Do Children Require a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, children require a visa to visit Sri Lanka, regardless of their age. The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system applies to all travelers, including infants and children. While there are some age-based fee exemptions, every child must have their own e-Visa application and approval before traveling to Sri Lanka.
Understanding Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Children
Sri Lanka's immigration policy treats children as individual travelers, requiring separate visa applications for each child. This approach ensures proper documentation and compliance with international travel regulations.
Key Points:
- Individual Applications: Each child needs their own e-Visa application
- Service Fee: Always charged for all applicants, regardless of age
- Government Fee: Free for children under 12; applies for ages 12 and above
- Documentation: Children need the same documentation as adults
- Passport Requirements: Each child must have their own passport
- Parental Consent: Special requirements for children traveling alone
Benefits of Individual Processing:
- Clear Documentation: Each child has their own travel record
- Flexible Travel: Children can travel separately if needed
- Easy Tracking: Individual application status monitoring
- Compliance: Meets all international travel requirements
Age-Based Visa Requirements
Infants (Under 12 Months)
- Visa Required: Yes, individual e-Visa application needed
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Free for children under 12
- Passport: Individual passport or included in parent's passport
- Documentation: Birth certificate and passport scan
- Special Notes: May be included in parent's passport in some cases
Children (1-11 Years)
- Visa Required: Yes, individual e-Visa application needed
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Free for children under 12
- Passport: Individual passport required
- Documentation: Birth certificate, passport scan, travel itinerary
- Parental Consent: Required if traveling with one parent only
Teenagers (12-17 Years)
- Visa Required: Yes, individual e-Visa application needed
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Applies for ages 12 and above
- Passport: Individual passport required
- Documentation: Same requirements as adults
- Parental Consent: Required for solo travel or travel with non-parents
Young Adults (18+ Years)
- Visa Required: Yes, individual e-Visa application needed
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Applies
- Passport: Individual passport required
- Documentation: Full adult documentation required
- Parental Consent: Not required for adults
Special Cases and Exemptions
Visa-Free Countries
Children from visa-exempt countries (Maldives, Singapore, Seychelles) do not need visas regardless of age.
Diplomatic Passports
Children with diplomatic passports may have different requirements based on their country's agreements with Sri Lanka.
Infants in Parent's Passport
Some countries allow infants to be included in a parent's passport, but this is becoming less common and may not be accepted for e-Visa applications.
Emergency Travel
Children traveling for medical emergencies may qualify for expedited processing, but still require individual applications.
School Groups
Children traveling with school groups still need individual e-Visas, though the school may assist with the application process.
Required Documents for Children's Visas
Essential Documents for All Children
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date
- Passport Scan: Clear copy of bio-data page
- Birth Certificate: Official birth certificate with English translation
- Travel Itinerary: Flight details and accommodation information
- Application Form: Completed online application
Additional Documents for Specific Situations
- Parental Consent Letter: If traveling with one parent only
- Guardian Letter: If traveling with non-parent guardian
- School Letter: If traveling during school term
- Medical Certificate: If traveling for medical treatment
- Adoption Papers: If applicable
Document Requirements
- Format: PDF or JPEG files
- Size: Maximum 2MB per document
- Quality: Clear and legible scans
- Language: English or official translations
- Validity: Documents must be current and valid
Special Documentation for Infants
- Birth Certificate: Must show both parents' names
- Passport Photo: Recent photo meeting visa requirements
- Parent's Passport: If infant is included in parent's passport
- Medical Records: If traveling for medical reasons
Application Process for Children
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents for the child
- Start Application: Begin online application for the child
- Fill Information: Complete all personal and travel details
- Upload Documents: Provide passport scan and birth certificate
- Review Application: Double-check all information
- Submit Payment: Pay applicable fees (see fee structure below)
- Receive Approval: Get e-Visa approval via email
Application Tips for Children
- Use Parent's Email: Use parent's email address for communication
- Include Parent Information: Add parent details in application notes
- Group Applications: Submit family applications together
- Clear Documentation: Ensure all scans are clear and complete
Common Application Mistakes
- Missing Birth Certificate: Not providing birth certificate
- Poor Passport Scan: Unreadable passport scan
- Incorrect Age: Wrong age information in application
- Missing Parental Consent: Not providing consent when required
Traveling with Children: Important Considerations
Family Travel Requirements
- Individual e-Visas: Each family member needs separate e-Visa
- Matching Travel Dates: Ensure all family members have same travel dates
- Accommodation: Book accommodation suitable for children
- Travel Insurance: Ensure children are covered by travel insurance
Documentation for Family Travel
- Family Passports: All family members' passports
- Birth Certificates: For all children
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable
- Travel Insurance: Family coverage
- Emergency Contacts: Contact information for family members
Travel Preparation
- Print Approvals: Print e-Visa approvals for all family members
- Organize Documents: Keep documents organized by person
- Medical Information: Carry medical information for children
- Emergency Plan: Have emergency contact plan ready
Special Considerations
