this visa up to 60 more days.
Ideal for those who want to spend as much time in Sri Lanka as possible.

Group Tourist Visa:

Designed for organized group travel.
It allows the tour groups to apply under one application and hence the visa process becomes easier and faster.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa for Long Stays:

For those who are intending to travel in Sri Lanka for 90 days or more.
Also, if you stay in Sri Lanka, you can also extend the visa.

Which Sri Lanka Tourist Visa is Easiest Obtained?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is the most straight forward Sri Lanka Tourist visa for entry into the country. There are 2 reasons why it’s the most hassle free option:

Available for single or multiple entries.
It is a quick and convenient application process that involves the application online.
Those most travelers can apply in under a few minutes and get approved in 1-2 business days.
However, if you are planning a short stay affair in Sri lanka, the ETA is the best option for tourists.

How Many Visa Types Are There in Sri Lanka?

The visa options in Sri Lanka vary from one to another depending on the purpose of the travel.

There are various visa types for short visits, for stays, for groups, etc.
Tourist visas are the most commonly used visas but there are other types of visas such as transit visas and long stay visas for specific purposes.
The duration of stay and the purpose of the visit determine whether a person is eligible for a visa, and nationality may also impact it.

How is Tier 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 visa in Sri Lanka?

Being Sri Lanka uses a tiered visa system, a tier corresponds to specific criteria to be qualified. Here’s what each tier means:

Tier 1 Visa:

It is reserved for high profile visitors or diplomates.

Usually it is given to people such as representatives of the government or of important international organizations.

Tier 2 Visa:

Only given to those that are engaged in business or have involvement in investment activities in Sri Lanka.

It usually applies to entrepreneurs, investors or business partners.

Tier 3 Visa:

For skilled professionals, consultants, or those on temporary employment assignments in Sri Lanka.

This is an excellent visa for travel related to work and short term professional engagements.

Tier 4 Visa:

For tourists or otherwise, this is typically a special condition.

Sri Lanka visitor visa, often given to those travellers wishing to stay in Sri Lanka for long period of time.

Tier 5 Visa:

This is a category meant for highly skilled workers or individuals who are engaged in cultural, scientific or educational activities.

People who are engaged in certain programs, research or in various fields to contribute towards Sri Lanka’s development in particular fields are eligible.

Note: We Only Offer Tourist Visas, Not Business or Work Visas

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Different Types of Sri Lanka Tourist Visas Explained