The homeland of Ceylon tea has been attracting tourists like never before in recent years. This is not surprising. The country was closed to travel for a long time due to civil war, but since 2009, everything has changed dramatically. The small exotic island has become a magnet for tourists, digital nomads and lovers of warm winters. You can now get a visa for up to 10 years, although it is not that cheap — $1,000. If you do not plan to stay in the country for so long (up to 180 days in six months) and pay a lot, there are simpler options. The easiest one is to apply for a visa to Sri Lanka with our help. While you're thinking about it, I'll read out the whole list.
Why has Sri Lanka become popular?
People choose tours to Sri Lanka because of its compact size. You no longer have to choose between a beach vacation and active excursions. A couple of weeks is enough to get to know the island well and experience all the Sri Lankan flavor. You can try out different beaches, explore ancient sites, surf, climb mountains, and admire the world-famous tea plantations. There should be no language barrier if you know English. It's just a pity that there are no direct flights from Belarus yet.
Is there a visa on arrival?
In recent months, Sri Lanka's visa regime has changed several times. According to some sources, it is still possible to obtain a single-entry visa upon arrival. The price is $60 for 30 days, with the possibility of extending your stay on site. So why bother reading further? Because we do not recommend that you take a chance and fly to the country without a visa.
It is not yet known what else will change. It is better not to take any chances, otherwise you may get stuck at the airport for a long time while they check everything, fill out the paperwork, and decide how long you will stay on the island. Apply for a visa in advance. Especially since its price has not changed yet, although it was supposed to double.
The good news is that travelers from any country now do not need a transit visa if they stay at Sri Lankan airports for up to two days.
How do I get a visa?
Now, Belarusians need to put in a little more effort with forms and documents to vacation in Sri Lanka. Previously, it was easy to obtain an online entry permit (ETA), but even that website is no longer working. Electronic visas are now issued by the well-known VFS Global. Don't worry, it won't be like the Schengen situation. Things may have become more complicated, but not that much.
You need to register on the VZ website, fill out all the forms, upload a scan or photo of your passport, pay the fee, receive a personal number, and wait for your application to be approved. After submitting your e-visa application, you will receive a receipt with a unique number. Use it to track the status of your visa. Once it is ready, all you have to do is download and print the document. A standard tourist visa is issued for 30 days. It still costs $50: the price of the visa and the service fee.
The visa center takes a little longer than ETA, which sent an "approval" a few minutes after filling out the form. Everything else remains unchanged. If you want to stay in the country longer, you just need to pay more.
If you discover any suspended or failed transactions during the application process, do not create a new application or make a new payment. Contact technical support immediately.
Documents at the airport
Upon arrival, you must have a printed copy of your e-visa approval letter, return ticket, and passport with you. Important note: the document must not be new, but must be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into the country. And the usual six months after the end of your trip.
Transportation in Sri Lanka
Traveling around Sri Lanka is very convenient and comfortable even without renting a car. You can travel around the entire island inexpensively using public transport. The bus service is well developed, making it easy to reach any village or resort. But keep in mind that European buses and Sri Lankan buses are completely different. You may not like it at first, but there is always the option of ordering a taxi or a private air-conditioned minibus.
There are also trains with first and second class compartments. They are ideal for traveling to all popular beach resorts. Don't forget about tuk-tuks for short trips — a very popular form of transport on the island. It's worth taking a ride on one, if only for the new experience. There are tuk-tuk owners everywhere, so you won't have to look far. The price of a trip is $1-2. You can find out more about the major cities of Sri Lanka in this article.
Souvenirs
Not bringing tea from the former Ceylon is a crime. Even if it's just one packet, it's worth trying and taking it as a gift. Tea is sold everywhere. But! Keep in mind that there are also fakes. Good local tea is marked with a quality mark. Be sure to check the packaging and look for the lion and sword logo — this indicates that the producers are producing genuine, high-quality Ceylon tea. Everything you need to know about Ceylon and tea plantations is explained in this text.
I hope that applying for a visa on the website under the new rules will not take you long and will be more than compensated for by the enchanting exoticism of Sri Lanka. If you still want to go on a trip without any worries, leave all the bureaucratic issues to the specialists at visa agencies.
