Travelling to Sri Lanka from Russia is possible as long as you have a Sri Lanka visa for Russian citizens. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island off India's coast, a country she shares immense historical links. It has long been a popular destination for vacation seekers in Asia and Russian visitors. The island enjoys multiple kinds of weather all year round, which is conducive to tourism and outdoor activities.
Furthermore, it is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species worldwide. Due to the unique species found on the Island that are not located anywhere else, Sri Lanka has become a popular spot for naturalists and conservationists.
As for the fun spots on the Island, there are countless hotspots across the length and breadth of the island. If you love spending time at the beach, the island has a long coastline with nice sandy beaches where you can spend fun hours, or you may spend time in the cities to learn about Sri Lankan culture.
The warm weather is another huge draw for Russian tourists escaping the harsh climate of the northern hemisphere. Sri Lanka is the perfect island to spend quality time with family and friends or learn more about a different culture.
Do Russians Need A Visa To Enter Sri Lanka?
Russians require visas to enter Sri Lanka as Russia is not on the visa-free list. However, the type of visas Russians require depends on their visit's purpose. Those coming in for tourism don’t need a conventional visa but an ETA; only those to spend a long time in Sri Lanka require a normal visa.
Sri Lanka ETA
ETA is an electronic travel authorization permit issued by Sri Lanka immigration to foreigners coming to the island for business or tourism. The document is not a visa but a travel document that grants the holder access to Sri Lanka. Electronic Travel Authorization permits are issued online after the applicant has submitted a completed and signed application form and including all the necessary documents.
Besides business and tourism, applicants may apply for this document if they are transiting through Sri Lanka.
If you don’t want to waste time at the Sri Lanka embassy in Moscow or you gave a short Timeline to make the trip, an ETA is your best bet. The processing time is often within 24 hours or not later than 72 hours unless in special situations. Also, you don’t have to submit your documents to any office for processing, as everything is done online.
Eta is valid for 30 days, and you may apply for a single entry or multiple entry eta.
Types of Sri Lanka Visa For Russian Citizens
If you don’t want to visit Sri Lanka for business or tourism which requires a tourist visa, there are other visas you may apply for as follows.
Work Visa: Russian passport holders who have secured employment in Sri Lanka may apply for a work visa. This visa is valid for 1 year and above, depending on the nature of the job and the length of the contract attached to it.
Religious Visa: Russians visiting for religious events may apply for a religious visa as Sri Lanka is a multi-faith nation, even though Buddhism is the major religion on the island.
Business Visa: This visa is for business engagements in Sri Lanka.
Visit Visa: Those with family or friends in Sri Lanka may apply for a visit visa to unite with their loved ones for a short time.
To apply for any of the above visas, you will need to submit your application to the Sri Lanka embassy in Moscow. An interview will be scheduled for you, and your documents will be reviewed. The process may take 15 working days or more before issuing the visa.
How To Apply For Sri Lanka ETA?
To apply for Sri Lankan ETA from Russia for tourism, business or transit visa, you can visit the VisaHQ visa application portal to submit yours in less than 30 minutes. Here are the steps to take.
Visit VisaHQ
Select Sri Lanka as your destination
Select Russia as your country
Choose the eta you want
Complete the application form
Scan your travel documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for processing
The electronic process is fast and easy, and you will get the visa within 72 hours.
Sri Lanka Visa For Russians Requirements
These are the visa requirements to apply for a visa. Note that other documents may be required besides the ones listed below
Russian passport with at least 6 months validity
Two coloured photographs
Email address
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation
Travel Itinerary
Cover Letter where applicable
Invitation letter, where applicable
Return flight ticket
When filling out the Sri Lanka visa for Russian citizens application form, make sure you check for errors so your request will not be rejected.