/ How to Extend Tourist Visa in Sri LankaSep 2025 · Upd.400 Comments9 min readShare This Post Table of ContentsIntroductionTwo Ways to Extend Tourist VisaOption 1 – Online ExtensionOption 2 – Visit the OfficeCommon Questions About Visa ExtensionBefore Visiting Immigration OfficeOffice Address & RoutePhoto Size for VisaVisa Extension FeeRequired DocumentsBest Time to VisitVisual Directions to Extend Visa4th Floor Layout – Bird’s-Eye ViewOffice EntranceToken & Application CounterPhoto CounterToken CallingApplication CounterPayment CounterVisa IssuingFinal VerificationExtend Your ExperienceFAQ – Tourist Visa ExtensionCommentsWhat You Need to Know Before Visiting Sri LankaThe New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Law ✅ Effective Date: October 15, 2025🛑 Key Change: ✅ All short-term visitors to Sri Lanka must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. ❎ The previous option of obtaining authorization at the airport upon arrival is no longer available. ➡️ How to Apply: The ETA can be easily obtained online through the official government websites: 👉 www.eta.gov.lk 👉 www.immigration.gov.lkImportant Travel Update: New ETA Requirements for Sri Lanka October 15, 2025If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka for tourism or business, there’s an important new requirement you must know about.🔴 The New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) LawEffective Date: October 15, 2025Key Change: All short-term visitors to Sri Lanka must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. The previous option of obtaining authorization at the airport upon arrival is no longer available.How to Apply: The ETA can be easily obtained online through the official government websites:www.eta.gov.lkwww.immigration.gov.lk💰 ETA Fees: Who Pays and Who Doesn’t?✅ FREE ETA for Tourism (Select Countries)Not everyone needs to pay! Citizens from the following countries can obtain a free tourist ETA:Completely Fee-Exempt (Bilateral Agreements):🇸🇨 Seychelles🇲🇻 Maldives🇸🇬 SingaporeFree Tourist ETA (Special Agreements):🇨🇳 China🇮🇳 India🇷🇺 Russia🇹🇭 Thailand🇮🇩 Indonesia🇲🇾 Malaysia🇯🇵 Japan⚠️ Paid ETA Required For:All tourists from countries not listed aboveAll business travelers (regardless of nationality)🌟 Why This MattersThis new system is designed to:Streamline border entry processesEnhance travel safety and securityMake tourism more efficient and organizedStrengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism infrastructure✈️ Planning Your Trip?Remember: Book your ETA before booking your flight! Don’t let a missing authorization delay your Sri Lankan adventure.Welcome to our beautiful island! 🌴🇱🇰Extend Tourist Visa in Sri Lanka > Step-by-Step Process for 2025Planning to stay longer in Sri Lanka? You’re not alone! The island’s tropical beauty attracts travelers all year round.If your temporary visa is about to expire, don’t worry, renewing it is easier than you think. In this 2025 step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to extend your Sri Lankan tourist visa, so you can keep enjoying life on this beautiful island. The good news? The process is simpler and smoother than it seems!2 Ways to Extend Your Tourist / Business VisaOption 1 - Online ExtensionYou can extend your tourist or business visa online through the e-Visa Extension portal without visiting the Immigration office in Colombo, Battaramulla The process allows you to check your eligibility using your passport number and country, submit your application with supporting documents, make an online payment, and receive your visa extension.– Link 01 | Link 02 Important Notes Based on User ExperienceSeveral users have encountered technical issues with the online system, including visa not found errors, ongoing visa application not found messages, and online payment failures, which have required them to visit the Immigration office in person instead. Upon checking with the local office, it was acknowledged that these reported issues are known and efforts are underway to resolve them.Option 2 - Visit the Immigration OfficeCurrently, the most reliable method is to submit your application and supporting documents directly to the Visa Section at the Department of Immigration & Emigration Head Office in Colombo, Battaramulla. You have two choices:Self-service: Complete the process yourself. it typically takes only a few hours if you follow the correct proceduresUse a service provider: Hire a local visa assistance company to handle the process on your behalf if you prefer not to do it yourselfCommon Questions About Visa ExtensionCan I apply for another visa before it expires?Yes. If you are a tourist who entered Sri Lanka within the landing endorsement period granted by the authorized officers at the port of entry, you can apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires.How many times can a tourist visa be extended?In the first instance you can get an extension of up to 90 days from the date of arrival. Secondly, another 90 days summing up to 180 days from the date of arrival. Documents Required for Extending a Visit Visa?If you have obtained a short-term visit visa, you must acquire the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. Foreigners should not enter the country without obtaining an ETA.Documents Required for Extending a Tourist Visa?✓ Return air ticket. ✓ Address and telephone number of the place of accommodation. ✓ Completed application form with a photograph of the applicant. ✓ Valid Passport. It is compulsory for the applicant to be present during the application and collection of the visa. This requirement is applicable only for those submitting applications at the Department of Immigration and Emigration (Head Office).Documents Required for Extending a Business Visa?