Philippine passport holders are allowed to enter Sri Lanka for 30 days as tourists by getting either visa on arrival (VOA) or electronic visa (e-visa). The difference is that getting a VOA is paid and issued upon arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka while an e-visa is applied and paid online, which is my preferred visa application whenever available. This article discusses the steps on how to get an e-visa to Sri Lanka.
Tip: Fake e-visa websites are everywhere since it's an easy source of money knowing that people are willing to pay to get an e-visa. As general rule, check the URL to make sure you're accessing a legit e-visa issuing website. It should have the country’s abbreviation. Sri Lanka, for example, has the lk abbreviation, so its government websites have .lk in the URL.
Next, on the left, click your preferred language.
Lastly, click Apply.
Once done, click Next.
Also, it will indicate the e-visa fee. For individual tourist visa, it costs USD 35.
Once you confirm all information are correct, click Confirm.
Once your card is accepted, a payment acknowledgement will be sent to your email address similar to this:
Note: This isn't the e-visa approval notice yet.
The standard response is within 24 hours, but in my case, surprisingly I only waited for 5 minutes to get it. Yes, it was that quick!
IMPORTANT: Make sure to bring a copy of this ETA approval notice during your trip to Sri Lanka. This will be presented upon arrival at the airport.
That’s it! As you can see, getting an e-visa to Sri Lanka is easy and quick. I usually prefer getting an e-visa than VOA because it’s hassle free. Plus, I’m more at peace to plan my trip knowing I have an approved e-visa already.
1. Go to Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) website
The official website is https://www.eta.gov.lk.Tip: Fake e-visa websites are everywhere since it's an easy source of money knowing that people are willing to pay to get an e-visa. As general rule, check the URL to make sure you're accessing a legit e-visa issuing website. It should have the country’s abbreviation. Sri Lanka, for example, has the lk abbreviation, so its government websites have .lk in the URL.
2. Begin at the main page
First, a popup window will appear with a notification from ETA. Simply click OK.Next, on the left, click your preferred language.
Lastly, click Apply.
3. Accept the Terms & Conditions
Next, a new window will open. After reading the terms and conditions, tick I Agree. It will automatically go to the next page.4. Choose your e-visa type
If you’ll apply as a tourist, on the left click Apply for an individual.5. Fill up your personal information
Before you continue, make sure you to prepare your passport information, intended arrival date in Sri Lanka, flight details, and accommodation address in Sri Lanka. These information will be required in this page.Once done, click Next.
6. Review the information you provided
The next page will give a summary of all fields you entered.Also, it will indicate the e-visa fee. For individual tourist visa, it costs USD 35.
Once you confirm all information are correct, click Confirm.
7. Pay the e-visa fee
Enter your credit card information. They accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards.Once your card is accepted, a payment acknowledgement will be sent to your email address similar to this:
Note: This isn't the e-visa approval notice yet.
8. Wait for the ETA notice
The ETA notice provides information on whether the e-visa is approved or denied. It's sent in a separate email similar to this:The standard response is within 24 hours, but in my case, surprisingly I only waited for 5 minutes to get it. Yes, it was that quick!
IMPORTANT: Make sure to bring a copy of this ETA approval notice during your trip to Sri Lanka. This will be presented upon arrival at the airport.
That’s it! As you can see, getting an e-visa to Sri Lanka is easy and quick. I usually prefer getting an e-visa than VOA because it’s hassle free. Plus, I’m more at peace to plan my trip knowing I have an approved e-visa already.
