The Arrival Card Sri Lanka is an online immigration form introduced by the government of Sri Lanka to facilitate entry to foreign travelers entering Sri Lanka by air or sea.

The introduction of the Sri Lanka immigration arrival card eliminated the need to complete any paper forms upon arriving in the country, as the system functions online.

Travelers planning to visit Sri Lanka should complete the online Arrival Card for Sri Lanka 7 days before the intended trip. The online application consists of a few very intuitive steps, including filling out a short online application form by providing essential details and covering the processing fee.

Once the immigration authorities approve the Sri Lanka Arrival Card, its confirmation is sent to the applicant’s email inbox. There is no requirement to hold a printed copy of the arrival card confirmation, as the card is automatically linked to the traveler’s passport. Once you arrive in Sri Lanka, just remember to present your valid passport to the border officials.

Important note: The Sri Lanka Arrival Card is not the same as the Sri Lankan ETA. If your nationality does not exempt you from Sri Lanka visa requirements, you will need to complete both documents, i.e., ETA and arrival card, to ensure smooth entry to the country.

Arrival Card Sri Lanka

Who needs to complete the online Arrival Card Sri Lanka

All foreign visitors traveling to Sri Lanka, whether by air or sea, should complete the arrival card before arriving in the country.

No traveler group is currently exempt from the requirement to complete the Sri Lanka online Arrival Card.

When to submit the Sri Lanka Arrival Card

The arrival card application can be submitted within 7 days of the planned arrival date in Sri Lanka.

Completing the application form earlier is possible, but you need to remember that all the submitted details must be true, correct, and up-to-date.

Please also note that if you complete the form much in advance of your journey, we will process it closer to your intended arrival date.

How to complete the arrival card for Sri Lanka online

To submit your arrival card without any issues, make sure to follow these straightforward application guides:

  1. Fill out a short online form: enter all required details, leaving no mandatory fields empty; double-check if all of your data is error-free and move on to the next step.
  2. Cover the service fee: choose one of the available methods of online payment and cover the fee.
  3. Refresh your email inbox: just after your payment is complete, remember to check your email address and receive all the updates on your online application, as well as the confirmation of your processed arrival card for Sri Lanka.

You don’t need to print the confirmation out. The Sri Lanka Arrival Card will be digitally linked to your passport so that only presenting a valid passport is necessary when arriving in Sri Lanka.

Arrival Card Sri Lanka

Information necessary to complete the arrival card for Sri Lanka

All travelers entering Sri Lanka either by air or sea will be asked to provide the following information:

  • name and surnames
  • passport number
  • gender
  • date of birth
  • planned arrival date
  • ship name or flight number
  • contact information (email address, phone number)
  • accommodation details in Sri Lanka
  • travel purpose (business, education, work, holidays, medical treatment, immigration, etc.)
  • transportation mode (air/sea)
  • arrival and departure ports

Important: The Sri Lanka Arrival Cars is a legal document. Submitting false declarations may impose serious consequences, including financial penalties, deportation, or even imprisonment. Make sure that all the details you provide in the online application are true and up-to-date.

Requirements for completing the online Sri Lanka Arrival Card

The requirements that need to be met are straightforward and can be completed by every applicant. To submit your application, you will only need to prepare the following:

  • a passport with at least 6-month validity extending beyond the planned arrival in Sri Lanka
  • an active email address
  • a valid method of online payment
  • a smartphone/laptop/PC/tablet with a stable Internet connection

FAQ

What is the Sri Lanka Arrival Card?

The Sri Lankan Arrival Card is a digital immigration form that eliminates the need to complete any paper forms upon arrival in Sri Lanka. All foreigners must complete the card online within 7 days of the planned arrival in the country.

Is the Arrival Card the same as the Sri Lanka ETA?

No. The arrival card and ETA are two separate documents. In most cases, you must complete the application for ETA Sri Lanka and complete the online arrival card to enter Sri Lanka issue-free.

What is the validity period of the Sri Lankan Arrival Card?

The card covers only one single trip. Any time one needs to enter Sri Lanka, a new Sri Lanka Arrival Card must be submitted.

The card covers only one single trip. Any time one needs to enter Sri Lanka, a new Sri Lanka Arrival Card must be submitted.

No. The system was introduced in order to eliminate the need to complete any forms on arrival. That is why all travelers need to complete the arrival card before arriving in Sri Lanka.

What is the purpose of the arrival card for Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lanka Arrival Card system’s main goal is to pre-screen all travelers who are considering visiting Sri Lanka. This way, immigration officers have less work at the borders, and travelers can enjoy smooth movement without wasting their time in immigration lanes.