If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in the near future for sightseeing or any other tourist reason, you are aware that you will need to obtain a visa or legal authorisation to enter the country. Fortunately, it is now possible to use a 100% electronic and online procedure to obtain this travel document. The main advantage of e-visa or eTA for Sri Lanka on the internet is that it will allow you to benefit from an accelerated procedure and receive your visa in record time. But how long does it take to receive the eTA visa for Sri Lanka? This is what we propose you to discover in this page with the details of the legal processing time to receive the eTA visa by email.
What is the eTA electronic visa application procedure for Sri Lanka?
Whereas in the past it was necessary to go to the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your country of residence to obtain a visa with a long and tedious procedure that could take several weeks, it is now possible to apply for your e-visa directly online and in a few minutes.
The eTA visa for Electronic Travel Authorization is a visa that allows you to travel to Sri Lanka and is required to enter the country. Of course, it is a personal document.
The online visa application process for Sri Lanka has been greatly simplified by this eTA which does not require you to attach a copy of your passport or a passport photo. A simple online form to be completed in a few minutes will allow you to make your application in a completely legal and official way.
Thus the eTA for Sri Lanka is an electronic residence permit that is compliant and regulated by the Sri Lanka Immigration Department. Once you have completed the application form, you will only need to pay the processing fee for your application also electronically, i.e. by credit card or Paypal.
In some cases, your travel agent can take care of this formality, but it is recommended that you do this on your own to ensure that you get your visa for Sri Lanka in time. As we will see below, this visa will be sent to you directly by email and will allow you to stay for 30 consecutive days in the country. Remember also that the Sri Lanka eTA visa is a double entry visa. This means that you have the possibility to visit Sri Lanka twice during this period.
It should also be remembered that it is compulsory to obtain an eTA if you wish to consider travelling to another country with a stopover or transit in Sri Lanka. The advantage of this eTA is that it will be free of charge this time. The transit eTA for Sri Lanka is a single entry visa valid for 2 days.
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How long does it take to get an eTA visa for Sri Lanka?
Let's move on to the topic at hand with the time it takes to obtain an eTA visa to Sri Lanka.
As we have just seen, the online procedure for applying for an eTA is relatively quick and will only take a few minutes. To apply for an eTA, you simply need your valid passport, which is valid for at least 6 months after your entry into the country, and your personal details.
Once the form has been filled in and payment made on the partner site where you are going to make your request, you will receive an initial email confirming the registration of your request.
You will receive your visa only in a second email. The timeframe announced by the service providers approved by the Sri Lankan government for the issuance of an eTA visa for Sri Lanka is only a few working days. It should be noted, however, that this may vary from a few hours to a few days depending on when you apply and whether you need to make any corrections to the form.
At the most, if your file requires further verification or the sending of supporting documents, you can expect a maximum delay of about 10 days. Once you have received your eTA for Sri Lanka by email, simply print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone or tablet to present with your passport and flight ticket at the immigration office when you arrive in Sri Lanka. You will also be given an identification form on the plane which you will need to complete and sign to present with your visa.
What are the requirements for an eTA visa online?
If you wish to use the eTA e-visa to travel to Sri Lanka, you must first ensure that you meet the requirements for this simplified procedure:
- First of all, you must be a citizen of one of the eTA countries for Sri Lanka. The UK and all other EU countries are of course included.
- You must also be in possession of a valid passport in your name, valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Sri Lanka.
- You must also have a return air ticket in your possession at the time of submitting your eTA.
- Finally, the purpose of your trip to Sri Lanka must be for tourism, business or medical purposes only. It will not be possible to travel to Sri Lanka with an eTA for work, study or permanent residence.
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Mistakes that can delay obtaining a visa for Sri Lanka
It is important to provide accurate information when applying for your Sri Lanka visa. Simply providing incorrect or inaccurate information can cause a considerable delay in the processing of your Sri Lanka visa application. It is therefore important to :
- Ensure accuracy of information.
- Review details before submission.
Failure to comply with Sri Lanka's specific photographic standards is a common mistake that leads to a delay in the process.
- Strictly follow photo guidelines.
- Do not underestimate this seemingly minor requirement.
Failure to pay the Sri Lanka visa fee correctly can result in an undesirable delay. It is therefore crucial to ensure that payment has been made correctly.
Avoiding the usual mistakes in the process is clearly an essential step in obtaining a visa for Sri Lanka quickly.
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Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.