Sri Lanka: A Nation of Infinite Beauty and Charm for Australian Citizens

Updated on Jun 18, 2024 | Sri Lanka e-Visa

Sri Lanka is one of the rare exquisite South Asian countries that have pleasant tropical climate, divine turquoise blue beaches, lip-smacking cuisine, beautiful national and marine parks to explore rare species of flora and fauna, breath-taking landscapes and gifted natural beauty. In the present years, Sri Lanka has become one of the top tourist destinations for international travellers across the globe who love to explore the natural beauty and imperial history of Sri Lanka.

For the nationals of Australia, Sri Lanka is not only a nation of infinite beauty and charm, but also a country of opportunities to explore the business and entrepreneurship sectors with a booming economy and constant growth of the employment sector. Since Australian citizens are not the residents of Sri Lanka, they will have to obtain a Visa to enter Sri Lanka.

Visas are essential legal travel permits that enable international visitors to enter Sri Lanka for various purposes such as tourism, business, transit, etc. No matter what the purpose of travel is, a specific Visa type is always associated with it which facilitates the stay of a traveller in Sri Lanka to fulfil all their planned purposes of visit.

Nowadays, with the introduction of a Sri Lanka eVisa, travellers have started to apply for a Sri Lanka Visa online which is popularly referred to as the ‘Sri Lanka eTA’. The introduction of a Sri Lanka eVisa in the world of international travel and tourism has surely simplified the process through which an applicant can obtain a valid Visa for Sri Lanka without going through the hassle of making appointments with the Embassy or consulate office.

In this comprehensive post about the Sri Lanka eVisa for Australian citizens, we will be exploring the process of application of an eVisa, the requirements to obtain a valid eVisa, the advantages of a Sri Lanka eVisa for Australians and much more.

What Is the Sri Lanka eVisa For Australian Citizens?

Before an Australian passport holder steps out of Australia to visit Sri Lanka, they will have to understand the concept of an eVisa and how to obtain it. In simple terms, an eVisa for Sri Lanka is an official travel authorization system that permits international travellers to visit Sri Lanka with an eVisa that is obtained electronically without sending important documents to the Embassy or making long visits to the consulate office. The eVisa or eVisa system for Sri Lanka is extremely contrary to the traditional method of obtaining a visa for Sri Lanka. The modern and advanced system of a Sri Lanka eVisa for Australian citizens is a time-saving and cost-saving method of obtaining a valid permit for travelling to Sri Lanka from Australia that ensures that all travellers are able to plan a trip to Sri Lanka without worrying about the lengthy Visa application procedures and expensive Visa charges.

What Are the Types of Sri Lanka eVisa For Australian Citizens?

The Sri Lanka eVisa for Australian citizens offer three main eVisa types that are specifically designed to cater to various travel purposes that a visit might have in their mind. Since choosing an appropriate eVisa type is extremely important to fulfil all travel motives to Sri Lanka, here is a detailed explanation of all three major eVisa types and their validity periods-

The Sri Lanka Tourist eVisa

A Tourist eVisa for Sri Lanka is mainly a digital travel authorization for indulging in travel and tourism related activities in Sri Lanka such as- sightseeing, exploring natural attractions and historical landmarks, learning the Sri Lankan language and trying the local cuisine, explore the beauty and blissfulness of the Sri Lankan landscapes and much more.

What Is the total validity of a Sri Lanka Tourist eTA?

The total validity of a Sri Lanka Tourist eVisa for Australians is 90 days.

What is the permitted duration of stay in Sri Lanka with the Tourist eTA?

The permitted duration of stay in Sri Lanka with the eVisa is 30 days.

What is the number of entries provided on each Tourist eTA?

On each Tourist eVisa, travellers will be provided Single-Entry.

The Sri Lanka Business eVisa

A Business eVisa for Sri Lanka is generally an eVisa that is obtained for business and commercial purposes in Sri Lanka through which the visitors will be able to attend meetings, conferences and seminars in Sri Lanka or take part in contract negotiations or attend and participate in social and cultural events, etc.

What Is the total validity of a Sri Lanka Business eTA?

The total validity of a Sri Lanka Business eVisa for Australians is 365 days.

What is the permitted duration of stay in Sri Lanka with the Business eTA?

The permitted duration of stay in Sri Lanka with the Business eVisa is 90 days per visit.

What is the number of entries provided on each Business eTA?

On each Business eVisa, travellers will be provided multiple entries.

The Sri Lanka Transit eVisa

A Sri Lanka Transit eVisa is obtained by visitors who are planning to transit through Sri Lanka to a third location. With the Transit eVisa, visitors will be allowed to transit or layover in Sri Lanka for a constant period of 48 hours.

What Is the total validity of a Sri Lanka Transit eTA?

The total validity of a Sri Lanka Transit eVisa for Australians is 02 days.

What is the permitted duration of stay in Sri Lanka with the Transit eTA?

The permitted duration of stay in Sri Lanka with the Transit eVisa is 48 hours.

