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How To Get A Sri Lanka Visa

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Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse countries out there when it comes to landscapes and cultures. As a tourist, you will always have something to explore. The best part is that it is not difficult to apply for a Sri Lanka visa as you can obtain it in no time. 

If you are looking to visit this diverse and beautiful country, here is everything you need to know about getting a Sri Lanka visa. 

Visa Requirements For Sri Lanka 

Every visa has a specific requirement you need to follow to fill the forms and complete the applications successfully. When applying for a Sri Lanka visa, here are the top things you need to have:

  • Valid passport for at least six months from date of arrival
  • Financial means evidence
  • Flight ticket evidence that proves you will leave Sri Lanka before your visa ends
  • Documents supporting the purpose of the trip such as proof of accommodation and travel itinerary

Once you have these documents, your visa process will be a breeze. So, before filling out your visa form and application, make sure you have all these documents in check. 

Types Of Sri Lankan Visas 

Here are the types of visas that Sri Lanka offers to individuals:

  1. Visit Visa 

The visit visa is allowed for a short-term stay in the country. It is issued for short family visits, short-term business, and tourism. You will not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka without this visa. 

The visa is valid for three months. It can be issued in the form of single, double, or multiple-entry. If you require double or multiple entries, you can let the embassy know your requirements and reason. 

  1. Transit Visa

A Sri Lanka Transit visa is issued to people who are using Sri Lanka as a stop to travel further. The transit visa is issued for a maximum of two days. So, if you have a layover in Sri Lanka, you can apply for this visa. 

  1. Visa On Arrival 

Finally, Sri Lanka also offers visas on arrival to citizens of Maldives, Singapore, and Seychelles. Maldives citizens can get a visa on arrival for thirty days. You can also get this extended to 150 days if you like. 

Seychelles citizens get a visa on arrival for sixty days in Sri Lanka. However, their stay can’t exceed a maximum of ninety days in one year. Finally, Singapore citizens can get a visa on arrival for thirty days. 

These citizens can also extend their visas to 150 days. So, if you belong to any of these three regions, you don’t need to apply for a visa. Just make sure you have all your documents with you to enter Sri Lanka without an issue. 

Sri Lanka Visa Application Process 

The Sri Lanka visa application process is straightforward. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate and fill the application form for submission. You will have to pay the visa fee and submit all the required documents along with the form. 

Once the submission is complete, the embassy or consulate will forward your application to the authorities in Sri Lanka. Once your application has been processed, you will be notified by the embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that this takes three days, and you will have to go to the embassy or consulate to pick your passport and visa. 

Top 3 Places To Visit In Sri Lanka 

After following these guidelines, you will receive the visa, and you can enter Sri Lanka. 

Make sure to visit natvisa.com to see current entry policies imposed due to the pandemic.

Once you enter, here are the top three places you should visit:

  1. Kandy 

Kandy was the former capital of the Sri Lanka royal dynasty. It is one of the most beautiful places that has a rich culture and history. The National Museum of Kandy is the perfect place to visit to learn about the region’s story and its people through the help of artefacts and exhibits. 

Besides that, one of the most popular places that people visit here is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic. It is part of the royal palace complex and a holy Buddhist shrine. So, if you want to get your Zen on, there is no better place than this. 

  1. Hikkaduwa Beach 

If you love being near the water, then Hikkaduwa Beach is the perfect choice for you. It is ninety minutes away from Colombo, and you can do all the water sports activities here. These include scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and much more. 

The best part is that the beach is vast, which means you can always find a relaxing spot where there are fewer people. You will also find the best local street food here as many stalls expand throughout the beach strip. If you want to stay the night, there are also small guesthouses and hotel options for accommodation. 

  1. Udawalawe National Park 

The national park is one hour away from Hambantota, and you will find many environments and terrains here. That is because the park is between the dry and wet zones of Sri Lanka. Some amazing animals you will witness here are water buffalos, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, monkeys, deers and many others. 

The best part is that there are many accommodation options inside the park and outside if you want to stay overnight. However, the best thing to do is to come here for a day trip and enjoy the beautiful views and animals in the sunlight. Many people come here early morning to make the most of their time. 

Final Words 

That was your complete guide on how to obtain a Sri Lanka visa. Once you have the visa, you should visit these top three places as your trip will be incomplete without seeing these things. The people are friendly, the food is excellent, and there is incredible diversity in the landscapes and the culture. 

It is a dream come true for many nature lovers and other people out there. So, add it to your bucket list and visit Sri Lanka soon. Once you do, you will not be blown away by everything it has to offer.