Sri Lanka offers Visa to Belgians this winter

Previously, you had to apply for an ETA (entry clearance) in order to enter Sri Lanka, its cost was 50€.

In April 2024, this ETA was replaced by the E-Visa (online electronic visa), which cost €88.

On August 2, 2024, the e-Visa application service was suspended due to a lack of optimization. Sri Lanka then reintroduced the procedure for issuing Visas on the spot, on arrival at the immigration counter (cost €50 in cash, change is given back in LKR).

Sri Lanka offers 30-day tourist visa

Great news for future travelers… The Sri Lankan government has decided to waive consular fees for E-Visa applications from Belgians and 34 other nationalities wishing to visit Sri Lanka.

Indeed, from October 1, 2024 and for 6 months (until March 31, 2025, for the time being), citizens of 35 countries will no longer need to pay for the E-Visa, which will be free of charge. However, you will still need to complete the ETA online.

This initiative aims to boost tourism and revitalize the Sri Lankan economy, which has been badly hit in recent years.

Official sources: Cabinet of Ministers

For Belgians, this visa waiver represents an opportunity to discover Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wealth without the usual administrative hassle.

Normally, a 30-day visa costs around €50, which represents a significant saving for travellers. The autumn and winter months, from November to March, are considered the ideal time to visit Sri Lanka. During this period, the climate is drier and temperatures are pleasant, fluctuating between 25 and 30 degrees. It’s also the season when the landscape is at its greenest and the beaches most inviting.

We invite you to discover Sri Lanka’s must-see attractions

Sri Lanka, often dubbed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, offers a multitude of attractions for all types of travelers. Here are a few must-sees:

• South coast beaches: Beaches like Mirissa, Unawatuna and Tangalle are perfect for relaxing, surfing or whale watching.
• Ancient temples: The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the ruins of Anuradhapura are major historical sites that bear witness to the country’s rich Buddhist history.
• Tea plantations: The Nuwara Eliya and Ella hills offer breathtaking scenery and the chance to visit centuries-old tea plantations.
• National parks: Yala and Udawalawe are famous for their elephant, leopard and bird safaris.
• Cultural and gastronomic diversity: Sri Lanka is also known for its cultural diversity and delicious cuisine. Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian influences are reflected in festivals, customs and local gastronomy. Be sure to try traditional dishes such as rice and curry, hoppers and kottu roti.

For all arrivals in Sri Lanka until September 30, 2024

For travelers who have not yet received their E-Visa, it is provisionally issued on arrival for €50.
Please be patient, as there is no longer an online service, and all travelers must go through the immigration department.

The list of countries whose citizens can obtain a visa free of charge: