Tourist VISA extension
Hi, I've just entered Sri Lanka on a 30 day tourist VISA. Does anyone have up to date information on how to extend it? Can it be done online? Asking around and checking the internet I'm getting various answers. Many thanks in advance.
Well up to last week it was only 30-day extensions in person. But as ETA system has reverted to April 2024 model, it's worth trying to extend online (with 60 days). And tell us how it went...
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14G1n2RcRpu7By4G1EpXirg0WWUMj5K9PysDnAlwNdN0/edit
-Erik> & [Sandya]
Thanks @Sandya-and-Erik. So I fell at the first hurdle. Tried entering my Passport Number and Nationality for the online application but received an error "VISA not found". I only arrived yesterday so maybe it takes a day or two to update on the system. I'll try again tomorrow.
Ah, maybe I have to register first on the Department of Immigration and Emigration website? Previously I just went straight to the Online Application for Visa Extension page without creating an account.
OK. I'm learning now that Sri Lanka introduced a new online Arrival Card system. I didn't do this, and can't do it now because it's not possible to back date the arrival date. I wasn't required to present or fill out a paper copy of the Arrival Card at the airport so I'm wondering if this is preventing me from applying for the extension online? Also, is there likely to be any repercussions (fines etc) for not filling out the online Arrival Card? I've tried calling this morning on two different numbers 112 101 500 and 0115 329 000 with no luck.
Can't imagine. The whole arrival card system basically became redundant in 2013 when ETAs were introduced, but last year instead of finally dumping it they added an online option :-( To my knowledge it's is not at all linked with the ETA-visa system, hence I would be very surprised if the arrival card status would impact getting an online extension or not. But feel free to ask as extra question once you, sadly, end up in person in Colombo-Battaramulla office for the extension ;-)
-Erik> & [Sandya]
No worries. Thanks so much. I've sent several emails already to various different email addresses and to my surprise actually had one (and so far my only) reply about an hour ago. Also no surprise that the reply was completely useless :-) They just directed me to the website where I was having a problem. I'll persevere and post back here for the benefit of others if I find a solution.
PS : After being stuck in Delhi for three weeks last year after my passport was stolen, a day trip up to Colombo doesn't feel like such a big deal !
OK. For anyone else experiencing this issue, I think I've made some progress. For whatever reason, the online system is now recognizing my passport number.
I sent several emails out over the weekend but this time I included full details as follows : Name, Passport Number, Nationality, Visa Application Number, VISA Receipt Number, Arrival Date and Mobile Number. I also attached a copy of my VISA receipt from the airport.
Either someone has picked up one of my emails and manually entered me on the system, or maybe you can't apply for an extension in the first week (it's now October 8th and I arrived on October 1st). Anyway, whatever the reason, my online application has been submitted so now I wait 3 days and hope I get an email with a payment link.
Maximum available extension was 60 days so I went for that.
PS : Be warned, all file uploads have to be less than 100k which isn't always easy.
Happy to report VISA extension is now complete. 60 days for $100.
Did you receive the payment link on the same day?
Yes. Amazingly within about 6 hours. They said it could take up to 3 days.
