The Immigration and Emigration Department has announced the implementation of new visa procedures and the launch of an online visa issuing system from today (17).
Immigration and Emig-ration Controller General Harsha Illukpitiya said under the new system, the fees for visa issuance, necessary amenities and the duration of stays in Sri Lanka are detailed in a Gazette notification (2360/24) dated 27 November 2023 (Gazette may be viewed via www.documents.gov.lk).
Arrangements have been made together with GBS Technology Service and IVS Global Institute to implement the E-Visa system – the online methodology to be introduced in lieu of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) methodology implemented at present and its web link via: www.srilankaevisa.lk
The durations and charges for tourist, business, and transit visas are as follows:
- Standard Tourist Visa: Valid for 180 days with each stay restricted to 60 days. Fees are $35 for SAARC countries, $75 for non-SAARC countries, and exempted for Singapore, Maldives, Czech Republic, and Seychelles.
- One Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: Valid for one year with each stay restricted to 90 days. Fees are $200.
- Standards and Entertainment Purposes Visa: Valid for five years with each stay restricted to 180 days. Fees are $100.
- Standard Tourist Business Visa: Valid for 180 days with each stay restricted to 60 days. Fees are $35 for SAARC countries and $75 for non-SAARC countries.
- Business Visa, Multiple Entry, One Year: Valid for one year with each stay restricted to 90 days. Fees are $200.
- Business Visa, Multiple Entry, Two Years: Valid for two years with each stay restricted to 180 days. Fees are $300.
- Business Visa, Multiple Entry, Three Years: Valid for three years with each stay restricted to 180 days. Fees are $300.
- Business Visa, Multiple Entry, Five Years: Valid for five years with each stay restricted to 180 days. Fees are $500.
- Business Visa, Multiple Entry, 10 Years: Valid for 10 years with each stay restricted to 180 days. Fees are $1,000.
- These new visa procedures aim to streamline the process and facilitate easier access for travellers visiting Sri Lanka for various purposes.
