Sri Lanka launched an online visa approval system for travellers

Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration Department launched the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to grant prior approval for visa via online for foreign nationals from 78 countries. The system is to take effect from January 01, 2012.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FROM ETA OFFICIAL WEB SITE:

1. What is ETA?

It is an Electronic Travel Authorization granted online through the web based ETA system by the DI&E.

2. What types of ETA are available?

Only for short visit to Sri Lanka for the purpose of Business, Tourism and Transit.

3. What is the ETA Website?

Please refer to www.eta.gov.lk.

4. How should I lodge an application?

All you need to lodge an ETA application through this site is your valid passport and a credit card (American Express, Master or ETA cards).

5. Do I need a ticket before I apply for ETA?

You do not need to arrange your flight to Sri Lanka before applying for Sri Lanka Visa Online

6. How do I know if my ETA is still valid for travel to Sri Lanka?

If you have applied for ETA, you can inquire through this site to find out the current status of your ETA. You will need to enter Reference Number when the inquiry is made. To check your ETA application status you may log into the ETA website or contact 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on

7. How does the airline know that I have a valid ETA to travel to Sri Lanka?

Here is no requirement for the Airlines to know about ETA prior approval.

8. What can I do if I am unable to apply through this site?

If you do not possess a credit card that can be used to pay for ETA processing fee through this site, you may go for an alternative option How to submit an ETA application

9. Is my personal information safe?

This site operates under the principles outlined in the Privacy Statement. Only the data required to process your application will be collected. It will only be used for this purpose. Only selected data in your ETA application will be stored on secured servers. Please see the Privacy Statement for more information.

10. How secure is credit card payment through this site?

The payment gateway has been designed in accordance with the related international standards.

11. Which credit cards are accepted?

We are presently authorized to accept payment by American Express, Master and ETA cards only.

12. What happens if I already possess a valid ETA?

If you already possess a valid Residence or Multiple Entry ETA, a fresh ETA application cannot be lodged until that valid ETA expires and you leave Sri Lanka.

13. If I already possess a valid ETA, can I apply for a fresh ETA again?

ETA is valid for three months and a fresh ETA cannot be obtained under the same passport till that ETA expires. If you lose the passport which contains valid ETA you may apply for fresh ETA with relevant fee again.

14. Can I apply for a fresh ETA while being in Sri Lanka?

You cannot obtain a fresh ETA while being in Sri Lanka irrespective of the fact that your ETA is valid or expired.

15. What happens when application is not approved?

If your ETA application is not approved it will be referred to the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission which you may contact for further assistance.

16. If my application for ETA was unsuccessful can I get my processing fee back?

No. It is not refundable.

17. What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?

Once an application is submitted processed, and payment is made, you cannot cancel the transaction and the payment cannot be reimbursed. Therefore, it is important that you feed your personal details correctly.

If you have made an error, it is important that you correct it before confirmation. Once you have confirmed the details, your credit card will be debited for the non-refundable service charge. If you find out later that you have made a mistake, then submit a fresh application with relevant fee again.

[Source: http://trip2lanka.blogspot.in/]

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SRI LANKA ONLINE VISA?

Tourism is big business in Sri Lanka. Following the end of the 40-year old civil war in the country in 2009, and a sustained marketing campaign, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. The Sri Lankan government has had a major role to play in this, and one of the highly progressive decisions made by them was to simplify the process of applying visa to Sri Lanka by taking the whole thing online.

With the Electronic Travel Authorization offered in this Website (we have no affiliation with the Sri Lankan government) applying for an online visa to Sri Lanka is ridiculously easy.

ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization helps travelers to Sri Lanka save time and money as the entire visa application process is done online, no visits to the local Sri Lankan consulates are required, and there is no question of standing in queues.

Also, travelers get their ETA within just a single business day after submitting their applications at this website, and can exchange it for a visa on arrival at a Sri Lankan airport - which is such an improvement over how the process was like in the days past, when it took weeks to get permission to visit Sri Lanka.

