Do I Need Individual Sri Lanka e-Visas for My Family or Group?
Yes, each person traveling to Sri Lanka must obtain a separate e-Visa, including children and infants. However, you can include up to 15 passengers in a single group application, making the process fast and convenient for families and groups. For groups larger than 15, please contact us at Visa@SriLanka-Immigration.com for special arrangements.
Understanding Individual e-Visa Requirements
Sri Lanka's e-Visa system is designed to process each traveler individually, even when traveling as a family or group. This approach ensures:
Key Requirements:
- Individual Applications: Each person needs their own e-Visa, but up to 15 travelers can be included in a single group application
- Unique Reference Numbers: Every applicant receives a separate tracking number
- Individual Approval: Each person must be approved independently
- Separate Documentation: Passport scans and details for each applicant
- Individual Fees: Processing fees apply to each application
Benefits of Group Processing:
- Convenience: Apply for up to 15 people at once
- Clear Documentation: Each traveler has their own visa record
- Easy Tracking: Individual application status monitoring
- Compliance: Meets all immigration requirements
Who Needs Separate e-Visas?
All Travelers Require Individual e-Visas:
- Adults: All travelers 18 years and older
- Teenagers: Travelers aged 13-17 years
- Children: Travelers aged 1-12 years
- Infants: Babies under 1 year old (with exceptions)
Special Cases:
- Infants in Parent's Passport: May be included in parent's application
- Diplomatic Passports: May have different requirements
- Group Tours: Each participant needs individual e-Visa
- Business Groups: Each business traveler needs separate application
Important Notes:
- No Group Visas: Sri Lanka does not issue group visas, but you can apply for up to 15 people in one application
- No Family Visas: Each family member needs individual e-Visa
- No Exceptions: Age does not exempt from individual application requirement
Age-Based Requirements and Exemptions
Children Under 12 Years
- Application Required: Yes, included in group application
- Service Fee: Always charged for all applicants
- Government Fee: Free for children under 12
- Documentation: Same requirements as adults
- Passport: Must have individual passport
Children 12-17 Years
- Application Required: Yes, included in group application
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Applies
- Documentation: Same requirements as adults
- Passport: Must have individual passport
Infants Under 12 Months
- Application Required: Usually yes, unless included in parent's passport
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Free for children under 12
- Documentation: Birth certificate may be required
- Passport: Individual passport or included in parent's passport
Adults 18+
- Application Required: Yes, included in group application
- Service Fee: Always charged
- Government Fee: Applies
- Documentation: Full documentation required
- Passport: Individual passport required
Group Application Process
Step-by-Step Group Application
- Prepare Information: Collect details for all group members (up to 15 per application)
- Group Application: Submit a single application for up to 15 people
- Payment: Pay fees for all applicants in one transaction
- Tracking: Monitor each application separately
- Approval: Receive individual approval emails for each traveler
For Groups Larger Than 15
- Contact Us: Email Visa@SriLanka-Immigration.com for special group arrangements and support
Group Management
- Application Tracking: Keep track of each application reference number
- Status Monitoring: Check status of each application individually
- Documentation: Organize documents by applicant
- Communication: Maintain clear communication with all group members
Family Application Guidelines
Family Application Requirements
- Group Application: Include up to 15 family members in one application
- Family Information: Include family relationship in application notes
- Travel Dates: Ensure all family members have same travel dates
- Accommodation: Book accommodation for entire family
Family Documentation
- Passport Scans: Individual passport scans for each family member
- Birth Certificates: For children and infants
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable for visa purposes
- Travel Insurance: Family travel insurance coverage
Family Application Process
- Start with All Members: Apply for all family members together (up to 15)
- Group Reference: Use family name as group reference
- Payment: Pay fees for each family member in one transaction
- Approval: Wait for all family members to be approved
Documentation Requirements for Groups
Essential Documents for Each Person
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date
- Passport Scan: Clear copy of bio-data page
- Travel Itinerary: Flight details and accommodation
- Application Form: Completed online application
Additional Documents for Children
- Birth Certificate: Proof of age and parentage
- Parental Consent: If traveling with one parent only
- Guardian Letter: If traveling with non-parent guardian
- School Letter: If traveling during school term