What is the number of entries provided on each Transit eTA?

On each Transit eVisa, travellers will be provided a single entry.

What Are the Documents Required to Obtain an eVisa For Sri Lanka?

The passport holders of Australia, who wish to enter Sri Lanka with an eVisa, will have to meet certain documentation requirements to apply for an eVisa online that include-

  • An Australian passport that is valid for a period of 180 days from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
  • A digital passport style photograph that should be clear and well-focused.
  • An active email address. This can either be the personal email of the applicant of a work email that is frequently checked by the applicant.
  • A valid credit card or debit card to make a secure and safe online payment of the eVisa fees.
  • Scanned copy of the passport information page which displays the important personal details of the applicant.
  • eVisa specific documents such as an invitation letter or proof of employment/business ownership for obtaining a Business eVisa, etc.

What Is the Online Application Process to Obtain A Sri Lanka eVisa From Australia?

The online application procedure to obtain a Sri Lanka eVisa for Australian citizens include the following steps-

Access An Online Sri Lanka eVisa Application Website

The first step towards applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa from Australia is to go to Online Sri Lanka Visa. The applicant can either choose to apply via the official eVisa website. Or they can access a different reputable eVisa application website online.

Complete Filling Out the Sri Lanka eVisa Application Form

The second step towards applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa from Australia is to complete filling out the Sri Lanka eVisa application form. This form will be widely available on the website through which the applicant is applying for an eTA. Please make sure that the applicant is filling out this application form correctly with truthful and accurate information only.

Review The Filled eVisa Application Form

The third step towards applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa from Australia is to review the filled eVisa application form. Once the applicant has completed filling out the eVisa application form, they will be given an opportunity to double-check and review the details they have filled. Ensure that all details are correct and no question fields are left empty. It is always advisable that applicants keep their passport handy while filling out the application form as most details asked in the form are present in the passport.

Payment Of the Sri Lanka eVisa Fees

Once the applicant reviews their information, they will be directed towards the payment of the eVisa fees online. Payment mediums that are widely accepted for fee payment are credit cards and debit cards like Visa, MasterCard or Amex.

Sri Lanka eVisa Confirmation

As soon as the applicant pays the eVisa fees, they will be receive a confirmation email about the same which will indicate that the applicant's application has been received. The applicant will now have to wait for around 02 to 03 business days to obtain an outcome/approval of their eVisa application.

Sri Lanka eVisa Result

The applicant can expect their eVisa application result to arrive in their registered email inbox. The result can be an approved eVisa in a pdf file format which should be printed out. Or the result can be a rejected eVisa application which is a rare outcome. In the case of a rejected eVisa, the applicant can re-apply for it.

To check the status of the Business e-Visa for Sri Lanka, the applicant can use Sri Lanka Visa Status utility.

What Are the Top Tourist Destinations to Explore in Sri Lanka For Australian Citizens 2024?

After learning about how to obtain a Sri Lanka eVisa for Australian citizens, it is time to delve into the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka to explore this vacation-

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a famous tourist spot in Sri Lanka where visitors can learn about a sixteen-thousand-year-old Sigiriya fortress. This fortress was created by King Kasyapa. Sigiriya is one of the most-visited ancient and historical landmarks in Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

To witness the highest level of natural beauty in Sri Lanka, visitors should head to the Yala National Park where they can experience a fresh breath of nature and wildlife sceneries like never before. The perfect way to explore all corners of this national park is by booking a safari tour.

Galle Face Green

For all shopaholics, the Galle Face Green location in Sri Lanka is the best spot for shopping as they can buy the highest quality of hand-made bed sheets, beautifully designed lamps, carefully stitched cushion covers, etc at mind-blowing prices.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is well-known for housing a wide range of endemic species of birds and animals. It is a top tourist destination in Galle.

Bentota Beach

For all golden sand beach lovers, the Bentota beach is an incredible location in Sri Lanka where visitors can catch the best glimpse of sunrise and sunset at the peaceful shore of the mighty Indian Ocean. A road trip to the Bentona beach from Colombo is recommended to get to the location.

Summary

  • All Australian passport holders should make sure that they are applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa for Australian citizens at least 05 days before the date on which they plan to start their journey to Sri Lanka.
  • Collect all important documents and keep them on-hand before starting the eVisa application process to experience a hassle-free and smooth application process.
  • All applicants should first finalise their purposes of visit to Sri Lanka and then apply for an appropriate eVisa type. Please note that an eVisa can be obtained for fulfilling three major purposes of visit.
  • The Sri Lanka eVisa fees should be paid using a widely accepted credit card or debit card to make sure that there are no issues in the confirmation of the payment.
  • With the Sri Lanka eVisa, Australian citizens can enter Sri Lanka via the sea route or the air route.

READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sri Lanka e-Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Sri Lanka.


Apply for Sri Lanka e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Citizens from Denmark, Canada, France and New Zealand can apply online for Sri Lanka e-Visa.