Do I Need Individual Sri Lanka e-Visas for My Family or Group?
Yes — every traveler entering Sri Lanka needs their own e-Visa, including children and infants.
However, you can include up to 15 people in a single group submission to simplify the process.
For groups larger than 15, please contact Visa@srilankaemigration.com for special handling.
How Individual e-Visas Work
Sri Lanka’s e-Visa system processes each person separately, even when applying as part of a family or travel group.
This ensures security, traceability, and compliance with immigration rules.
What You Should Know
- Each traveler applies individually, but you can submit up to 15 together.
- Every applicant receives a unique reference number for tracking.
- Each approval is processed separately, even if submitted in one batch.
- All applicants must upload their own documents.
- Fees are charged per person, not per application group.
Group Application Advantages
- Apply for up to 15 travelers in one go.
- Simplifies document management for families or tour groups.
- Each person receives independent approval and visa documentation.
- Fully compliant with immigration policies.
Who Must Apply Separately
Every traveler—regardless of age—must have an individual e-Visa:
- Adults (18+) – always require a separate e-Visa
- Teens (13–17 years) – require individual applications
- Children (1–12 years) – must apply individually (even when part of a group)
- Infants (under 1 year) – usually need a separate e-Visa unless listed in a parent’s passport
Special Considerations
- Infants on Parent’s Passport: May be added to the parent’s application.
- Diplomatic Travelers: Rules may differ depending on agreements.
- Group or Business Tours: Each traveler applies individually.
- No Group or Family Visas: Only individual e-Visas are issued, even when applying together.
Visa Rules by Age Group
Infants (Under 12 Months)
- Application required unless included in parent’s passport
- Service fee applies, government fee applies
- Birth certificate may be requested
- Must have either their own or parent’s passport
Children (1–11 Years)
- Application required
- Both service and government fees apply
- Same documentation as adults
- Must hold their own passport
Teenagers (12–17 Years)
- Application required
- Both service and government fees apply
- Standard documentation and passport needed
Adults (18+)
- Application required
- Full service and government fees apply
- Complete documentation required
How to Apply as a Group
Step-by-Step Process
- Collect all traveler details (maximum 15 per application)
- Submit a single group application with all information included
- Pay fees for everyone in one transaction
- Track each application separately via its reference number
- Receive approval emails individually for each traveler
For Groups Over 15 People
Email Visa@srilankaemigration.com for large group assistance and coordination.
Best Practices
- Keep reference numbers organized
- Track each status independently
- Maintain clear records for each traveler
Family Application Instructions
Requirements
- Up to 15 family members can be added to one application
- Include family relationships in the notes field
- All members should have identical travel dates
- Ensure shared accommodation bookings
Family Documentation
- Individual passport scans
- Birth certificates for minors
Process Overview
- Start a joint family application (max 15 members)
- Use your family name as the group identifier
- Make one consolidated payment
- Wait for all approvals before traveling
Documents Needed for Group Applications
Each Traveler Must Provide
- Valid passport (6+ months before entry)
- Passport bio-page scan
- Completed e-Visa form
Additional for Children
- Birth certificate (proof of age)
- Parental consent letter, if traveling with one parent
- Guardian authorization, if applicable
- School permission letter, if during school term
Document Tips
- Create separate folders for each traveler
- Keep digital and printed copies
- Double-check for validity and legibility
Visa Fees for Families and Groups |
Payment Options
- Single group payment in one transaction
- Corporate billing for business travel
- Travel agency coordination for tour groups
Accepted payment methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards
Fee Exemptions
- Diplomatic passports – may qualify for exemptions
- Emergency or humanitarian travel – handled case-by-case
Processing Time for Multiple Applicants
Standard Timeline
- Individual applications: 5 hours – 3 business days
- Family/group submissions: Processed together when possible
- Business groups: May qualify for expedited handling
Rush Processing
Currently not available, but all submissions are processed as quickly as possible.
What Can Affect Timelines
- High application volumes
- Poor-quality or missing documents
- Payment errors or mismatched info
- Peak travel periods
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Application Errors
- Missing or incomplete information
- Incorrect passport data
- Mismatched travel dates
- Wrong nationality selection
Documentation Issues
- Low-quality or unclear scans
- Missing child or consent documents
- Unsupported file types
- Expired passports
Payment Problems
- Insufficient funds
- Declined cards
- Partial or incomplete payments
- Wrong payment method
Group Coordination Mistakes
- Using multiple email addresses
- Inconsistent details across members
- Forgetting to include group reference
- Lack of communication within group
Tips for a Smooth Group Application
Before Applying
- Collect all required information first
- Check passport validity and photo quality
- Confirm shared travel dates
- Prepare one payment method for all
During Application
- Submit all 15 (or fewer) at once
- Use the same email address for everyone
- Include a group or family name for tracking
- Double-check all entries before submission
After Submission
- Track each reference number
- Watch for approval emails
- Save digital copies of each e-Visa
- Prepare travel folders for each member
Before Traveling
- Print visa approvals for all travelers
- Keep documents organized by person
- Ensure travel insurance covers the full group
- Have emergency contacts ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need their own e-Visa?
Yes, each child must have a separate e-Visa, but you can include them in one group application.
Can I apply for my family at once?
Yes, you can apply for up to 15 members in one transaction.
How much will a family of 4 pay?
Each member pays the service fee and goverment fee.
Can I use one email for all?
Yes, one email can manage all family applications.
What if my group has more than 15 people?
Email Visa@srilankaemigration.com for tailored support.
Do infants need a visa?
Yes, unless listed under a parent’s passport. Service fee still applies.
Can I apply for a tour group together?
Yes, up to 15 people per submission; contact us for larger groups.
What documents do children need?
Valid passports, birth certificates, and parent consent letters if applicable.
How long does family processing take?
Typically between 5 hours and 3 business days.
Summary:
Each traveler to Sri Lanka, including infants and children, must have an individual e-Visa.
You can apply for up to 15 travelers in one group, paying all fees together.
Children under 12 are exempt from government fees, but the service fee still applies.
For larger groups or special arrangements, contact Visa@srilankaemigration.com for assistance.