✓ Completed application form with a photograph of the applicant. ✓ Request letter from the business institute/company/agency to extend the business visa. ✓ Valid Passport. ✓ The relevant person or an authorized representative from the business institute should be present to collect the visa. By following these guidelines and providing the necessary documents, you can smoothly extend your tourist visit visa in Sri Lanka. Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Immigration OfficeLocation, time, Fee, Documents & Photo SizeImmigration office sri lanka Address & RouteIf you plan to visit the immigration department in person and prefer to handle the process on your own, here is a comprehensive DIY guide to help you through the process. Your Visa Extension Sri Lanka Address: 4th Floor, Suhurupaya, Sri Subhuthipura Road, Battaramulla.Photo Size to Extend tourist VisaSri Lanka Visa Extension Photo Size : 35mm ( Width ) x 45mm (Height). Head must be between 70 -80 from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The background should be white. Photos must be in high-resolution colour taken in the last 6 months. You need to take the photo with a neutral expression. Wearing Glasses and head-wear are not permitted except religious or medical reason.Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Extension FeeSri Lanka tourist Visa Extension Fee is Depend on Your Country. Please Check Your Visa Extension Cost here Country30–60 Days61–180 Days181–270 DaysUSA, SINGAPORE, MALDIVES, SEYCHELLES, CZECH REPUBLICUSD 100USD 150USD 200ANY OTHER COUNTRY (INCLUDING EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, INDIA, GERMANY ETC.)USD 60USD 150USD 200Source: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration –Visa Fees PageRequired DocumentsSo, let us begin with the list of what you need there • Duly filled an application form• 1 Passport photo• Passport• Return ticket (optional)• Cash / credit card for visa extension fee It will be a lot easier if you do your homework before going there.Download Here Sri Lanka Visa Extension Application Form , print it and fill it properly. Take the photo and paste it on the appropriate place of the application. But, don’t worry if you couldn’t. You can take the application from there and fill. There is a photo counter too.Best time to goThe office is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM. But earlier you go, lesser the time you spend. However, you will have to spend some time waiting for your passport to come back. Hence better to be prepared with some entertainment, snacks and water.Visual Directions to Extend a Tourist Visa at the Immigration OfficeIf you’re visiting the Department of Immigration & Emigration head office in Battaramulla (Colombo), the building consists of multiple complexes, which can be confusing for tourists trying to figure out where to start and what to do next. To make things easier, our infographic guide offers clear step-by-step visuals to help you navigate the process smoothly and save valuable time. This Visual guide includes detailed floor plans and counter locations, enabling you to complete the process independently without assistance. It has already helped thousands readers successfully navigate the process, as shown by their thank you comments. This image guide takes you through each stage of the Sri Lanka tourist visa extension process. step by step, from the entrance of the Immigration Office to the moment you receive your extended visa.Sri Lanka Immigration Office 4th Floor Layout - Bird’s-Eye ViewThis is the complete floor plan visual of the 4th Floor of the Department of Immigration and Emigration office in Battaramulla. The image is designed from a bird’s-eye view, showing each section clearly separated by walls and numbered in order. After entering the main building (shown in Photo 01) and taking the elevator, you’ll arrive on this floor. The numbers indicate the path you’ll follow — starting from where you step out of the elevator to the Token Issuing Counter (02) and continuing through each section up to Point 07 as shown in the diagram.4th Floor Layout – Immigration Office, Sri Lanka01Immigration Office EntranceYou will be right there at the entrance to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to extend visa in Sri Lanka. Just follow the crowd and enter the building through the doors on your left. Walk to the back of the busy waiting area and take the exit to your right hand. Cross the small street and head up to the building where your office is in. Enter the building from the first glass door. Walk up to the elevators passing the front desk and take the elevators on your right hand side to get to the 4th Floor of the building. (You can NOT take the elevators on your left as they cater to floors above 9th level)Tip : Try to be there by 8.30 AM itself to avoid any delays.02Token & application issuing counterTake the right turn, walk up to the Visa division and enter the room passing the sign board which says “Welcome to the Visa Division”. Here you have to follow few steps to extend visa in Sri Lanka If you already have the duly completed application form along with a passport sized photo attached to it then there is nothing much to do here. Just hand the application over to the Token Issuing Counter that you find as soon as you enter the Visa division and obtain a token. Don’t forget to take the application back with you!! .03Photo taking CounterIf not, take an application from the Token Issuing Counter. Fill it properly and proceed to the photo counter to take a photo. Then show the filled application along with the photo back to the Token Issuing Counter and obtain a token from the Token Issuing Counter.04Token Calling CounterGo to the waiting area in the same room and stay vigilant for your number to be flashed on monitors. Once your number is called, hand over your token to the clerk behind the desk who scan it and ask you to proceed to Visa Applications Acceptance Unit.05Visa Application Accepting CounterIn here, there are 4 small office rooms labelled A to D and a waiting area where token