Do Children Require a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?

Yes. Every child, regardless of age, must have a visa to enter Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applies to all travelers — including babies and minors. While certain age groups are exempt from government fees, each child still needs an individual e-Visa application and approval before their trip.

Understanding Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Children

Sri Lankan immigration policies treat children as separate travelers, meaning each one must apply for their own e-Visa. This ensures proper travel documentation and compliance with international travel standards.

Key Points

Individual Applications: Each child must complete a separate e-Visa form
Service Fee: Applies to every applicant, no matter the age
Documents: Same requirements as adult travelers
Passport: Each child must hold their own passport
Parental Consent: Needed if a child is traveling alone or with one parent

Benefits of Individual Applications

Proper Records: Each child has a unique travel record
Travel Flexibility: Children can travel independently if needed
Easy Tracking: Application progress can be monitored per child
Full Compliance: Meets all immigration and safety standards

Age-Based Visa Requirements

Infants (Under 12 Months)

Visa Needed: Yes, separate application required
Service Fee: Always applies
Passport: Individual or included in parent’s passport (if accepted)
Documents: Passport scan and birth certificate
Notes: Some countries may still list infants on a parent’s passport

Children (1–11 Years)

Visa Needed: Yes, individual application required
Service Fee: Applies to all
Passport: Must have their own passport
Documents: Birth certificate, passport scan, and travel itinerary
Parental Consent: Needed when traveling with one parent only

Teenagers (12–17 Years)

Visa Needed: Yes, separate e-Visa required
Service Fee: Applies
Passport: Must hold their own passport
Documents: Same as adult applicants
Parental Consent: Required for solo or accompanied travel by non-parents

Young Adults (18+ Years)

Visa Needed: Yes, individual e-Visa required
Service Fee: Applies
Government Fee: Applies
Passport: Individual passport mandatory
Documents: Full adult set of documents
Parental Consent: Not required

Special Cases and Exemptions

Diplomatic Passports

Children holding diplomatic passports may have different entry rules based on bilateral agreements.

Infants in Parent’s Passport

While some countries still allow infants on a parent’s passport, this practice is rare and may not be accepted for e-Visa processing.

Emergency Travel

Children traveling for medical emergencies must still apply individually, though expedited processing may be possible.

School Groups

Even in organized school trips, each student must hold an individual e-Visa. Schools may assist with bulk submissions.

Required Documents for Children's Visas

Core Documents (All Children)

Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date
Passport Scan: Clear copy of bio-data page
Birth Certificate: With English translation if applicable
Travel Itinerary: Including flights and accommodation
Application Form: Completed and submitted online

Additional Documents (As Needed)

Parental Consent Letter: If traveling with one parent
Guardian Letter: For travel with a non-parent guardian
School Letter: If traveling during school term
Medical Certificate: For medical-related travel
Adoption Papers: Where relevant

File Requirements

Format: PDF or JPEG
Size: Up to 2MB per file
Quality: Must be readable and clear
Language: English or certified translation
Validity: Documents must be up to date

Infants’ Additional Documentation

Birth Certificate: Listing both parents
Passport Photo: Recent and visa-compliant
Parent’s Passport: If the infant is listed under it
Medical Records: For health-related travel

Application Process for Children

Step-by-Step Guide

Collect Documents: Prepare all required materials
Start the Application: Begin the child’s online form
Enter Details: Fill in accurate personal and travel information
Upload Documents: Attach passport and birth certificate scans
Double-Check: Review all data carefully
Pay Fees: Submit payment based on the fee chart below
Get Approval: e-Visa approval will be sent via email

Helpful Application Tips

Use Parent’s Email: For all communication and notifications
Add Parent Details: Include parent names in application notes
Apply Together: Submit family applications at the same time
Clear Uploads: Ensure all scans are sharp and complete

Common Mistakes

Missing birth certificate
Blurry passport scan
Incorrect age input
Missing parental consent

Traveling with Children: Important Considerations

Family Travel Essentials

Separate e-Visas: Every family member needs their own
Matching Travel Dates: Check that all visas align with your trip dates
Accommodation: Choose family-friendly lodging
Insurance: Make sure all children are insured

Family Documentation Checklist

All Passports: Each family member’s passport
Birth Certificates: For every child
Marriage Certificate: If required
Travel Insurance: Family coverage
Emergency Contacts: Updated details

