Vacation ... This sweet word is associated with the majority of the sunny summer, golden beaches and languid recreation in the shade of southern palms ... But what if your vacation time fell on the cold season? Of course, you can go to a ski resort and enjoy the beauty of winter nature. And you can choose a tropical paradise, blooming with all the colors of the world, regardless of the season. This is the place where Sri Lanka is.
When preparing for a trip, remember that the guarantee of a successful holiday is in careful preparation. Therefore, we advise you to learn more about the country of destination, local customs, laws and regulations. And we will help you in this.
In this article, we will talk about the specifics of issuing a visa to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: Do I need a visa?
Until recently, citizens of Ukraine and the Russian Federation could visit Sri Lanka without visas. Visa-free travel extended to visits for tourist purposes with a continuous duration of up to 30 days. Business visa is given for 15 days, but it can be multiple. It is also possible to obtain a so-called "transit" visa, which gives the right to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 7 days. Now the procedure for entry has changed a little. In fact, a preliminary visa for entry is still not required. To obtain an entry permit, you only need to comply with customs regulations (not to import weapons, drugs, historical and cultural values and other prohibited items and materials), have the necessary documents and print a preliminary permit to visit Sri Lanka. More details about obtaining the preliminary electronic permission we will tell further.
Visa to Sri Lanka 2013
Despite the fact that no visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka for Ukrainians and Russians, it is necessary to prepare an entry permit in advance: from 01.01.2012, citizens of countries with visa-free entry for visiting Sri Lanka need to issue a preliminary electronic permit (ETA ). You can do it yourself using the form on the site.
Previously, the registration of such an application was free, but from 01/01/2013 for its registration, Russians and Ukrainians will have to pay. The cost of a visa to Sri Lanka for citizens of Ukraine and Russia - 30 USD (for each adult, over 12 years), children under 12 years - free of charge. After submitting an application, you will be assigned an individual number, according to which you can check the status of the design. As a rule, consideration of an application and issuing a permit takes no more than 72 hours. After obtaining permission, you should print and take it with you. It is on the basis of a printout at the airport that you will be issued a visa. Of course, a visa can be obtained in advance - by visiting the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow.
If you do not want to deal with obtaining permits yourself - entrust it to authorized agents, tour operators or a trusted person.
You can also visit Sri Lanka without first submitting an electronic application. But in this case, the procedure for permission to enter will have to pass at the airport, upon arrival. It will take some time and will cost more - USD 35 from every adult (over 12 years old). Registration for children under 12 years old is free of charge.
For trouble-free passage of border control, take care of the availability of all necessary documents:
- a foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from Sri Lanka);
- return ticket with departure date;
- voucher for tourist services ;
- a migration card filled in English;
- money (at the rate of 30-50 USD for every day of stay in the country).
Do not forget to issue children's travel documents (or write them into the parents' passport).
As you can see, preparing for a trip to Sri Lanka in advance is not so difficult. Rest with the mind!