There are 3 types of ETA to Sri Lanka – Tourism ETA, Business ETA and Transit ETA. We make it easier for you to get the Tourism ETA for Sri Lanka. Those applying for the Tourism ETA can visit Sri Lanka only for the purpose of tourism, sightseeing, rest and recreation. Nobody is allowed to work in Sri Lanka on a tourism visa.

Applying for the Sri Lanka Visa Online

To apply for the Sri Lanka online visa, you have to submit an application for the ETA. The application form is simple enough – you will be asked for the relevant personal details and contact information. It is very important to be accurate while submitting the application form.

After filling all the details, you will be taken to the safe and secure payment gateway, where you can pay the fees for the ETA by MasterCard, Visa, American Express or PayPal.  The ETA fees amount to $30 per person (unless you are a citizen of the SAARC countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan, in which case the ETA would cost $15.) In addition, you will be charged a service fee of $25 per application.

Once the application is submitted, you will have to wait 1 business day for it to get approved by the Sri Lankan authorities. Once your application has been approved, you will be sent a confirmation email that will have your ETA number. On getting the confirmation, get the email with the ETA number printed and carry the copy with you on your flight to Sri Lanka. On arrival at a Sri Lankan airport, you will be handed over the Sri Lanka tourist visa by immigration in exchange for the ETA number.

The tourist visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. If you really have to extend your stay beyond 30 days, do get in touch with your embassy in Sri Lanka.

There are a few things to be kept in mind. If you have children under the age of 12, they don’t have to apply for the ETA. The ETA allows for 2 entries within the period of 30 days.

Also, the ETA is non-refundable if you apply on the government website. If you apply with us, we will refund your application fee – but not the service fee – if we haven’t yet forwarded your ETA application to the Sri Lankan government. Otherwise, if your application has already been sent, we cannot refund you.

If you make a mistake in your ETA application, use this number +94 71 9967888 belonging to the Sri Lankan government officials and get in touch with them directly.

Finally, why should you apply with us for the Sri Lanka Online Visa and why should you pay the extra service fee?

We are a private company that has no ties to the Sri Lankan government. We provide the valuable service of making the process of applying for the Sri Lanka online visa much easier for you, than it would be, had you used the official website to submit your application. The government website is very much clunky and it would actually take you hours of effort to get it right.

[Source: https://www.srilankavisaonline.org/blog/how-to-apply-for-the-sri-lanka-online-visa.html]

Visa-free travel for Indian passport holders

There are times (not too often though), when I really envy those people (read Americans, British, Canadians, EU nationals, Singaporeans and a few others), who can just pick almost any destination off the world map, book tickets, hop on to a plane and be off. No pre-planning required, no gathering together of a long list of documents, no queuing up outside embassies and consulates and definitely no waiting with bated breath, fingers and toes crossed, hoping to see the all elusive visa stamp. But thankfully, despite these travails, the travel bug in K and me trumps each time and we continue to plan exciting holidays – with or without the visas!

Coming back to the lack of time and the need to apply for visas, etc., there are several countries that people with Indian passports either do not require a visa for or can get one on arrival. According to the 2014 Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom that their citizens enjoy, the Indian Passport is ranked 76th in the world (out of 94, sigh), and Indians have access to visa-free or visa on arrival to 52 countries (yeayy??).

Some of the most promising and beautiful holiday destinations where we can go with next-to-no hassles are:

1) Bhutan and Sri Lanka

A beautiful Himlayan country, Bhutan is the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdom, and is known for its strong sense of culture and tradition. Indian citizens who want to visit this magical kingdom do not need a visa. Only a valid passport or a voters’ ID card need to be carried.

Located to the south of India, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a lush tropical island of golden beaches and blue waters. From lazing on the beach to exploring ancient temples, Sri Lanka makes for a great holiday. You can be applied Sri Lanka Visa Online by all.