Preparing for the Trip

Print e-Visas: For every traveler
Organize Papers: Keep each person’s documents together
Health Info: Carry relevant medical details
Emergency Plan: Have a clear contact plan

Extra Considerations

Kid-Friendly Hotels: Choose suitable accommodations
Nearby Clinics: Know local healthcare locations
School Permissions: If traveling during term time
Cultural Preparation: Brief kids on local customs

Solo Travel for Children

Main Requirements

Parental Consent: Written approval from both parents
Guardian Details: Contact in Sri Lanka
Accommodation Info: Confirmed stay arrangements
Emergency Contacts: Parent and guardian details

Supporting Documents

Notarized Parental Consent: From both parents
Guardian Letter: From local guardian in Sri Lanka
Accommodation Proof: Hotel or host confirmation
Travel Insurance: Must include full coverage

Age Guidelines

Under 16: Not recommended to travel alone
16–17 Years: Allowed with complete documentation
18+ Years: No restrictions, treated as adults

Safety Tips

Secure Accommodation: Choose safe housing
Supervision: Ensure responsible oversight
Emergency Access: Maintain regular contact
Comprehensive Insurance: Strongly advised

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Accepted Payments

Credit/Debit Card

Fee Exemptions

Diplomatic Passports: May qualify for exemptions
Emergency or Humanitarian Cases: May be eligible for waivers

Processing Times for Children's Applications

Standard Processing

Timeframe: 5 hours to 3 business days
Cost: Based on age and fee table
Best For: Typical family travel plans

Rush Processing

Not Offered: All applications are handled as fast as possible under standard timelines

Family Applications

Group Processing: Family submissions often processed together
Consistent Timing: Approvals usually received simultaneously
Central Communication: Families can manage updates via one email

Common Issues and Solutions

Documentation Errors

Missing Birth Certificate: Obtain an official copy
Low-Quality Scan: Re-upload a clearer version
Expired Passport: Renew before applying
Wrong File Format: Convert to accepted PDF/JPEG formats

Application Mistakes

Incomplete Details: Fill out every required section
Incorrect Age: Correct before submission
Missing Consent Letter: Attach notarized approval
Payment Failure: Retry using accepted payment options

Processing Delays

High Demand: Wait for standard processing period
Extra Verification: Provide requested documents promptly
Technical Issues: Contact support for help
Nationality Requirements: Some cases need additional review

Travel Problems

Different Travel Dates: Sync family travel details
Unprinted Approvals: Print all e-Visas before departure
Unorganized Documents: Sort by traveler
Emergencies: Reach support immediately for help

Tips for Smooth Children's Visa Applications

Before You Apply

Gather Documents: Prepare everything in advance
Check Passports: Ensure 6-month validity minimum
Confirm Travel Plans: Finalize family dates
Payment Ready: Have a valid card or PayPal account

During Application

Apply Together: Submit family forms at once
Use Same Email: Keeps communication centralized
Add Family Reference: Mention family name in notes
Verify Accuracy: Double-check details before submitting

After Submission

Track Progress: Monitor each application
Save References: Keep all confirmation numbers
Check Email: Look for approval or requests
Prepare Documents: Print and organize before the trip

Before Traveling

Print e-Visas: One copy per traveler
Organize Files: Keep by person
Emergency Contacts: Carry updated details
Travel Insurance: Cover every family member

Frequently Asked Questions

Do infants need visas for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Infants require their own e-Visa. The government fee is waived, but the service fee still applies.

Can children travel without their own passport?
No. Each child must have a separate passport.

What payment methods can I use?
We accept Credit/Debit Cards.

Can I submit my child’s visa together with mine?
Yes. Applications can be submitted together, but each person still needs an individual form.

Do children need parental consent?
Yes, when traveling alone or with one parent.

Can minors travel alone?
Children under 16 should not travel alone. Older minors need additional consent documents.

What if my child’s visa takes too long?
Contact our support team at Visa@srilankaemigration.com for help.

Do school trips need separate applications?
Yes. Every child in the group must apply individually.

Summary:
All minors need their own e-Visa to visit Sri Lanka. Payment is accepted via Credit/Debit Card. Prepare all required documents, secure parental consent when needed, and apply early for a smooth approval process.

Do Children Require a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?