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Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an Island country in South Asia and lies in the Indian Ocean. The Island is a common tourist destination for UAE residents. Get your Sri Lanka visa from the UAE and enjoy your trip to this Island full of attractions and adventures.

According to the Sri Lanka visa rules, UAE citizens qualify for the Sri Lanka eVisa. If you are a UAE resident planning to travel to Sri Lanka, you must get a visa from the Consulate General or apply online. You can obtain your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as fast as 12 hours with the help of an authorized visa agency like Arabiers.


Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?


When traveling to Sri Lanka from the UAE, you will need a visit visa and more than the usual visa; you need to apply for a tourist ETA. The ETA system allows travelers to enter Sri Lanka through a completely electronic application process.


Types of Sri Lanka Visa


There are four different types of Sri Lanka visas, subject to the purpose of the visit. These are:

1. Visit visa

2. Transit visa

3. Residence visa- This visa permits you to live in Sri Lanka either for employment, religion, studies, as an investor, etc.

4. Gatis Visa – granted to diplomats or those with official passports

There are two types of Sri Lanka visit visas:

1. Tourist Visit Visa – issued to tourists traveling to Sri Lanka for sightseeing, expeditions, relaxation, yoga training, or visiting friends and relatives

2. Business Visit Visa – issued to individuals visiting Sri Lanka for business for a limited time


How Long is the Visa Valid?


The Sri Lanka visit visa is valid for 180 days after the issue date. The visa is double-entry and not multi-entry, meaning you can only use it twice. You are allowed a maximum stay of 30 days in Sri Lanka for every travel.


Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Sri Lanka When on Transit?


Yes! Whether you are traveling to Sri Lanka to stay or just transiting through the airports, you must have a valid Sri Lanka visa. The visa is required whether you are traveling for 30 days, one day, or just stopping by the airport for a few hours.


What Are The Requirements


The requirements to apply for the Sri Lanka visa from UAE are:

  • A passport valid for another six months after your arrival in Sri Lanka
  • Passport sized digital photo that meets the standards of the travel document
  • A valid email where you will be emailed the eVisa in PDF format
  • Means of payment, including debit or credit cards or a bank account

How to apply for Sri Lankan Visa from The UAE


How Much Is a Tourist Visa To Sri Lanka

You can apply for the Sri Lankan visa at the Department of Immigration, visa application center, VFS Global, or visa services such as Arabiers. You don't have to visit the Sri Lankan Embassy, High Commission, or the Consular Office to apply for the visa.

To apply for the Sri Lanka tourist visa, follow these basic steps:

  1. First, forward all your travel documents to Arabiers. Send colored copies of your passport via WhatsApp, together with the residence visa of your referee and your photo with a white background.
  2. Make payments via bank, a payment link sent to you, or by visiting the office
  3. You will be sent your soft copy visa via WhatsApp or email after 3- to 5 business days.

What Are The Visa Processing Time and Fees?


Arabiers accepts ETA visa applications from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. The office is closed during weekends and public holidays.

You will be charged around 40 to 60 USD for a Sri Lanka visa application, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The visa is non-refundable and non-transferable.


Frequently Asked Questions


Children under the age of 12 are exempted from paying the ETA.

Contact Arabiers customer service representatives immediately if you realize you made a mistake. If you report when the application has already been made, you will have to apply again, as adjustments are not allowed at that stage.

If your Sri Lanka visa application is denied, you will be directed to the Sri Lanka Overseas Mission near you for further assistance.

Yes! If you wish to extend your stay in Sri Lanka for more days, you can request for visa extension. The visa can be extended for up t 90 days upon the first request and another 90 days for the second extension.