Understanding The Sri Lanka eVisa For Japanese Citizens

For authorising a journey to Sri Lanka from Japan, the applicants can obtain a Sri Lanka electronic travel authorization which is essentially an electronic travel eVisa that permits short visits to Sri Lanka from Japan for various purposes like touring in the country, exploring business opportunities with other Sri Lankan organisations, staying in Sri Lanka for a short while due to layover purposes, etc. Since the concept of a Sri Lanka electronic travel authorization may be new for many applicants, here is an article to understand the Sri Lanka eVisa for Japanese citizens.

What Is An Electronic Travel Authorization For Sri Lanka For The Nationals Of Japan?

An electronic travel authorization for Sri Lanka is a form of official Visa for the passport holders of Japan. It is equal to an official Visa for visiting Sri Lanka that is issued to the travellers from Japan. But in technical terms, it is an online travel authorization instead of a Visa.

Applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa does not require the applicants to spend more than 10 to 15 minutes. Once the e-Visa application is approved, the Japanese applicant can conveniently receive it in their email inbox without fulfilling the need to visit an Embassy or consulate office to collect an approved Visa.

What Are The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements For Japanese Nationals?

Just like other nations, even Sri Lanka has a specific set of requirements and standards that should be met for obtaining a Sri Lanka eVisa for Japanese citizens. An e-Visa can be easily obtained online by filling out a simple application form. Before commencing the application process, applicants are suggested to learn these requirements and meet them:-

1. Japanese Passport: Ideally, the passport used for electronic travel authorization application should be valid for a period of six months from the date on which the traveller is entering the Sri Lankan borders.
2. An acceptable and valid credit/debit card: This requirement should be met for ensuring a safe and protected digital payment of the e-Visa application.
3. Regularly checked email ID: This requirement should be compulsorily met as all the necessary updates about the e-Visa will be communicated via the email medium. Moreover, an approved e-Visa will also be sent in the email inbox of the provided ID.

These are some of the most basic requirements for a Sri Lanka eVisa. After fulfilling these basic requirements, applicants are advised to meet these additional/specific requirements for a Sri Lanka eVisa for Japanese citizens application online:

• Evidence of accommodation arrangements in Sri Lanka.
• Evidence of adequate funds in the bank account to cover all expenses while touring in Sri Lanka.
• A return flight ticket/onward journey ticket to show intentions of returning from Sri Lanka after the trip ends.
• A passport-style photograph that is present electronically.
• An invitation letter. This is a specific documentation requirement that should be met by all business visitors from Japan while applying for an electronic travel authorization.
• A Visa for the next destination or nation that the traveller is going to visit from Sri Lanka. This is a specific documentation requirement that should be met by those visitors who are planning to obtain a Sri Lanka Transit eTA

What Is The Electronic Application Procedure Of A Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization For Japanese Passport Holders?

The steps through which a Sri Lanka eVisa for Japanese citizens can be obtained are as follows:-

• After gathering the above-mentioned documents associated with the type of e-Visa obtained by the applicant, the traveller should visit the e-Visa application site and read the terms and conditions of application.
• Then, the applicant should start the application procedure by filling out an online application form. And review it thoroughly once it has been filled.
• Next, the applicant should make a digital payment for their application. Please keep in mind that a credit/debit card can be utilised for this step in the application process.
• Receive an electronic travel authorization confirmation after successfully paying for the application.
• After this, the e-Visa application will enter the processing phase. Once this phase ends, the applicant will reach the final step of the application procedure which is receiving an approved e-Visa and using it to enter Sri Lanka.

How Can The Passport Holders Of Japan Receive An Approved eTA?

Once an application for a Sri Lanka eVisa for Japanese citizens has been sent, the Sri Lankan Government will start to analyse it. This will last for not more than two to three working days. Once this analysing process comes to an end, the Japanese applicant will be sent an email which will notify them about the approval of their eTA. In the same email, the applicant will find an attachment of their approved electronic travel authorization.

Upon receiving the eTA, the Japanese applicants are advised to make a paper copy of it. This paper copy should be submitted upon arrival in Sri Lanka along with other travel documents.

What Are The Pros Of Applying For An Electronic Travel Authorization For Sri Lanka From Japan?

The pros of applying for an electronic travel authorization for Sri Lanka from Japan online are as follows:-

• The applicant will not have to travel long distances to the Sri Lankan Embassy or consulate office to apply for a Sri Lanka Visa as an e-Visa is obtained fully online.
• An electronic travel authorization for Sri Lanka is pretty affordable as compared to the fees charged by the traditional medium of application.
• The processing time of an e-Visa for Sri Lanka is pretty low. The maximum number of days in which an approved e-Visa is obtained is 3 working days which is usually the minimum number of days taken by the traditional medium to process a Sri Lanka Visa application.

What Are The Cons Of Applying For An Electronic Travel Authorization For Sri Lanka From Japan?

The cons of applying for an electronic travel authorization for Sri Lanka from Japan online are as follows:-

• The electronic travel authorization for Sri Lanka permits travellers to stay in the country for 30 days only. Thus long visits are not possible with the eVisa.
• The purposes of visit allowed on an e-Visa are limited to three purposes only which are Tourism, Business or Transit.
• Due to many reasons, an e-Visa application can get rejected online as the applicant is not able to receive constant support and guidance from the Embassy or consulate office during the application process.

What Are The Most Incredible Cities To Visit In Sri Lanka For Japanese Citizens?

The most incredible cities to pay a visit in Sri Lanka by all Japanese passport holders are as follows:-

1. Kandy. Kandy is a majestic city in Sri Lanka which is very popular for:- a. Being the cultural capital of the country. b. Beautiful forest-covered hills. c. Divine temples and other spiritual places, etc.
2. Galle. Galle is a unique historical city of Sri which is predominantly visited by Japanese tourists due to:- a. Interesting museums. b. Trendy cafes, boutiques and artistic exhibitions. c. The Dutch Fort, etc.
3. Colombo. Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city. It is visited by thousands of travellers each year due to:- a. Landscaped gardens and lush landscapes. b. Modern malls and skyscrapers. c. Breath-taking colonial buildings, etc.
4. Negombo. Negombo is a stunning beach town in Sri Lanka which should be visited by all Japanese travellers for:- a. Beautiful beaches with golden sands. b. Dutch canal and colonial fort. c. Comforting and soothing tropical climate, etc.
5. Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is another prominent beach destination in the country which is mostly visited by beach lovers for its:- a. Fantastic scuba diving and surfing locations. b. Great spots to enjoy divine sunsets and sunrise. c. National Marine Park, etc.

Conclusion

Since travelling to Sri Lanka from Japan will compulsorily need the Japanese visitors to hold a legal travel permit, applying for a Sri Lanka eVisa for Japanese citizens is advised as it is an efficient, quick and affordable travel authorization for the nation as compared to the Embassy Visa.