- Child-Friendly Accommodation: Book hotels suitable for children
- Medical Facilities: Know location of medical facilities
- School Requirements: Check if school letter is required
- Cultural Sensitivity: Prepare children for cultural differences
Solo Travel for Children
Requirements for Solo Travel
- Parental Consent: Written consent from both parents
- Guardian Information: Details of person responsible in Sri Lanka
- Accommodation Details: Confirmed accommodation arrangements
- Emergency Contacts: Contact information for parents and guardian
Documentation for Solo Travel
- Parental Consent Affidavit: Notarized consent from both parents
- Guardian Letter: Letter from person responsible in Sri Lanka
- Accommodation Confirmation: Hotel or host family confirmation
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Age Restrictions
- Under 16: Generally not recommended for solo travel
- 16-17 Years: May be allowed with proper documentation
- 18+ Years: No restrictions, treated as adults
Safety Considerations
- Accommodation Safety: Ensure safe accommodation arrangements
- Supervision: Arrange appropriate supervision
- Emergency Contacts: Maintain regular contact with parents
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for emergencies
Visa Fees for Children
Fee Structure by Age
| Age Group | Service Fee | Government Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants (<1 year) | Service fee applies | Government fee free | Service fee always applies; government fee is free for children under 12 |
| Children (1-11 years) | Service fee applies | Government fee free | Service fee always applies; government fee is free for children under 12 |
| Teenagers (12-17 years) | Service fee applies | Government fee applies | Full service and government fees apply |
| Young Adults (18+) | Service fee applies | Government fee applies | Full service and government fees apply |
Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit Card
- PayPal
Fee Exemptions
- Children under 12: Government fee is free, but service fee always applies
- Diplomatic Passports: May be exempt based on agreements
- Emergency Travel: May qualify for fee waivers
- Humanitarian Cases: Special consideration possible
Processing Times for Children's Applications
Standard Processing
- Timeframe: 5 hours to 3 business days
- Cost: See fee structure above
- Best For: Regular family travel planning
Rush Processing
- Not available: All applications are processed as quickly as possible under the standard system
Family Application Processing
- Family Applications: Usually processed together
- Group Processing: May be faster than individual applications
- Consistency: All family members processed at same speed
- Communication: Single point of contact for family applications
Common Issues and Solutions
Documentation Issues
- Missing Birth Certificate: Obtain official birth certificate
- Poor Passport Scan: Retake clear passport scan
- Expired Documents: Renew expired passports or documents
- Wrong Format: Convert documents to required format
Application Problems
- Incomplete Information: Fill all required fields
- Wrong Age: Correct age information in application
- Missing Parental Consent: Provide notarized consent letter
- Payment Issues: Use accepted payment methods (Credit/Debit Card or PayPal)
Processing Delays
- High Volume: Wait for normal processing time
- Document Verification: Provide additional documents if requested
- System Issues: Contact support for assistance
- Nationality Restrictions: Check if additional processing required
Travel Complications
- Mismatched Dates: Ensure all family members have same travel dates
- Missing Approvals: Print all e-Visa approvals
- Document Organization: Keep documents organized by person
- Emergency Situations: Contact support for urgent assistance
Tips for Smooth Children's Visa Applications
Before Applying
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents for each child
- Check Passports: Ensure all passports are valid for at least 6 months
- Plan Travel Dates: Confirm travel dates for entire family
- Prepare Payment: Have a Credit/Debit Card or PayPal account ready
During Application
- Apply Together: Submit family applications together
- Use Same Email: Use consistent email address for all applications
- Include Family Reference: Add family name to application notes
- Double-check Information: Verify all information before submission
After Application
- Track Applications: Monitor status of each application
- Save Reference Numbers: Keep all application reference numbers
- Check Email: Monitor email for approval notifications
- Prepare for Travel: Organize documents for travel
Travel Preparation
- Print Approvals: Print e-Visa approvals for all family members
- Organize Documents: Keep documents organized by person
- Emergency Contacts: Have emergency contact information ready
- Travel Insurance: Ensure all family members are covered
Frequently Asked Questions
Do infants need visas for Sri Lanka?
Yes, infants need individual e-Visas. Service fee always applies, but government fee is free for children under 12.
Can children travel without their own passport?
No, each child must have their own passport for e-Visa applications.
Are there any age exemptions for government fees?
Yes, children under 12 do not pay the government fee, but the service fee always applies.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Credit/Debit Card and PayPal only.
Can I apply for my child's visa together with mine?
You can submit applications together, but each person needs a separate application.
Do children need parental consent to travel?
Yes, if traveling with one parent only or traveling alone.
How much does a child's visa cost?
Children under 12 pay only the service fee; children 12 and older pay both service and government fees.
Can children travel alone to Sri Lanka?
Generally not recommended for children under 16, requires special documentation for older children.
What if my child's application is delayed?
Contact our support team at Visa@SriLanka-Immigration.com for assistance.
Do school groups need individual visas?
Yes, each child in a school group needs an individual e-Visa.
Summary: All children require individual e-Visas for Sri Lanka, regardless of age. Service fee is always charged, but children under 12 do not pay the government fee. Payment is accepted by Credit/Debit Card or PayPal. Plan ahead, gather all required documents, and ensure proper parental consent for smooth visa processing and travel.
