Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Sri Lanka’s Visa and Passport Info for British Travellers

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular Indian Ocean destinations, such that it sees streams of visitors booking cheap flights tickets to the country, year on year! However, it is smart to remain heedful of entry requisites to Sri Lanka before spending on flights tickets to ensure smooth holidays in the destination. 

Passport Requisites :-
Britons booking tickets on flights landing in the country need to have a valid passport to enter the country. Additionally, the passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry in Sri Lanka.

Visa Requisites :-
British nationals booking flights tickets to the island must procure a valid visa before-hand. As of January 1, 2012, Britons booking flights tickets to the destination are required to obtain short stay visas (SSV) through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and pay the suitable processing fee. For further details, visit the ETA official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Travellers having difficulty in accessing the ETA System may obtain SSV in person from the Sri Lankan High Commission or by post prior to their travel. 

The trials for the ETA System started on 1 October 2011 and became mandatory from 1 January 2012. Earlier, British passport holders taking tickets on flights arriving in the country received a 30-day visit visa, free of charge, on arrival.

Those booking flights tickets to undertake voluntary activity and any kind of paid or unpaid work in Sri Lanka must obtain an appropriate visa from the Sri Lankan High Commission or Embassy before commencing their travel. 

FCO website, www.fco.gov.uk, must be referred for more detailed and updated information.

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