Sri Lanka Government Issues New Guideline For Visa

Sri Lanka which was formerly known as Ceylon is becoming a favorite tourist destination for thousands of travelers around the globe. People who want to indulge in adventure sports, serene beach holidays, enthralling wildlife or looking for solace come to travel to this country all-round the year. Not only from the tourism purpose, but its growing economy also attracts entrepreneurs, students and businessmen for fast plethora of opportunities.
The country grants visas to qualifying applicants for various types of visas by keeping the nature of visit into focus. Based on the applicant`s requirements, eligibility criteria and other factors, the government of Sri Lanka grant or refuse the visa application. Currently the country is offering various types of visas, but the most popular out of them are business visa, transit visa and tourist visa.
By implementing the new e-visa or ETA system (Electronic Travel Authorization) that requires an applicant to fill in the Sri Lanka Visa Application Form online along with the required visa fees, the government of Sri Lanka has made it easier to apply for visa without making regular visits to consulates or embassies.
Recently in 2018, the government has made fresh amendments in the existing guidelines and issued the new list of changes which are definitely going to update and regularize the present ongoing method of issuing visa in the country. According to the latest statement, the proposal was put forward by Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Minister S. B. Navinna which was supported and was given a ‘go-ahead’ by the cabinet of ministers.
If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka anytime sooner, here are the highlights that you must get familiar with to understand the guidelines:

1. Foreign nationals who are residing in Sri Lanka despite of expiration of their visa now will be charged with a fine of US 500 dollars and the amount will be collected in USD instead of Sri Lankan Rupees.
2. Foreign students who cover the whole academic period will be now provided residential visa.
3. Foreigners who remit more than USD 500,000 to Sri Lanka will now be eligible to get residential visa for 10 years.
4. Spouse visa will be issued for foreigners and their children who are married with Sri Lankan citizens for up to 5 years.
5. Any foreign national whose Sri Lankan spouse is dead who has resided in the country for more than 10 years or who have children less than 18 years of age will now be eligible to get residential visa for 2 years.
6. Issue a permanent residence visa for former Sri Lankans who have already obtained the citizenship of another country who cannot apply for dual citizenship.

The new guidelines will be in effect from 2018 and any new update will be released soon. Till then make your plans to travel to this beautiful country to have a unique and memorable experience. For more details kindly visit our website www.sri-lankaeta.com. 

Do You Need A Visa To Travel To Sri Lanka?

Almost every country in the world is required to get a visa in order to enter Sri Lanka. The only three countries that are exempted from a visa to Sri Lanka are Seychelles, Maldives and Singapore. By adhering to developing technology, the government of Sri Lanka has simplified the visa application process by introducing the ETA which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization.
ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization is a stamp free which is electronically linked to your passport number and is sent through an electronic mail. If you want to obtain a Sri Lanka ETA visa online, you can simply save your time and money by applying for it in advance through online mode. Log on to our website www.sri-lankaeta.com and fill Sri Lanka Visa Application Form with correct personal details.
Upon the completion of the application process, you may receive the visa confirmation in 1-2 business days to your e-mail id provided in the application form. Unlike the traditional visa, an ETA is linked to your passport number. Generally the ETA visa is valid for 30 days and allows two entries into the country with the same ETA. The cost of the ETA is $30 per person for all countries except SAARC countries.
Here is the process of visa application at a glance:

1. Keep your passport ready
2. For Online Visa
3. First you have to apply for your Sri Lanka Visa Online Here.
4. Follow through the online application process.
5. Pay with a credit or debit card.
6. Once approved – print out the visa confirmation.

What Countries Do Not Require Visas For Sri Lankan Passport Holders?

