LATEST UPDATE: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
Hey @We.TheTravellers, there still doesn't seem to be a way to apply for an electronic VOA before arrival? We’re coming from the U.S. in October, what are our options if the online application process isn’t available by then? Will we still be able to get a 30-Day Tourist VOA once we land in Colombo? (We don’t wanna get refused entry into the country and be stuck at the airport for a week, waiting for our return flight back to the U.S.) What will we need (exactly) in order to get the visa at the airport/enter the country- other than our U.S. passports? And finally, what is the cost for this type of tourist visa for U.S. citizens? I gotta say…it is VERY frustrating that I couldn’t find any solid answers to any of these questions online or on any of the government websites! Everything I read only addresses how things were ‘before’ the change last month.😣
I understand it can be very frustrating, but I don't think you need to worry about getting stuck at airport. Last time I checked there was a news that Sri Lanka has added more countries to the list of visa-free access including U.S. from 1st October. I had visited Sri Lanka visa-free, but I still had to get visa on arrival which just take few minutes to enter details in the system without any cost. And also fill an arrival form required during immigration. Even, in worst case if this is not enforced I think U.S citizens can obtain visa on arrival, which should charge around $50. Carry some photographs and, stay and flight documents. I am pretty sure this too will not be required. I have added some news reference below you can check them out. www.cabinetoffice.gov.lk/cab/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=49&lang=si&dID=12764 visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-free-visas-for-tourists-from-35-countries/ www.thehindu.com/news/international/sri-lanka-announces-visa-free-access-to-indians-nationals-from-34-other-countries-from-oct-31/article68553261.ece
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
@@j.t.grainger2916 Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
I heard that the immigration office at the airport was already overloaded before. You can probably expect long waits when applying for a visa on arrival
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
For Spanish citizens can I get a visa on arrival? I have tried to get the visa in every way and I can't My flight to Colombo departs from Bali on October 13
I found a news blog stating that Sri Lanka has started free visa for 35 more countries including Spain. Check it out here visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-free-visas-for-tourists-from-35-countries/ I am hoping Spain has visa on arrival option as well. I would suggest for you too to reconfirm it from other news channels
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
Sri Lanka is making a lot of problems for business owners now. They simply don’t give them resident visas or don’t prolong them. The agencies that used to make them said that they no longer manage these kind of things. So where is Sri Lanka going now? In terms of foreign business owners?
@@We.TheTravellers that’s another failure of your government. People who invest money and their lives in Sri Lanka should have zero problems with visas. Instead of getting ready for the season, they have to go through hell of Sri Lankan management, spend thousands of dollars to get out of the country then come back if they will be able to come back by December. But does your government care? I don’t think so. They don’t care what will happen to foreigners or to their own people. The crisis that began almost three years ago is still on going and it doesn’t seem to end.
@@Expat_diaries I am sorry to hear that. I am not a Sri Lankan so I might not be good person to comment on the internal matters of Sri Lanka but I hope Sri Lankan government is able to resolve the issues. I know in the end its people like us who suffer.
Thank you for the beautiful video, it helped me a lot. I have some questions. First, I applied on the site ETA Not the video site, is this true? The second question: I received an email with approval, but I did not receive the file.pdf
1. Yes, you need to apply to eTA website eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ 2. Try checking status from eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jsp You should be able to download file.
Hi Im traveling to Sri Lanka in Novemeber would it be better to get the visa prior or is it better/cheaper to apply for it at the airport? Im a UK passport holder.
It is better to get visa on prior as visa on arrival at Sri Lankan airport can get little crowded. Having said that currently Sri Lankan eVisa is suspended, they are moving back to the older ETA soon. ETA should be back in few weeks of time and as you are going in November, you have got plenty of time. I would say apply for eVisa/ETA 1 month prior to your departure. You can check Sri Lankan ETA video on my channel.
Bro, I have two questions: How long does it take to process the application? Also, is it enough to book one day in Colombo? I want to book the rest of the days when I go to the cities.
1. Applying couple of weeks prior to your travel date should be fine. You can apply little early as well maybe 3-4 weeks prior. 2. You can give just the details of your stay in Colombo for all days, you are not required to submit any proof so you should be good.
@@z93. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, you will have a great time. You can check out couple of other videos on Sri Lanka Itinerary, Budget, Trains, etc. on my channel 😊
Hi, my flight to Colombo is in 2 days. I'm a turkish citizen. And the web site is still suspended I cannot find any other alternative web site. Is it possible to obtain this visa by the time of arrival during passport checks. Cause I've heard that it is also possible - could you please confirm?
