Free 30 days is not enough - how do we extend from Ella?
Landing 25 Aug, want to stay through early October (Arugam then Ella then a slow week). Free ETA is only 30 days. Where do we extend, how much, can we do it from Ella or do we have to go to Colombo?
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4 Answers from travellers
You can extend online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs or in person at Immigration HQ, Battaramulla. Apply before day 30. Passport, photo, stay address, return ticket. Double-entry only lives inside the first 30 days - if you extend, that second-entry thing is cancelled. If you leave during an extended visa the extension dies and you need a fresh ETA to come back.
Fee bands they list: about USD 100 for 30-60 days, 150 for 61-180, 200 for 181-270. SAARC can be cheaper on some lines. Do not pre-pay some "agent" on WhatsApp.
Online worked from a guesthouse in Habarana. Payment email came after. Took a few days. Do not wait until day 28.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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