Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” continues to be one of the favorite places for a vacation among people in the United Arab Emirates. No matter if one lives in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, proximity to that place and frequent flights allow taking a great time out. But before you pack up for the lush tea estates of Ella or the beaches of Bentota, knowing the entry requirements to apply for a Sri Lanka eTA from United Arab Emirates is a must.
This guide will walk you through all you need to know with the application process, right from scratch, so that your journey is as smooth as a Ceylon tea blend.
Do I Need a Visa for Sri Lanka from the UAE?
“Yes, a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for nationals of the UAE,” it said, adding that there were exceptions for citizens of countries like Singapore or the Maldives, but “most nationals of the UAE will require an eTA.”
An eTA constitutes an Official Visa Authorization for Short Visit to Sri Lanka. The process allows for the electronic issuance of an eTA, thereby not requiring one to physically visit an embassy or a consulate, making the process highly efficient for professionals in the Emirates.
What are the Sri Lanka eVisa Requirements for UAE Residents?
To apply for Sri Lanka eTA from the United Arab Emirates successfully, here are the basic requirements that an individual must have:
- Valid Passport: The applicant should possess a valid passport that has at least six months’ validity from the date of his/her arrival in Sri Lanka.
- Passport: A clear scan of the bio-data page.
- Payment Method: The applicant must possess a valid Credit or Debit card, such as MasterCard, Visa, or American Express, by means of which they can pay the prescribed processing fees.
Which Sri Lanka eTA type and entry option should I choose?
Sri Lanka has different kinds of eTAs, which are issued based on your purpose of visit. In case your travel is for leisure, you will require a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA only. Here are some of the most common categories that UAE travelers avail of:
| ETA Type | Number of Entries | Validity/Stay Period |
| Sri Lanka Tourist ETA | Double Entry | 30 Days |
| Business ETA (30 Days) | Multiple Entry | 30 Days |
| Transit ETA (2 Days) | Single Entry | Up to 48 Hours |
| ETA for Minors (Under 12) | Double Entry | 30 Days |
Note: A double entry facility for the Tourist eTA is allowed within 30 days from the date of the first arrival.
How Long is the Sri Lanka ETA validity period, can it be Extended?
The validity period for the Sri Lanka ETA Validity is normally for 180 days from the time it is issued. This means that you have to visit Sri Lanka within the first six months after your approval. When you visit Sri Lanka, as per your Sri Lanka Tourist ETA, you can stay for a period of 30 days.
Can it be extended?
Yes. If you have fallen in love with this island heaven and want to extend your visit, you can do so by applying for an extension in the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo. They may extend you a maximum of 90 days.
How Do I Submit a Group Application for Families or Colleagues?
If a family or group of colleagues is traveling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, then there is no need to apply individually. The “Group Application” feature provides the ability to submit one person’s details on behalf of up to 15 applicants in one go. This is particularly valuable for UAE-based companies organizing corporate retreats, or large families who are travelling during holidays.
Should I finish the Digital Arrival Card prior to flying?
In an attempt to modernize border control, Sri Lanka has implemented a Digital Arrival Card. People are advised to fill this out online within three days prior to arrival. Although it’s separate from your Sri Lanka Tourist ETA, having it already completed significantly expedites your passage through immigration at BIA.
Which Airports in Sri Lanka Support Biometric Boarding and Smart Gates?
For those travelers from major UAE hubs, such as DXB (Dubai International) or AUH (Zayed International), you are accustomed to high-tech, biometric gates. Sri Lanka is upgrading infrastructures. While BIA in Colombo remains a primary port of entry, look out for biometric-enabled counters that try to match the seamless experience UAE residents get back home.
List the Accepted Land and Air Entry Points:
Although most of those applying for a Sri Lanka eTA from UAE enter Sri Lanka via air transport and land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala International Airport (HRI), it is accepted for entry at authorized sea ports for those entering through luxury cruise ships.
Can I use credit cards and How do I manage currency in Sri Lanka?
Although it is going digital at a rapid pace, it is a “cash-heavy” economy compared to the UAE.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Acceptable in upscale hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores of good reputation in Colombo, Kandy.
- ATMs: Many are available in urban areas. It is advisable to check with your bank in the UAE to make sure “International
- Local Currency: It is always preferred to have Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) with you when dealing with tuk-tuk drivers, local markets,
What Healthcare Facilities are Available for Tourists in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has one of the best medical standards relative to its neighboring countries.
- Private Hospitals: In Colombo, there are hospitals such as Asiri, Nawaloka, and Lanka Hospitals that provide facilities matching those of UAE.
- Travel Insurance: It is always advised to have a travel insurance plan that may cover medical emergencies and evacuation, providing a sense of relief when traveling through distant regions like Sigiriya or Yala.
Will I Need a Special Permit to Bring My Drone on My Tourist Visa?
There are UAE-based content creators who are interested in filming Sri Lanka’s breathtaking scenes. But one must have a permit when carrying a drone despite having a valid Tourist ETA Visa in Sri Lanka.
- You will be required to register your drone with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
- Obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Ministry of Defence. Otherwise, your drone might be confiscated when you travel through the airport.
What is the Processing Time for a Sri Lanka eTA for UAE Citizens?
It depends on your urgency, and they have different speeds to choose from. For the UAE residents with last-minute travel arrangements, “Super Rush” is a savior.
- Standard Processing: 3 to 6 Working Days
- Rush Processing Speed: 2 – 4 Working Days
- Super Rush Processing: 1 – 2 Working Days (Best for Immediate Travel)
Why Select the Service (sri-lanka-evisa.info)?
The process of visa application can be stressful, especially in situations where your visa gets rejected for some typos. By applying for a visa for travel to Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authority from United Arab Emirates via our website, you are obtaining additional assurance:
- Expert Accuracy Check: All applications undergo expert accuracy checks before being submitted to the relevant authorities.
- Priority Handling: We handle priority applications posted from the UAE before the rest.
- PDF Delivery: Your approved visa will be delivered to you in printable PDF format so that you can travel.
- Lost Visa Recovery: In case you lose your confirmation email, we can recover it for you.
- Real-time Support: Receive updates through email and chat assistance for monitoring your job status.
What are some Best Travel Tips for UAE Nationals traveling to Sri Lanka?
- Best Time to Visit: The West/South coast: December to March, and the East coast: May to September.
- Air Options: There are multiple flights available from Dubai and Abu Dhabi through Emirates, FlyDubai, and SriLankan Airlines.
- Dress Code: Even though beach destinations have casual dressing, it is important to dress modestly by covering the shoulders and knees when visiting a temple.