Canadians planning a vacation to Sri Lanka will have to apply for a Sri Lanka visa for Canadian first before boarding a plane. The good news is that they don’t have to wait in line for several days to get the visa, as the process is much faster than ever before. The rapid electronic travel authorization scheme is open to Canadian applicants looking for short-stay visas.
They don’t have to visit the Sri Lankan embassy to apply in person, nor do they have to submit physical documents to any visa center.
The entire process is done online, from filling out the application form to submitting soft copies of their documents. The process is highly convenient, and the visa, or Eta as it is popularly called, will be forwarded to their email address once their application is approved.
Do Canadians Really Need ETA to enter Sri Lanka?
Canadians cannot enter Sri Lanka without an entry permit which may be an ETA or q conventional visa. Canada is not on the Visa Exemption list, so all passport holders must get a visa first.
What Is The Difference Between ETA and a Normal Visa?
Both are entry permits, but one is obtained online and the other in person. An electronic travel authorization permit is linked to your passport and confirmed by email. Once the visitor arrives at the airport, they only need to submit their passport and the confirmed visa to the immigration desk for review. They don’t have to apply to the embassy or any other visa agent in person.
On the other hand, a normal visa is only obtained in person and not online. While ETA is for short stays, normal visas often last for more than 180 days.
If you want to visit for the holidays or you will only spend a short time in Sri Lanka, an electronic travel authorization is your best bet. The application process is simple and convenient, and you will get the document in no time.
Types of Sri Lanka ETA Visa For Canadians
Canadian passport holders can avail of the following visas.
Tourist ETA: This ETA is for Canadian tourists looking to spend their holidays in Sri Lanka. It is designed for sightseeing as well so you can tour any part of the country you wish. Tourist eta is valid for 180 days with a 90 days maximum stay.
Business ETA: Business ETA is for multiple entries into Sri Lanka for business meetings, events, etc.
Transit ETA: Canadian travelers changing flights at Sri Lanka’s airport may apply for this visa. It is valid for two days and allows for brief stops to rest and refresh oneself before continuing on a journey.
Visitor ETA: This document is for Canadians with family or friends in Sri Lanka. They can visit and spend some time with them.
Religious ETA: Those who are clergy members or religious folks attending a religious event in Sri Lanka may apply for a religious ETA.
Al Sri Lankan electronic travel authorization permits are valid for 180 days, allowing the holder to stay for 30 or 90 days, depending on their respective permit.
Sri Lanka Visa For Canadians Requirements
Only candidates that meet the requirements will be offered a visa by the Sri Lankan government. There are important documents the applicant must submit with their visa application form, and we review them below.
Canadian Passport: A Canadian passport is one of the most important documents for a visa application. The authorities will only accept a passport with at least 6 months of validity. If the passport expires less than 6 months counting from the date of arrival, the application will be rejected. Also, the passport must have one or two unused pages.
Card: A bank-issued credit or debit card must be used to pay the visa fee; otherwise, your application will not be processed. This fee is non-refundable and does not indicate that you will get the visa if other conditions are not met.
Email Address: An email address is required to receive the online visa once it is approved. Applicants are advised to submit only valid emails that they have access to.
Round Ticket: You must reserve tickets for the round trip to and from Canada to serve as proof that you have every intention of returning to Canada at the end of your trip.
Proof of funds: You need to show a Bank statement for at least three months containing sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Sri Lanka.
Proof of accommodation: Hotel Reservation or a house address in Sri Lanka where you plan to stay.
Cover Letter: The letter should explain the purpose of the trip and provide key details like where you plan to visit as well as your arrival and departure date. It must be signed by you.
Invitation Letter: A signed invitation letter sent to you by the organization or person in Sri Lanka if you were invited.
The authorities may request additional documents, but these are the notable documents for general visa applications.
How to Apply For A Sri Lanka Visa
For long-term visas of 1 year and above, you must visit the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in Canada to submit the application form and physical copies of your documents. However, for Short stay visas, you can apply for an ETA online by doing the following.
Visit VisaHQ
Select Sri Lanka as your destination
Select Canada as your country of citizenship
Choose the visa you want
Fill out the application form
Upload all necessary documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for approval