Sri Lanka Visa: How long does it take?
Sri Lanka visa: How long before you leave? Find out the answer to this question to plan your trip with our advice on visa processing time.
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Obtaining a visa for Sri Lanka is an essential step for any traveller wishing to discover this magnificent country. The question of how long it takes to obtain a visa is crucial, as it has a direct impact on your travel plans. Knowing how long the visa application process will take will help you to get organised and avoid unpleasant last-minute surprises. Correctly planning your visa application is particularly important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and that you meet the processing deadlines. Whether you are applying for a tourist, business or transit visa, each type of visa has its own specificities and deadlines. On this page, we'll guide you through the various stages of the Sri Lanka visa application process, focusing on processing times and best practice to ensure a successful application.
Sri Lanka visa: How long before you leave?
- Standard processing time: Processing time for an eVisa is generally 24 to 72 hours.
- Anticipation: Apply at least two to three weeks before departure.
- Periods of high demand:Processing times may be longer during tourist seasons.
- Accuracy of information: Check that all information and documents are correct to avoid delays.
- Checking and follow-up: Check the status of your application online and contact customer service if there are any delays.
The tourist visa is intended for travellers wishing to visit Sri Lanka for leisure, tourism or to visit friends and family.
The business visa is intended for people travelling to Sri Lanka for professional reasons, such as meetings, conferences or business negotiations.
The transit visa is designed for travellers passing through Sri Lanka on their way to another destination and who need to stay in the country briefly.
| Type of visa | Usual processing time | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa | 24 to 72 hours | 30 days, single entry |
| Business visa | 24 to 72 hours | 30 days, single entry |
| Transit visa | 24 to 72 hours | 2 days |
Sri Lanka visa processing time may vary depending on the time of year.
The accuracy of the information you provide is essential for your visa application to be processed quickly.
Technical problems can also affect visa processing times.
By understanding the factors that influence processing times and taking steps to avoid mistakes and anticipate periods of high demand, you can improve your chances of getting your Sri Lanka visa on time. Plan ahead and pay attention to detail to ensure a stress-free travel experience.
Yes, the time taken to obtain a visa for Sri Lanka may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant. Although Sri Lanka offers an electronic visa system (eTA) for many nationalities, processing times may fluctuate depending on a number of factors relating to nationality and the type of visa applied for.
For citizens of eVisa countries, such as most European countries, the United States, Canada and Australia, processing times are generally fast. In most cases, online visa applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. However, it is advisable to submit the application at least 4 to 7 days before the date of departure, as additional checks may extend the deadline slightly. The e-visa is issued after automatic or manual approval, depending on the case.
For citizens of countries that are not eligible for eVisa, the time taken to obtain a visa may be longer. Some must submit a traditional visa application to the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, which may take several working days or even several weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and the documents requested. In some cases, interviews or additional supporting documents may be required.
Planning the right time to submit your visa application is crucial to avoid any stress or delays.
Having all the necessary documents ready in advance can speed up the visa application process.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
It is recommended that you submit your visa application at least two to three weeks before your intended departure date for a tourist visa, and approximately one month in advance for a business visa. For a transit visa, one week in advance is generally sufficient. This safety margin allows you to cover the usual processing times and to anticipate any possible problems, such as your e-visa being refused and you having to make a new application.
The documents required vary according to the type of visa. For a tourist visa, you will need a valid passport, a recent passport photograph, details of your return flight and the address of your residence in Sri Lanka. For a business visa, in addition to the documents mentioned for the tourist visa, you will need to provide a letter of invitation from the Sri Lankan company or details of the conference, as well as proof of your employment or business relationship. For a transit visa, you will need your valid passport, a passport photo, flight tickets proving transit through Sri Lanka and, if applicable, a visa for the final destination.
If your visa application is taking longer than expected, first check the status of your application online using the reference number provided. If the delay persists, contact customer service on the official website or the embassy for updates. In an emergency, some embassies offer fast-track services for an additional fee. Also remember to check your spam if you apply online.