Sri Lanka is a developing country which is growing rapidly. Due to its friendly alliance with various nations, the list of countries that offer visa free, ETA or visa on arrival to the Sri Lankan passport holders are many. If you are a citizen of Sri Lanka, you will be amazed to know about the countries that allow you to travel without troubling you with complications of visa application process.
Majority of the countries around the world require the citizen of Sri Lanka to obtain visa prior to travelling. But ranked 88^th among the most powerful passports of the world, the residents of the country have the opportunity to visit these countries without a visa:
1) Bahamas – Visa not required for 3 months.
2) Barbados – Visa not required for 6 months.
3) Bolivia – Visa on arrival for 90 days.
4) Cambodia – Visa on arrival (Must arrive through designated airports).
5) Cape Verde – Visa on arrival.
6) Comoros – Visa on arrival.
7) Djibouti – Visa on arrival.
8) Dominica – Visa not required for 6 months.
9) Ecuador – Visa not required for 90 days.
10) Gambia – Visa not required for 90 days.
11) Grenada – Visa not required for 3 months.
12) Guinea-Bissau – Visa on arrival for 90 days.
13) Haiti – Visa not required for 90 days.
14) Indonesia – Visa not required for 30 days.
15) Lesotho – Visa not required for 90 days.
16) Madagascar – Visa on arrival for 90 days.
17) Malawi – Visa on arrival.
18) Maldives – Visa on arrival for 30 days.
19) Mauritania – Visa on arrival.
20) Micronesia – Visa not required for 30 days.
21) Mozambique – Visa on arrival for 30 days.
22) Nepal – Visa on arrival for 30 days.
23) Palau – Visa on arrival for 30 days.
24) Saint Kitts and Nevis – Visa not required.
25) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Visa not required for 30 days.
26) Samoa – Entry Permit on arrival for 60 days.
27) Senegal – Visa on arrival.
28) Seychelles – Visitor’s Permit on arrival for 30 days.
29) Singapore – Visa not required for 30 days.
30) Timor-Leste – Visa on arrival 30 days.
31) Togo – Visa on arrival 7 days.
32) Tuvalu – Visa on arrival for 1 month.
33) Uganda – Visa on arrival for 3 months.
34) Vanuatu – Visa not required for 30 days.

A Travelling Guide To Sri Lanka

As the women travelers are travelling around the world with nothing but their own company, the world is becoming a safe haven for those who want to explore the world, all by themselves. Sri Lanka is also one of the countries which is considerable safe and offer various places to discover. The country is predominately a Buddhist country and also may remind you of places of its neighboring country, India.

As the country boasts of ancient civilization and heritage, it has its own culture which requires you to dress conservatively and appropriately. The locals are friendly, respectful and helpful and they will be more than happy to suggest you nice hotels to stay and restaurants to have yummy food.

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

With crumbling temples, ruins and sacred Buddhist sites, Sri Lanka is also the best place in the world to have coconut pancakes and banana fritters drenched in generous amount of honey at a road side food joint. A standing testimony to ancient civilizations, this is the land where Sinhalese dynasties set their foot upon along with their first capitals.

A home to incredibly constructed temples, Sri Lanka is a country that supports massive artistic and architectural endeavors. Pay a visit to the country by applying for your online Sri Lankan ETA.
A country with 3000 years old history and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites was previously known as Ceylon. Despite of reported political turmoil and civil wars, it is a land that dazzles and never seizes to seduce you. Sigiriya, Kandy, Yapahuwa, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Buduruwagala and Anuradhapura are the oldest cities of the country.

PLACES TO VISIT

Not only temples but the country also has plenty of beaches and waterfalls that lure the globetrotters. Negombo beach is located in the North of Colombo. Also known as the Commercial city of Sri Lanka, it has an influence of its past successors. The Dutch, the Portuguese and the British have left a legacy such as various remarkable colonial architectures and Dutch canal which makes Negombo a place bustling with various activities.

Take a day off to Sigiriya, near Dambulla, which is also known as the Lion's Rock and is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. Climb the iconic stairs that are time worn and have endured the tough weather conditions. Slip past the enormous hornet nests to reach the apex of the oldest remaining place constructed in 5^th century. Wander into a mythical world of legendary tales while ascending to top of the citadel.
Your expedition to explore the country will remain incomplete if you will not pay a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Located amidst the serene oasis of tea plantations, its impeccable architecture reflects in the lake. The temple is sacred to the locals as it has a tooth which is enshrined that belongs to Lord Buddha. Locals and tourists gather around in the evening to offer prayers and eat food. Other important temples that are a must-visit for every tourist is Gangaramaya temple, Vajiramaya temple, Raja Maha Vihara temple, Isipathanaramaya temple, Koneswaram temple, Kandaswamy temple and Murugan temple.

 POPULAR BEACHES TO VISIT

Sri Lanka is no less than a natural beauty. Those who want to witness the day passing by on the beach or want to indulge in various sports activities, there are plenty of beaches in the country to head to. Unawatuna which is considered to be one of the best beaches in the country is famous for its calm and blue waters. One can also spot a whale shark if the day is your lucky day.

