A passport is the key to traveling abroad. However, some passports are considered to be “stronger” than others. The world’s most powerful passports are those that offer the greatest travel freedom. The strongest passports are those that allow the holder to enter the most countries easily, without extra entry requirements, such as visas. There are
Sri Lanka Application
Sri Lanka ETA for Canadian Citizens
The Sri Lankan government created the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in 2012 to increase visits from foreign nationals. Canadian citizens are amongst the nationals eligible to obtain this electronic travel authorization.
The Sri Lanka ETA for Canadian nationals can be obtained by filling out an online application, paying the processing fees, and receiving the approved ETAs via email. The process is highly convenient, and quick, and does not require personal visits to an embassy or consular office anymore. Canadian applicants can complete their request within 20 minutes from the comfort of their home.
Types of the Sri Lanka ETA for Canadian Visitors
Canadian passport holders can select any of the following types of Sri Lanka ETAs to best suit their travel needs. The visa policies for Sri Lanka detail the following three:
- Business ETA for Sri Lanka – Canadian professionals can travel to Sri Lanka for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events. It is valid for 6 months and grants multiple entries for 6 months. Each visit during this period must be of a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Sri Lanka ETA for Tourism – Canadian citizens can visit Sri Lanka for leisure, relaxation, and cultural activities. It is also valid for 6 months, with the difference that it grants 2 entries with a maximum duration of 30 days allowed for each visit.
- Sri Lanka Transit ETA – Canadian travelers can request this travel authorization if they are passing by Sri Lanka en route to a third destination. They will need it if they wish to exit the airport, and their stay does not exceed 48 hours. It is valid for 6 months and can only be used once. If their stopover exceeds 2 full days, we recommend they request Tourist or Business ETA that best suits their requirements.
The Sri Lankan ETA covers most of the common travel needs Canadians will have for short term visits. Nevertheless, if Canadian nationals need to stay in Sri Lanka for over a month consecutively or intend to relocate to the country for full-time employment or academic opportunities, we recommend they schedule a visit to the Sri Lankan consulate in Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal for further information.
Sri Lanka ETA Requirements for Canadian Citizens
We recommend reading through the international travel requirements for Canadians before beginning the application process. Canadians will find obtaining this online visa-waiver is straightforward and easy. Before logging in, Canadian travelers must confirm they meet the following requirements for the Sri Lankan ETA:
- A Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months on their arrival
- A debit or credit card to pay the transaction fee
- An email address to receive their ETA
Canadians with a passport set to expire soon should send it for renewal with their local authorities. Likewise, we recommend that they submit an email id they frequently use since all the communications plus the ETA’s approval will be done online. Lastly, we request they use a bank card previously activated for online transactions.
How to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA from Canada
To obtain a Sri Lankan ETA for Canadian passport holders, travelers will need to fill out the online application form. The form is a simple and straightforward questionnaire, where Canadian applicants will have to provide personal and passport details. Some of the basic questions include the following:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Citizenship
- Residential address
- Email id
- Passport issue and expiry date
- Purpose of travel
Canadian citizens traveling with minors under 16 can include them under their own Sri Lanka ETA application as long as they share the same passport. Travelers who are over the age of 16 or who have their own passport must obtain their own individual ETA.
We advise Canadian nationals to carefully review their answers before submitting their form. Answers cannot be undone. Any typo or missing information could delay the approval or even result in the denial of their request.
Once the application has been submitted, it is necessary to pay the processing fee. Make sure to check whether the card being used has been activated for online transactions.
The Sri Lanka ETA request will be finished after you complete the profile form.
How will Canadians receive their ETA to travel to Sri Lanka?
The Government of Sri Lanka evaluates all the applications received and usually replies within 24 hours. Canadian citizens will receive their approved ETAs attached in an email. We recommend that Canadian nationals print out a copy and keep it with the rest of their travel documents. To account for busy touristic periods, it is also recommended to submit their application at least 20 business days before their arrival.
Canadians Traveling to Sri Lanka With the ETA
Canadian nationals with the approved travel authorizations can choose to enter Sri Lanka through any of the country’s international airports or seaports. They should plan their arrival and departure to meet the allowed dates (30 days per visit for both business or tourism) and comply with the validity of the 6 months granted for their visit. Likewise, they should also plan the number of visits with the permit on their ETA type.
When they reach Sri Lanka they should present the following information and documentation at border controls:
- Canadian passport (valid for at least 6 months on their arrival)
- A printed copy of their approved ETA
- Proof of onward travel (return ticket or onward ticket)
- Proof of funds to cover the period of stay
Canadian visitors who need to prolong their stay for more than the allowed time can request an ETA extension at the Colombo Immigration Office.
Visa on Arrival for Canadian travelers reaching Sri Lanka
Canadian passport holders are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival once they reach Sri Lanka if they have not had the time to request the ETA before their departure. They should note that this option is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and often includes queuing for long hours, sometimes after a long intercontinental flight. Canadians prefer the much more convenient Electronic Travel Authorization to visit Sri Lanka.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
Sri Lanka Visa Policy
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Familiarize yourself with the Sri Lanka visa policy and discover the travel requirements for your nationality.
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