Free Visa Regime for Russian Visitors to Sri Lanka:

Russian Nationals visiting Sri Lanka until 31st March 2024 can now obtain a free 30 day visa.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) should be applied before arriving in Sri Lanka by visiting www.eta.gov.lk 

The validity period of this free ETA is 30 days and permits double entry from the date of initial arrival to Sri Lanka.

Though the validity period of ETA obtained by the applicant is valid for 180 days, one has to arrive in Sri Lanka before 31.03.2024 to avail of this special visa-free regime and thereafter an applicant shall obtain ETA on a payment basis at the port of entry to Sri Lanka or online.

For those tourists who wish to stay in Sri Lanka beyond 30 days, the visa can be extended on payment basis online on the website of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DIE) or by visiting the visa section of the DIE.

Nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan are eligible for the free visa regime until 31st March 2024.

Russian nationals holding Diplomatic, Official/Service passports can continue to obtain a visa exemption for 30 days on arrival in Sri Lanka in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation on Visa Free Travel for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports.

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Visit Visas on Payment Basis to Sri Lanka

Tourists traveling to Sri Lanka are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). ETA can be obtained:

• On-line at www.eta.gov.lk 
• At the Embassy (visa applications for the nationals eligible for the free visa regime will not be accepted by the Embassy)

Note: ETA can be issued only for owners of passports with a validity period exceeding 06 months. If the validity of the passport is less than 06 months, the tourist must obtain a new foreign passport in advance.

1. Obtaining visa on-line:

• Visa can be obtained on-line at: www.eta.gov.lk. The approval of entry is normally received within 24 hours after submitting the application.
• Payment of USD 50 by card for 30 day (double entry).
• No fee is charged for issuing ETA for children under 12 years of age.

Due to the current geopolitical situation, it may be difficult to pay for visas on-line with some bankcards (fees can be paid with a Union Pay card or any other foreign card).

2. Obtaining a visa at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow:

List of documents to apply for a visitor visa (30 day) to Sri Lanka:

 Passport (valid for more than 06 months);
 Form B and ETA completed in English;
 02 color photographs 3.5 x 4.5;
 Hotel voucher or proof of booked accommodation
 Visa fee: 30 days: RUB 3,050/- (Payment for visa should be transferred to the bank account of the Embassy at the time of submission of application);
 If the documents are submitted by a representative - an uncertified power of attorney written by hand and the original passport of the representative are required.
Visa processing time is at least 10 working days.
Documents can be submitted to the Embassy on any working day from 10-00 till 12-30, without prior appointment. The entrance to the Embassy (doorbell) is located near the Buddha statue.
Please note that visa fees paid to the Embassy cannot be refunded

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Visa Extension:

A visitor, wishing to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka, can apply for a visa extension.
Applications for visa extensions can be submitted to the Visa Section of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (Head office) or through the on-line visit visa extension portal, https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/home.php 
Applications can be submitted for extension up to 270 days. For information on visa extension fees, please visit, http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159&Itemid=203&lang=en 

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Penalties for overstay:
A foreigner staying in Sri Lanka without a valid visa will be charged the following with effect from 21st June 2023:
A person who departs Sri Lanka within seven (07) days of visa expiry: applicable visa fee
Where the period of overstay has exceeded seven (07) days and has continued up to fourteen (14) days: penalty of USD 250 + applicable visa fee
Where the period of overstay has exceeded fourteen (14) days: penalty of USD 500 + applicable visa fee

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Arrival Card:

From 01.01.2023, tourists arriving in Sri Lanka by air three days before arrival have to fill in an on-line Arrival Card: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/emb/eEmbarkation/'#/home-page 

Visit Visas on Payment Basis to Sri Lanka