Head to Bentota, if you are looking for a complete beach holiday! The beach is lined up with various good resorts that specialize in authentic Ayurveda spa and medicine centers. Perfect for those who wants to escape from the hustle-bustle of the city, the beach is an ideal getaway.           
Mirissa attracts people from all over the world. Famous for its views of aquatic wildlife in its natural habitat, it is preferred for both ecological purposes as well as for holidays. If you want to spot dolphins and whales visit the place in December. There are many centers that also offer various Ayurveda therapies. To stay in plush resorts, Dickwella is the beach to go. This is one of the best secluded Sri Lankan beaches which offer serendipity.

MARVEL AT THE WILD ELEPHANTS IN NATIONAL PARK

The country has number of National Parks that are home to various species. Depending on the city and place you are staying, you can visit these national parks to enjoy the natural habitat of animals in the wild. Yala National Park has some 40 reptiles and animals and for over 200 bird species. Those who love bird watching can go to Bundala National Park or join the throng of tourists at Uda Walawe National Park, whilst Sinharaja Forest Reserve plays home to some of the rarest bird species.
FOR HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY

A week is enough if you are in the country for a beach holiday or combine it with Kandy. For a couple of week itinerary where you want to explore the highlights and UNESCO sites, spend 3 nights in Galle, 2 in Rekawa, 3 in Tissa, 3 in Kandy and then 3 in Bentota.

HOW TO GET A VISA

Just like any other country, Sri Lanka also required its visitors to carry a valid visa permit. Although the process is not so complicated for this islandic country, one can simply fill an ETA application online form for Sri Lanka with personal details. After the verification process, you can simply receive online Sri Lankan ETA via your e-mail. A tourist visa allows double entry and is valid for 30 days.
FROM THE AIRPORT

You can pre-book a cab from the airport, which is a very reliable and safe service for all the tourists, especially women travelers. Or you can hop onto a bus which runs to the Colombo City centre which costs approx 150 LKR including 2 pieces of luggage. For anywhere else, take a taxi. A cab to Negombo Beach will take 30 minutes and cost approx 862 LKR. For Bentota, Galle or Kandy the fare is approx 4500 LKR.

So visit our website sri-lankaeta.com to apply for online Sri Lankan ETA, in few easy steps and travel hassle free.

The 4 Famous Ancient Cities Of Sri Lanka That Are Worth Visiting!

Sri Lanka is a cultural heartland of the Asia. The sacred Buddhist sites, crumbling temples and lost cities are the reason why people from all across the world head up to this country. The ancient Sinhalese dynasties set up their first foot on the central plains and supported gigantic artistic and architectural wonders. Eventually all the kingdoms fell on their feet, slowly to be consumed by the forest and jungles.
Visit to this amazing country will let you experience everything, so stat planning by applying for online Sri Lanka visa. From beaches to museums, historical sites to modern pubs, one can indulge in everything. Apart from the sand beaches and ornamented temples, the country is enriched with various ancient cities, most of which are declared as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. Here is a list of all the cities that will still amaze you with their silent legendary tales:

1. SIGIRIYA ANCIENT CITY- Also known as the Lion`s Rock, Sigiriya is a rock fortress and a palace which is located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. The ruin is surrounded by ponds, gardens and other relevant structures. Built by King Kasyapa, it is declared as a World Heritage site.
2. POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY- This is the Island`s 2<sup>nd</sup> largest kingdom. Polonnaruwa city is one of the best planned Archaeological relic sites in the country. Its smart planning and synchronized construction signifies the greatness and discipline of the Kingdom`s first rulers. This is also one of the declared World Heritage Sits by UNESCO. The Lankathilaka temple and a colossal statue of the Buddha made from stone is located here.
3. ANURADHAPURA ANCIENT CITY: This city is the oldest and largest ancient city of the country. It is renowned for its ruins that display the early Sri Lankan civilization. In ancient times, it was once the capital city of the country and the residence of all the ruling monarchs. The city is also famous among Buddhists pilgrims.
4. KANDY ANCIENT CITY- Kandy is the second largest city of the country and is also the capital of the Central Province. Located amidst the hills, it is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. It is a perfect amalgamation of religious as well as administrative city. It is frequently visited by Buddhists especially of the Theravada School. Also it is a home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ; Dalada Maligawa ), The Botanical Gardens ( Located in Peradeniya) which makes it a hot tourist destination.

So wait no more! Plan a perfect trip to Sri Lanka along with your family and friends to have a gala time here in this country. Apply for online Sri Lanka visa today by visiting our website sri-lankaeta.com.

