Sri Lanka visa for US citizens: How to get it and other requirements

Things to do in Sri Lanka abound. The range is unbelievable: from the most stunning natural landscapes of the Central Highlands to ancient cities with millennia of history, you’ll never be bored on this island.

However, as you prepare for your trip, you might start to wonder: What travel document do US citizens need to explore the places to visit in Sri Lanka? Here you will learn everything about the process to get the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens.

Do US citizens need visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, it’s mandatory to get a Sri Lanka visa for US citizens. Since they’re one of the eligible nationalities, the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens can be applied for online. This application method is much more comfortable than having to go in person to the Sri Lankan embassy in your home country. Now, you can apply for the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens in just a few minutes and in your own language directly on Visagov.com. 

The 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa for US citizens has a 30-day validity period and it allows one entry, you can stay a maximum of 30 days with this visa. You also have the option of a 60-day tourist visa that allows two entries with a maximum stay of 60 days. This one is valid for 180 days.

Sri Lanka visa requirements for US citizens

The Sri Lanka visa requirements for US citizens are:

• Having a valid passport
• Recent picture in the best quality possible
• Filling out the application form with truthful information
• Paying the visa fees with a bank card
• Providing a current email address to receive the approved travel document

Read more about this subject in our guide about the entry requirements Sri Lanka.

What is the cost of the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens?

The cost of the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens is 52.08 USD for the single entry visa. You can pay the Sri Lanka ETA fees with a credit or debit card.

How long does it take to get a Sri Lanka visa for US citizens?

The Sri Lanka visa for US citizens usually takes one day to be processed. However, to work around any unexpected issues or additional information requests, you should apply at least 15 days before traveling or more, but no more than 90 days before.

Where is the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the US?

The Embassy of Sri Lanka is located in Washington, DC. 

Address: 3025 Whitehaven St NW, Washington, DC 20008

Telephone: +1 (202) 483 4025 - 26

Fax: +1 (202) 232 2329

Where is the Embassy of the US in Sri Lanka?

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka is located in Colombo.

Address: 210 Colombo - Galle Main Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka

Telephone: 011-202-8500

Website: https://lk.usembassy.gov/ 

What are the vaccine requirements for Sri Lanka for US citizens?

There are no mandatory vaccine requirements for US citizens that wish to visit Sri Lanka. However, if a US citizen has recently traveled to a country endemic of yellow fever, or had a layover in one for more than 12 hours, then they will need to present a vaccination certificate to be granted access into Sri Lanka.

Nevertheless, the CDC recommends the following vaccinations to all travelers wishing to enter into Sri Lanka:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles
• Hepatitis A and B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Rabies
• Typhoid

What is the time difference between Sri Lanka and the US?

The time zone of Sri Lanka is Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30). Comparing to the 6 time zones existing in the US, the time difference is:

• Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST): UTC-10. There’s a 15:30-hour difference.
• Alaska Standard Time (AST): UTC-9. There’s a 14:30-hour difference.
• Pacific Standard Time (PST): UTC-8. There’s a 13:30-hour difference.
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): UTC-7. There’s a 12:30-hour difference.
• Central Standard Time (CST): UTC-6. There’s a 11:30-hour difference.
• Eastern Standard Time (EST): UTC-5. There’s a 10:30-hour difference.

What is the currency of Sri Lanka and the exchange rate to US Dollars?

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The current exchange rate to US Dollars is:

• 1 LKR = 0.003 USD
• 1 USD = 301.33 LKR

How to travel to Sri Lanka from the US

Due to the great distance between the two countries, there are no direct flights arriving in Sri Lanka from the US. However, you can get flights with at least one layover from any major US city (including Miami, New York, San Francisco, Dallas and more).