2) Cambodia

A South-East Asian country, known for its temples (Angkor) and rich history. Cambodia has had a long association with India and after years of political instability and dictatorship, tourism is flourishing. Indians can get a visa-on-arrival or can apply for one online.

3) Hong Kong

Most people think of Hong Kong as a small city where one must go only for work or business. But this small city has much to offer to tourists as well – the amazing views from the Peak, night markets, ladies’ markets, Disneyland, multitude of restaurants serving  international and local cuisines, street food, ferry rides, day trips to Macau and much more. Indian citizens do not require a visa if visiting for 14 days or less.

4) Dubai

City of malls and skyscrapers and a paradise for shoppers. Dubai attracts thousands of tourists on the promise of a shopping extravaganza! Since Emirates has become one of the most convenient and comfortable airlines connecting Asia to the rest of the world, a lot of us find ourselves stopping over at the Dubai airport every now and then. If you have the time, exploring the city does not take much effort – if flying Emirates, you can apply online for a visa.

5) Jamaica

Abundance of sun, blue waters of the Caribbean, white sands and RUM!  That’s what Jamaica brings to mind. Unlike other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is known for its African-ness and history. Indian do not need a visa to visit this paradise.

6) Jordan

Among the Middle East countries, Jordan is often left out by tourists as a holiday destination. But from the ancient city of Petra to the modern sights of Amman, from the mesmerizing deserts to the secrets of the Dead Sea – Jordan has much to offer. And the good news is Indians do not need a pre-clearance and can get a visa on arrival.

7) Madagascar

Since having come to South Africa, Madagascar features high on my list of places to visit. Tourism is said to be still quite under-developed, but the island promises one of the most memorable holidays to the intrepid traveller. Lemurs, Grand Tsingy, rain forests, baobabs, and canoe rides – Madagascar is much more than the animated movie! Visa on arrival is available to anyone visiting for 90-days or less.

8) Islands of Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles

These islands, located in the Indian Ocean, are very popular with honeymooners. Depending on the budget, any of these three islands are perfect for a typical beach holiday. Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, under sea walk – all these activities are available on all three islands. Maldives offers a 30-day visa on arrival for all. For Mauritius, no visa is required by Indians and for Seychelles, no visa is required, irrespective of nationality.

[Source: http://miamusings.com/2014/07/31/visa-free-travel-for-indian-passport-holders/]

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is updated as of 25th December, 2013. Please check with embassy for latest updates.

Although Indians do require a Visa to enter Sri Lanka but process is so simple and quick that it doesn’t seem like a burden to acquire the Visa.  Sri Lanka issues an electronic Visa for tourist purpose that you can obtain beforehand.

A confirmed return ticket within 30 days from the date of entry

Hotel booking for at least one day. You need to enter place of stay in application form.

A credit card for making payments.

The Visa fees is 15 $ for Indians. Once you complete the form and submit the application you get an acknowledgement email. The official time to receive the Visa is 24 hours but I got mine within next 10 minutes.

It is better to take a print out of the granted ETA received though it was not checked at the immigration as they had the entries in their system based on passport number. Once you land at Colombo airport, head straight towards immigration counter with print out of ETA and passport.

There is a second option of getting an On Arrival Visa. Visa fees is 20 $ and the counter is located near to immigration counters. A credit card should work as proof of funds. I didn’t avail this option so do not have first-hand information on this one but I believe requirements would be similar to getting an ETA.

Since getting an ETA is extremely simple process, it’s best to get the Sri Lanka Visa Online visa beforehand.  There was not much crowd at immigration and it hardly took 10 minutes to clear the immigration. As a surprise I was gifted with a SIM card loaded with 50 LKR with data plan enabled. Sri Lanka is really working towards making their visitors feel welcome. Do you have plans to visit there?

[Source: http://makrandtraveldiary.com/sri-lanka-visa-requirements-for-indian-passport-holders/]