numbers appear on a monitor as earlier. Take a seat and wait for your number to be flashed on the screen and proceed to the relevant office room mentioned against your token. The visa officer there will check your application, scan your passport and instruct you to do the payment at paying counters in Visa Division (where you started the process).06Payment CounterHead back to the Payment Counters and again wait for your token number to appear on the screen. When your number is called proceed to the counter, hand over your token and pay the relevant amount for your country of origin. You can either pay the equal amount in Sri Lankan Rupees by cash or in USD itself by credit card. Take your receipt and go to the Visa Issuing Counter.07Visa Issuing CounterYou will have to stay here for some time where your patience and entertainment options that you brought come in handy. You can also visit the canteen, found in the first building you entered, to have a snack. Check the monitors time to time and head to the counters up front when your number is called. Sign the release sheet and get your passport back.08Final VerificationMake sure that the visa extension sticker is pasted on your passport. Double check the new expiry date and other details.That is it! You have now earned yourself 60 extra days in Sri Lanka! Thank you for reading our Visual guide to extend visa in Sri Lanka !We hope you have a wonderful extended stay in Sri Lanka !! Extended your visa? Now extend your experience!Understand Sri Lanka beyond the mapWe hope this DIY guide helps you extend your visa smoothly — all by yourself, without any third-party assistance. While you’re in Colombo for your visa extension, why not make your stay more meaningful? Join our Rustic Cooking Class or Colombo Food Tour to discover Sri Lankan flavors through a fun, hands-on experience — from the local market to the kitchen table, or even while tasting authentic street food with a local guide. frequently asked questions about tourist visa extension sri lankaCan I extend my tourist visa as soon as I arrive in Sri Lanka?Yes. You can visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla soon after arrival and apply for an extension, even before your first 30 days are over. You’ll need a valid reason if you’re applying very early (e.g., long-distance travel plans or limited time in Colombo).Can I extend my tourist visa as soon as I arrive in Sri Lanka?Yes. You can visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla soon after arrival and apply for an extension, even before your first 30 days are over. You’ll need a valid reason if you’re applying very early (e.g., long-distance travel plans or limited time in Colombo).Is it possible to extend my visa online instead of visiting the immigration office?No. Currently, the visa extension process must be done in person at the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Battaramulla. Reapplying for the ETA online does not count as an extension.How much does it cost to extend a tourist visa?Fees depend on nationality. Most countries pay USD 60–200 depending on the duration (up to 270 days). Some countries like the USA, Singapore, or Maldives fall under a higher fee category.Can one person apply for visa extensions for their family?Yes, but all adults usually need to be present. For children, parents can submit the application on their behalf with supporting documents proving guardianship.How early should I extend my visa?You can extend your visa a few days before it expires, but it’s better to apply at least 3–5 days in advance to avoid last-minute issues.Can I extend my visa for only a few days (less than a month)?No. Extensions are generally issued for 30 days or longer. You’ll still need to pay the full fee even if you stay only a few extra days.What if my flight is one day after my visa expires?It’s always best to extend your visa even for one extra day. Overstaying without a valid extension can result in fines or complications during departure.Can I travel in and out of Sri Lanka after extending my visa?No. Once your visa is extended, it becomes single-entry only. If you leave the country, your visa (and extension) is automatically cancelled.Can I extend my visa for 6 months or more?Tourist visas can usually be extended up to 270 days (9 months) in total — typically 30, 90, and 180-day phases. Each requires a separate extension process.Do children need to come in person for visa extension?No. Children under 12 don’t have to be physically present, but parents must bring their passports, photos, and custody documents.Is an onward or return ticket required for the extension?It’s recommended to have one, but officers may not always ask for proof. However, having it avoids delays or rejections.Can I get help from an agency to extend my visa?Yes, there are agents who can assist, but the Immigration Department does not officially endorse third parties. Doing it yourself is cheaper and easy if you follow the steps.How long does the visa extension take?Usually 2–4 hours if you go early (by 8:30 AM). Some travelers reported completing it in less than 3 hours.Can I extend my visa at the airport when I arrive?No. The extension process is only available at the Department of Immigration in Battaramulla, not at airports.we`d love to hear from you We Love hearing your feedback !! Because your opinion matters to us. we appreciate you taking some time to share your feedback on below comment section. your valuable feedback will certainly help us for better understandings how we can improve your experience. Thank you in advance for your kind assistance & We’re looking forward to hearing what you have to say!. About The AuthorCeylon Rustic GuideCeylon Rustic Guide is a premier Sri Lankan culinary and cultural tourism company, bringing over a decade of specialized experience in crafting authentic food and travel adventures that showcase the island's rich heritage and flavors.