Sri Lanka Visa Information

Visa Types

Sri Lanka offers a variety of visa types depending on the purpose of travel, including:

• Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, holidaying, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment (including Ayurvedic and yoga), cultural activities, or sporting events.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Sri Lanka to another destination.
• Business Visa: For professional or commercial purposes.
• Student Visa: For academic purposes.

Note: Travelers Holiday Ltd. provides consultancy support for Tourist, Transit, and Business visas only.

Visa Application Process

Tourist & Business Visa Processing

Sri Lanka visas are processed by:

1. Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka
2. Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka

Visa applications can be submitted:

• Online: Through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system at www.eta.gov.lk.
• In Person: At the Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka.

Contact Information for Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka:

• Address: House No. 10, Road No. 62, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212.
• Tel: +880 2 9896353 (visa-related inquiries only).
• Email: slhc.dhaka@mfa.gov.lk / slhc@citech-bd.com (for visa inquiries).
• Website: www.slhcdhaka.org

Office Hours:

• Sunday–Thursday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Application Submission: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Passport Collection: 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Application Form Collection: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Tourist Visa

Purpose

Tourist visas are intended for:

• Sightseeing and holidays.
• Visiting friends and relatives.
• Medical treatment (including Ayurvedic and yoga).
• Participating in cultural or sporting events.

Application Options

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
   • Apply online at www.eta.gov.lk.
   • Visa validity: Up to 30 days with double entry. Extensions up to 3 months are possible through the Department of Immigration in Sri Lanka.
2. In Person at High Commission:
   • Submit your application with required documents.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Visa application form (duly completed).
• Two passport-size photos.
• Confirmed return air ticket with travel itinerary.
• Bank endorsement of USD 200.

Fees

• ETA Fee:
  • SAARC Passports: USD 20
  • Other Passports: USD 35
• Travelers Holiday Service Charge: Tk. 1,000

Processing Time

• High Commission: Within 3 working days.
• Travelers Holiday File Processing: 2–3 working days.

Transit Visa

• A Transit Visa is issued free of charge for stays up to 48 hours via the ETA system.
• Required Documents: Valid passport, confirmed onward travel itinerary, and ETA reference number.
• Contact:
  • Hotline: +94 71 9967888
  • Email: eta@immigration.gov.lk

Business Visa

Purpose

Issued for short-term business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or attending workshops.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Visa application form (duly completed).
• Two passport-size photos.
• Confirmed return air ticket.
• Invitation letter from the Sri Lankan company/organization.
• Request letter from the applicant’s company in Bangladesh, detailing:
  • Status of the applicant.
  • Nature of the business.
  • Duration of stay.
  • Availability of funds.

Fees

• 0–30 Days (Multiple Entry):
  • SAARC Passports: USD 30
  • Other Passports: USD 40
• Travelers Holiday Service Charge: Tk. 1,000

Processing Time

• High Commission: Within 3 working days.
• Travelers Holiday File Processing: 2–3 working days.

Additional Notes

1. Visa Extensions
   • Visa extensions must be applied for at the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Sri Lanka before the visa expires.
2. Changes in Visa Purpose
   • Visitors cannot change the purpose of their visa (e.g., from Tourist to Business) once in Sri Lanka.
3. Required Translations
   • All Bangla documents must be translated into English and notarized.
4. Processing & Requirements Subject to Change
   • Processing times, fees, and requirements are subject to change without prior notice.
5. No Guarantees
   • Travelers Holiday provides consultancy services only and does not guarantee visa approval.

For further assistance or to start your visa application process, please contact Travelers Holiday Ltd.

Contact Details:

• Phone: +880 258157745 / +88 01707073210–17
• Email: support@travelers.com.bd / visa.travelersholiday@gmail.com
• Address: Mahabub Plaza (4th Floor), Room No-502, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215

Website: travelersholiday.net

Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Overview

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a picturesque island nation located south of India in the Indian Ocean. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is a destination of immense historical, natural, and architectural significance. The island boasts a diversity of ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests and arid plains to misty highlands and golden sandy beaches.

Key Facts about Sri Lanka

• Continent: Asia
• Capital: Colombo (commercial) and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative)
• Official Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, and English
• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
• Local Time: GMT +6
• Exchange Rate: 1 LKR ≈ 0.53 Bangladeshi Taka (subject to market fluctuations)
• Dialing Code: +94
• Weekend Days: Saturday and Sunday
• Population: Approximately 21 million (as of 2015)
• Area: 65,610 km² (25,332 mi²)
• Education Literacy Rate: 92.6%
• Religion: Predominantly Theravada Buddhism, with significant Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities.
• Climate: Sri Lanka experiences two primary monsoon seasons:
  • The southwestern monsoon brings rain to the southwest region from May to September.
  • The northeastern monsoon affects the northeast from October to February.
    The dry season, ideal for travel, varies by region but generally occurs from December to March in the southwest and May to September in the northeast.

