Sri Lanka to start e-visa for 78 countries

Sept 27, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka will start electronic visa approval for 78 countries with a online portal being opened after September 30, but Singapore and Maldives nationals will continue to be given on arrival visas at entry points, the island's border agency said.

The online visas could be applied through www.eta.gov.lk, Sri Lanka's department of immigration and emigration said.

The border agency said applications have to be submitted in English but explanatory information would be given on the site in nine languages.

'Electronic travel authorization' could be sought by applicants themselves, a third party, a registered agent and Sri Lankan embassies.

Air and ship crew and citizens of Maldives and Singapore would continue to get 'visa on arrival' facilities at entry points.

Both Maldives and Singapore give visa on arrival facilities to Sri Lankan nationals.