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Sri Lanka Visa Controversy continues: www.srilankaevisa.lk/ We have been notified of certain interim orders issued by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today pertaining to the agreement under which this platform is operated. In view of these orders, the website is suspended effective 2 August at 17:00 hours Sri Lanka Standard Time. Please visit www.immigration.gov.lk/index_e.php for any further information. For applicants, whose visa applications is under process In case you have applied on 2 August after 17:00 hours Sri Lanka Standard Time you will receive a refund. Please share your application reference number to travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk
@@FIDAJUTT-n4n After supreme court banned the new platform, the immigration has said that it will take another couple of weeks to finalise the new eVisa process. Most probably it will go back to the previous ETA option (I have uploaded a video for ETA as well, but it will take few more days to confirm) If you have time to travel you can wait for a week or two, by than it will be clear. Also, you can check if visa on arrival option is available for Pakistan Passport.
@@FIDAJUTT-n4n The old ETA will get restored soon. You might have to wait for a week or two for this. Here is the video for submitting the old ETA application - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more queries. Subscribe my channel if you like my work. You can also check out more videos on Sri Lanka which will be helpful for you travel.
Please add your social Media link in your video description. If you want I can give you some information about your channel, Like why are your video views and subscribers less.. Can I contact you for more information?
Hi. I appreciate your help. Currently, I am focusing on creating unfiltered content and growing organically. Not focusing much on SEO or TH-cam algorithms. :)
LATEST UPDATE: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
Please, when applying for a Sri Lankan visa, do I apply through the website ETA Or from the video site
Hey @We.TheTravellers, there still doesn't seem to be a way to apply for an electronic VOA before arrival? We’re coming from the U.S. in October, what are our options if the online application process isn’t available by then? Will we still be able to get a 30-Day Tourist VOA once we land in Colombo? (We don’t wanna get refused entry into the country and be stuck at the airport for a week, waiting for our return flight back to the U.S.) What will we need (exactly) in order to get the visa at the airport/enter the country- other than our U.S. passports? And finally, what is the cost for this type of tourist visa for U.S. citizens? I gotta say…it is VERY frustrating that I couldn’t find any solid answers to any of these questions online or on any of the government websites! Everything I read only addresses how things were ‘before’ the change last month.😣
I understand it can be very frustrating, but I don't think you need to worry about getting stuck at airport. Last time I checked there was a news that Sri Lanka has added more countries to the list of visa-free access including U.S. from 1st October. I had visited Sri Lanka visa-free, but I still had to get visa on arrival which just take few minutes to enter details in the system without any cost. And also fill an arrival form required during immigration.
Even, in worst case if this is not enforced I think U.S citizens can obtain visa on arrival, which should charge around $50. Carry some photographs and, stay and flight documents. I am pretty sure this too will not be required. I have added some news reference below you can check them out.
www.cabinetoffice.gov.lk/cab/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=49&lang=si&dID=12764
visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-free-visas-for-tourists-from-35-countries/
www.thehindu.com/news/international/sri-lanka-announces-visa-free-access-to-indians-nationals-from-34-other-countries-from-oct-31/article68553261.ece
Thanks so much for getting back with me! This is very helpful info! I am a lot less worried now.😃
No problem :)
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
@@j.t.grainger2916 Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
I heard that the immigration office at the airport was already overloaded before. You can probably expect long waits when applying for a visa on arrival
@@rosamoelkner2370 that’s true. I visited in December 2023 and the you had option for ETA, still there was a huge crowd at immigration.
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
For Spanish citizens can I get a visa on arrival?
I have tried to get the visa in every way and I can't
My flight to Colombo departs from Bali on October 13
I found a news blog stating that Sri Lanka has started free visa for 35 more countries including Spain. Check it out here visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-free-visas-for-tourists-from-35-countries/
I am hoping Spain has visa on arrival option as well. I would suggest for you too to reconfirm it from other news channels
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
Have a question, I will be landing at Colombo International Airport which port of entry do I have to enter?
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
Sri Lanka is making a lot of problems for business owners now. They simply don’t give them resident visas or don’t prolong them. The agencies that used to make them said that they no longer manage these kind of things. So where is Sri Lanka going now? In terms of foreign business owners?
The did face issues with tourist eTA and eVisa system, which is now resolved. Hope they will soon get business visas sorted as well. :)
@@We.TheTravellers that’s another failure of your government. People who invest money and their lives in Sri Lanka should have zero problems with visas. Instead of getting ready for the season, they have to go through hell of Sri Lankan management, spend thousands of dollars to get out of the country then come back if they will be able to come back by December. But does your government care? I don’t think so. They don’t care what will happen to foreigners or to their own people. The crisis that began almost three years ago is still on going and it doesn’t seem to end.
@@Expat_diaries I am sorry to hear that. I am not a Sri Lankan so I might not be good person to comment on the internal matters of Sri Lanka but I hope Sri Lankan government is able to resolve the issues. I know in the end its people like us who suffer.
Thank you for the beautiful video, it helped me a lot. I have some questions. First, I applied on the site ETA Not the video site, is this true? The second question: I received an email with approval, but I did not receive the file.pdf
1. Yes, you need to apply to eTA website eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
2. Try checking status from eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jsp
You should be able to download file.
Hey did you get your ETA?
Thank you
😊
Hi Im traveling to Sri Lanka in Novemeber would it be better to get the visa prior or is it better/cheaper to apply for it at the airport? Im a UK passport holder.
It is better to get visa on prior as visa on arrival at Sri Lankan airport can get little crowded. Having said that currently Sri Lankan eVisa is suspended, they are moving back to the older ETA soon.
ETA should be back in few weeks of time and as you are going in November, you have got plenty of time.
I would say apply for eVisa/ETA 1 month prior to your departure. You can check Sri Lankan ETA video on my channel.
@@We.TheTravellers Do you know the cost of the visa on arrival at the airport?
@@satsingh9933 For UK passport I think around $40. It will be same as eVisa.
Bro, I have two questions: How long does it take to process the application? Also, is it enough to book one day in Colombo? I want to book the rest of the days when I go to the cities.
1. Applying couple of weeks prior to your travel date should be fine. You can apply little early as well maybe 3-4 weeks prior.
2. You can give just the details of your stay in Colombo for all days, you are not required to submit any proof so you should be good.
@@We.TheTravellers Thank you, I got a flight at a fantastic price of $220, but the date is the 9th.
@@z93. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, you will have a great time. You can check out couple of other videos on Sri Lanka Itinerary, Budget, Trains, etc. on my channel 😊
@@We.TheTravellers my pleasure☺️
Hi, my flight to Colombo is in 2 days. I'm a turkish citizen. And the web site is still suspended I cannot find any other alternative web site. Is it possible to obtain this visa by the time of arrival during passport checks. Cause I've heard that it is also possible - could you please confirm?
Yes, Turkish citizens should be able to get visa on arrival.
embassies.net/sri-lanka-visa-for-turkey-citizens
Latest Update: Sri Lanka eTA system is back up again. You can check out my video here - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Also, please subscribe if you find my videos helpful 😊
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Sri Lanka Visa Controversy continues: www.srilankaevisa.lk/
We have been notified of certain interim orders issued by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today pertaining to the agreement under which this platform is operated.
In view of these orders, the website is suspended effective 2 August at 17:00 hours Sri Lanka Standard Time.
Please visit www.immigration.gov.lk/index_e.php for any further information.
For applicants, whose visa applications is under process
In case you have applied on 2 August after 17:00 hours Sri Lanka Standard Time you will receive a refund. Please share your application reference number to travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk
How We Apply Visit Visa Now Because Website Suspended..
Am From Pakistan
Please Must Reply How We Apply Now?
From Pakistan
@@FIDAJUTT-n4n After supreme court banned the new platform, the immigration has said that it will take another couple of weeks to finalise the new eVisa process. Most probably it will go back to the previous ETA option (I have uploaded a video for ETA as well, but it will take few more days to confirm)
If you have time to travel you can wait for a week or two, by than it will be clear. Also, you can check if visa on arrival option is available for Pakistan Passport.
@@FIDAJUTT-n4n The old ETA will get restored soon. You might have to wait for a week or two for this. Here is the video for submitting the old ETA application - th-cam.com/video/oNZM6R9aUoU/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more queries. Subscribe my channel if you like my work. You can also check out more videos on Sri Lanka which will be helpful for you travel.
Please add your social Media link in your video description. If you want I can give you some information about your channel, Like why are your video views and subscribers less..
Can I contact you for more information?
Hi. I appreciate your help. Currently, I am focusing on creating unfiltered content and growing organically. Not focusing much on SEO or TH-cam algorithms. :)
@@We.TheTravellers Do you want to grow your channel through organic SEO?