Political Leadership

• President/Prime Minister: Ranil Wickremesinghe

Top Destinations in Sri Lanka

1. Kandy: Famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
2. Colombo: The vibrant commercial capital with a mix of modern and colonial architecture.
3. Yala National Park: Renowned for its wildlife, including leopards and elephants.
4. Nuwara Eliya: A serene hill station often referred to as “Little England.”
5. Galle: Home to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Ella: A tranquil village surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations.
7. Bentota: A coastal town famous for water sports and pristine beaches.
8. Jaffna: A cultural hub in the northern region, rich in Tamil heritage.

Major Points of Interest

• Sigiriya: The ancient rock fortress with frescoes and water gardens.
• Temple of the Tooth: A sacred Buddhist temple in Kandy.
• Dambulla Cave Temple: A complex of ancient Buddhist cave shrines.
• Yala and Udawalawe National Parks: Ideal for safaris and wildlife spotting.
• Galle Fort: A historic Dutch fort with colonial charm.
• Adam’s Peak: A sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.
• Horton Plains National Park: A plateau with scenic hiking trails and the iconic World’s End viewpoint.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve: A UNESCO-listed rainforest teeming with biodiversity.
• Minneriya National Park: Known for the annual elephant gathering.
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: A sanctuary for orphaned elephants.

Natural Beauty and Attractions

• Waterfalls:
  • Bambarakanda Falls: The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
  • Diyaluma Falls: A spectacular cascading waterfall.
  • St. Clair’s and Devon Falls: Popular scenic spots.
• Beaches and Islands:
  • Negombo: Known for its lagoon and fishing industry.
  • Pigeon Island National Park: A haven for snorkeling and marine life.
• Highlands:
  • Knuckles Mountain Range: A UNESCO World Heritage site for trekking enthusiasts.
  • Pidurutalagala: The tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.
• Cultural and Historical Sites:
  • Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa: Ancient capitals with ruins over 2,000 years old.
  • Mihintale: Believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Additional Information

• Education and Literacy: With a literacy rate of 92.6%, Sri Lanka boasts one of the highest rates in South Asia, reflecting its strong emphasis on education.
• Cuisine: Sri Lankan food is known for its bold flavors, featuring curries, rice dishes, and an array of tropical fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Visa Applications

1. How many countries should I visit before applying for a visa to Sri Lanka?

While there are no specific requirements or restrictions regarding the number of countries you should have visited before applying for a Sri Lankan visa, it is recommended that you have visited at least 2-3 countries. This can help establish your travel history and demonstrate that you have previous experience in traveling internationally, which may enhance your application’s credibility.

2. What is the required balance in my bank account for a Sri Lankan visa application?

There is no fixed minimum or maximum balance required in your bank account for a Sri Lankan visa. However, it is essential that your bank account demonstrates consistent financial activity, with sufficient funds to support your travel expenses. The embassy will want to ensure that you have the financial capacity to cover your stay in Sri Lanka and that your financial ties to your home country are strong enough to ensure your return.

3. Can I apply for a visa if my education qualification is low?

For tourist visas to Sri Lanka, there are no educational qualification requirements. Anyone, regardless of their educational background, is eligible to apply for a tourist visa. The application process primarily evaluates the applicant’s financial stability, travel history, and the purpose of the visit rather than educational qualifications.

4. My visa application was recently refused. When can I apply again?

There is no restriction or mandatory waiting period for reapplying after a visa refusal. However, it is advisable to apply again after a reasonable amount of time has passed to ensure that any issues from the previous application have been addressed. Reapplying immediately without resolving any previous concerns may result in another refusal.

5. Can you arrange an invitation for me? Will an invitation benefit my application?

An invitation letter is not mandatory for your visa application. While we are unable to arrange an invitation for you, an invitation can be helpful if it comes from a close family member or friend residing in Sri Lanka, as it may help establish your ties to the country. In other cases, a hotel booking and a detailed itinerary will suffice to demonstrate your accommodation arrangements and travel plans during your stay.

6. Will applying with my family increase my chances of visa approval?

The chances of visa approval depend on the overall strength of your application, including your travel history, financial stability, and the purpose of your visit. In some cases, applying with family can positively impact your chances:

• For Schengen or UK visas, applying with family can increase your chances of approval, as it may demonstrate a stronger intention to return to your home country.
• However, for countries like Australia or Canada, applying with family may decrease the likelihood of visa approval due to the more stringent requirements for family-based applications.

Ultimately, the embassy will assess each application individually, considering the entire profile of the applicant.

7. Do you provide any guarantees for visa approval?

We do not offer any guarantees regarding visa approval. The decision to approve or refuse a visa is made by the relevant embassy or consulate and is based on the applicant’s profile, including their financial stability, travel history, and the purpose of the visit. While we cannot influence the final decision, we will ensure that your application is professionally prepared, accurately reflecting your profile and increasing your chances of success.