These 5 Staple Foods Will Make You Travel To Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous mainly for its beaches, temples and its food. If you are a food junkie, you can find some of the best street food and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine that are drool worthy. The country is known as ‘Spice Island’ and stands true to its name, because every dish that you will try will have a certain dose of spice.
From breakfast to dinner, visitors can taste some of the best cooked meals in this country. So if you find your taste-buds craving for the delicious cuisines in the country, then apply for your Online Sri Lankan ETA. This is the only place that can give you the best of both worlds. Discover the lip-smacking dishes that are worth travelling to Sri Lanka for:
SRI LANKAN BREAKFAST
The citizens take their morning meal too seriously, that is why it won`t take you more than just a glimpse of breakfast to become a fan of country`s local food. The breakfast ritual does not consist of just one dish, but rather an array of dishes. Accompanied by a hot cup of tea or brewing coffee, it can give your day a perfect start.
RICE & CURRY
Rice & curry is definitely the country`s national dish. Every meal which includes rice and curry gives an irresistible aroma to hit the senses. Satisfy your hunger with delicious protein curry like chicken or fish, a gram curry, a vegetable curry topped with spices and a fresh sambol.
JACKFRUIT CURRY
You can find various variety of curry to try in Sri Lanka that will make you lick your fingers. Jackfruit curry is one of the most special curries because of its unique taste. While trying this curry, you can`t really tell you are eating jackfruit as the flavor is quiet spectacular. A great treat for vegetarians, it appears like meat and is worth trying.
BEETROOT CURRY
Sweet, spicy, savoury and a little crunchy, beetroot curry is the dish that stands out from the rest. Just like fruit curries you can find plethora of choices when it comes to vegetable curries. A must try for every food junkie; Beetroot Curry is like no other.
POL ROTTI & POTATO CURRY
Rotti is another staple food in Sri Lanka cuisine. It is eaten at any time of the day be it breakfast or lunch with juicy curries. Pol Rotti is the special variety of rotti which is made from grated coconut. Pol means coconut in Sinhalese and it makes the best kind of rotti to dip into curry.
Sri Lanka is not only a country which boasts about the rich flora and fauna, but also a melting pot of authentic cuisines. Tourists love the variety of food that the country has to offer. So apply for Online Sri Lankan ETA today by visiting our website sri-lankaeta.com.

Top 5 Museums Of Sri Lanka That Will Transport You Back In History

Sri Lanka is famous for lot of things. From beaches, sports activities, landscapes, national parks, tea plantations and stunning architectures that never seize to amaze you. But the country has one more thing which showcases its cultural history- museums.
With artefacts belonging to ancient eras that moulded and defined the country, Sri Lanka has plenty of significant museums that houses amazing collection from the distant past. So if you are all set to spend your vacations in the islandic country with your Online Sri Lanka visa, a list of museums given below will definitely provide you a vibrant picture of the country when you pay them a visit.

1. MASK MUSEUM AMBALANGODA- To have unique experience, visit to the Mask Museum in Ambalangoda. Witness the colorful mask museum that presents a spectacular display of creativity and culture under one roof. Prepare to be mesmerized, the museum has a large range of carved wooden masks that are impeccably carved and adorned with intricate details. These masks have been used in exorcism and religious rituals in the country for centuries.
2. NATIONAL MUSEUM- The most popular of all the museums is the National Museum which is the oldest and the largest museum in Sri Lanka. Built in 1877, the museum is housed in a colonial building located in Capital city, Colombo. Showcasing different jewelry from bygone times and unique artifacts, you can also witness the 4000 palm leaf manuscripts as well as ancient royal regalia.
3. THE DUTCH MUSEUM- A gem worth discovering, the Dutch Museum is housed in an old building on Prince Street. Located in a quaint corner in Pettah, the ancient building with regal architecture was once belonged to the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow. A place worth spending few hours, visitors can witness the Dutch legacy through the furniture, coins, costumes and arms from that period.
4. THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM- Giving valuable insight into marine history of the country, this is yet another mausoleum which is housed in an ancient Dutch building which is located within the historical Galle fort. The museum displays various diagrams showing local fishing methods, coral, deep sea fish and sea grass beds.                                 
5. TEA MUSEUM- One of its kind, Tea Museum is a joint project by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the planters` association of the country. Established in 1925 in an abandoned factory of Hantane Tea Factory, this exclusive mausoleum provides insights into the production of the tea, from the sapling to the moment of finally producing the beverage that people drink today.

Knowing little about the culture of another country or place completes the cycle of your journey. Thus, visit all the above mentioned museums to know more about the historical facts and legendry artifacts that has shaped the country. If you have not applied for Online Sri Lanka visa, but want to travel to the country, visit sri-lankaeta.com.