Group-Specific Documents
- Group Itinerary: Detailed travel plans for entire group
- Accommodation Details: Hotel bookings for all group members
- Group Insurance: Travel insurance covering all members
- Emergency Contacts: Contact information for group leader
Document Organization
- Individual Folders: Organize documents by person
- Digital Copies: Keep digital copies of all documents
- Backup Copies: Maintain backup copies of important documents
- Accessibility: Ensure documents are easily accessible during travel
Visa Fees for Families and Groups
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 |
Group Payment Options
- Single Payment: Pay for all applicants in one transaction
- Corporate Payment: Business groups can use corporate accounts
- Travel Agency: Use travel agency payment methods
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 Multiple Applications
Standard Processing
- Individual Applications: 5 hours to 3 business days each
- Group Applications: Processed together for up to 15 travelers
- Family Applications: Usually processed together
- Business Groups: May have expedited processing
Rush Processing
- Not available: All applications are processed as quickly as possible under the standard system
Factors Affecting Group Processing
- Application Volume: Large groups may take longer
- Documentation Quality: Poor scans can delay processing
- Payment Issues: Payment problems can affect all applications
- System Load: High volume periods may extend processing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Application Errors
- Missing Information: Incomplete applications for any group member
- Wrong Passport Details: Incorrect passport information
- Mismatched Travel Dates: Different travel dates for group members
- Incorrect Nationality: Wrong nationality selection
Documentation Mistakes
- Poor Quality Scans: Unreadable passport or document scans
- Missing Documents: Required documents not uploaded
- Wrong File Formats: Documents in unsupported formats
- Expired Documents: Using expired passports or documents
Payment Issues
- Insufficient Funds: Not enough money for all applications
- Declined Cards: Payment method issues
- Partial Payments: Paying for some but not all applications
- Wrong Payment Method: Using unsupported payment methods
Group Coordination Errors
- Different Email Addresses: Using different emails for group applications
- Inconsistent Information: Different information across applications
- Missing Group Reference: Not linking group applications
- Poor Communication: Not informing all group members of requirements
Tips for Smooth Group Applications
Before Applying
- Gather Information: Collect all required information for each person
- Check Documents: Ensure all passports and documents are valid
- Plan Travel Dates: Confirm travel dates for all group members
- Prepare Payment: Have payment method ready for all applications
During Application
- Apply Together: Submit up to 15 applications in one group
- Use Same Email: Use consistent email address for all applications
- Include Group Reference: Add group 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
Group Travel Preparation
- Print Approvals: Print e-Visa approvals for all group members
- Organize Documents: Keep documents organized by person
- Emergency Contacts: Have emergency contact information ready
- Travel Insurance: Ensure all group members are covered
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need separate e-Visas?
Yes, each child needs their own e-Visa application, but you can include them in a group application (up to 15 people).
Can I apply for my entire family at once?
Yes, you can submit a group application for up to 15 family members in one transaction.
Are there any age exemptions for government fees?
Yes, children under 12 do not pay the government fee, but the service fee always applies.
How much does it cost for a family of 4?
Cost depends on ages: all pay the service fee; children under 12 pay no government fee, while those 12 and older pay both service and government fees.
Can I use one email for all family applications?
Yes, you can use the same email address for all family applications.
What if my group is larger than 15 people?
Contact our support team at Visa@SriLanka-Immigration.com for special arrangements for groups larger than 15.
Do infants need e-Visas?
Yes, infants need individual e-Visas and are included in the group application. Service fee always applies; government fee is free for children under 12.
Can I apply for a group tour together?
Yes, you can submit up to 15 people in one group application. For more than 15, contact us for options.
What documents do children need?
Children need valid passports, birth certificates, and completed application forms.
How long does it take to process family applications?
Family applications are usually processed together within 5 hours to 3 business days.
Summary: Every traveler to Sri Lanka needs an individual e-Visa, including children and infants. You can include up to 15 people in a single group application. Service fee is always charged, but children under 12 do not pay the government fee. For groups larger than 15, contact us for assistance.
