Sri Lanka introduces 5-year multiple-entry visa
Sri Lanka has announced that it is extending the validity period of its multiple-entry visas to 5 years.
Nationals of 35 different countries will be eligible for this new 5-year Sri Lanka tourist visa.
The new multiple-entry Sri Lanka visa will allow any number of trips to the island nation. Each stay can last up to 6 months.
Authorities in the country hope that this move will encourage foreign nationals to make repeat trips to Sri Lanka and boost the tourism industry.
Can I get a multiple-entry visa for Sri Lanka?
Under normal circumstances, most travellers can get a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that allows up to 2 entries to the country. The second visit must be within 30 days of the first entry.
However, the country’s tourism industry was hit hard by the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. As a result, Sri Lanka has made a number of changes to its visa policy. These aim to encourage more visitors.
Sri Lanka now offers a multiple-entry visa valid for one (1) year, single-entry visas that allow stays of up to 6 months, and a Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka.
The country plans to expand on these with a 5-year Sri Lanka multiple-entry visa. This will allow several trips, with up to 6 months’ stay permitted per visit.
Citizens of 35 different countries will be eligible to apply for this multiple-entry visa for Sri Lanka.
It has not yet been confirmed whether the multiple entry 5 year Sri Lanka visa will be available to US citizens.
What is the longest multiple-entry visa I can get for Sri Lanka now?
Currently, the longest validity of a Sri Lankan multiple-entry visa is one (1) year.
In the near future, the country plans to introduce a visa with a validity of 5 years that will permit multiple entries.
This will then be the longest Sri Lanka multiple entry tourist visa.
How to apply for 5-year multiple-entry visa to Sri Lanka
In normal circumstances, Sri Lanka visas (multiple entry or otherwise) are issued by the country’s embassies abroad. Foreign nationals planning a trip must go to submit the multiple-entry visa application in person. This may involve making an appointment first.
To apply, travellers must submit a completed application form. It is necessary to bring all the required supporting documents to the embassy.
Visa applications can take weeks to be processed and approved. For this reason, it is important to apply in good time.
Citizens of many countries can avoid the long wait and the hassle of dealing with visa paperwork by applying for a Sri Lanka ETA online.
The ETA is a visa waiver that authorises the passenger to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. It grants 2 entries to the country by air or sea. It is considered the fastest and easiest way to authorise a trip to Sri Lanka.
It is currently unknown whether the new multiple entry Sri Lanka visa issue will be done at an embassy, or if it will be available online.
How much is a multiple entry visa for Sri Lanka?
The cost of a multiple entry visa for Sri Lanka may vary depending on factors such as the following:
- The type of visa
- The nationality of the traveller
- The country you are applying from
Contact the Sri Lankan embassy to find out visa prices. Embassy visa fees are usually more expensive than the processing fees for online travel authorisations.
Passengers who meet the Sri Lanka ETA requirements may be able to save money as well as time by authorising their visit online instead of going all the way to an embassy.