Visas22 JUL 20266 min
Where a Sri Lankan passport takes you easily
Which of our destinations need a visa, which are electronic, and how long each one really takes to come through.
Travel with certainty
Everything you need to know
The practical side of travelling abroad from Sri Lanka, visas, timing, money, and the questions we get asked most.
- Passport validity
- 6 months beyond return
- E-visa lead time
- About 1 week
- Schengen, Japan, China
- Allow 8 weeks
- Applications filed
- By us, for you
First things first
Before you book
Six things worth settling before you pay a deposit on anything.
- Passports
- Most countries want at least six months' validity beyond your return date, and two blank pages. Renew early, appointment slots in Colombo book out.
- Visa lead times
- E-visas take about a week. Schengen, Japan and China need a biometric appointment and eight weeks' notice. We file every application for you.
- Money & cards
- Sri Lankan outward remittance limits apply to travel allowances. Carry a mix of cash and an international card, and tell your bank you're travelling.
- Insurance
- Mandatory for Schengen visas and strongly recommended everywhere else. We can arrange a policy that meets consulate requirements.
- Health
- No routine vaccinations are required for our destinations, but carry prescriptions in their original packaging with a doctor's letter.
- Baggage
- European carriers enforce cabin baggage limits strictly. Check your allowance before you pack, and declare anything above the duty-free limit on return.
All flight times from Colombo
Flight times, visas and best months
| Destination | Flight time | Best months | Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai & UAE | ≈ 4h 30m direct from CMB | November – March | Pre-arranged e-visa; we file it for you |
| Thailand | ≈ 3h 30m direct to Bangkok | November – March | Visa exemption for Sri Lankan passports on eligible entries, we confirm current rules at booking |
| Malaysia | ≈ 4h direct to Kuala Lumpur | Year-round · driest December – February | Electronic travel registration; we handle the filing |
| Singapore | ≈ 4h direct from CMB | Year-round | Visa required for Sri Lankan passports; we prepare the application |
| Vietnam | ≈ 6h via a single connection | February – April, August – October | E-visa; we file and track it |
| Japan | ≈ 10h via a single connection | Late March – April (sakura), October – November (autumn) | Visa required; we assemble and lodge the full file |
| China | ≈ 8h via a single connection | April – May, September – October | Visa required; we manage the appointment and documents |
| Europe | ≈ 11h via a single connection | April – June, September – October | Schengen visa; we prepare the full application and appointment |
| Rome & Vatican | ≈ 11h via a single connection | April – June, September – October | Schengen visa; prepared and lodged by our team |
| India Pilgrimage | ≈ 1h – 3h 30m depending on the gateway | October – March | e-Visa; filed on your behalf |
Visa rules change without notice, we confirm the current position in writing at the time of booking.
From enquiry to departure
How a booking runs
Enquire
Send us your destination, rough dates and party size. A Yaathra consultant picks it up personally, by phone, WhatsApp or email, whichever suits you.
Personal consultant · Reply within 24 hours · No obligation
Design
We build the day-by-day plan around your budget and pace, quote the airfare and hotels, and set out exactly what is and isn't included.
Day-by-day itinerary · Clear inclusions · Hotel category options
Confirm
Pay the deposit online or in branch to hold your seats. We then start your visa file and issue the tickets.
Deposit holds your seat · Visa file opened · Instalments available
Travel
Meet your tour manager at Colombo, then travel with airport transfers, hotels and daily sightseeing already arranged, and our team on call throughout.
Airport-to-airport care · Tour manager on group tours · 24/7 support line
Read deeper
Guides
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When to go to Japan, and when not to
Sakura is the headline, but the forecast moves every year. Here's how we plan around it, and why autumn is the quiet winner.
Budget19 JUN 20264 min
Dubai without overspending
The city has a reputation for being expensive. It doesn't have to be, here's where the money actually goes.
Practical30 MAY 20265 min
Packing for Europe when you've only known 30°C
Layering, footwear and the two things almost every first-time Sri Lankan traveller to Europe forgets.
Be curious
Questions, answered
The full list. If yours isn't here, ask a consultant, we reply within 24 hours.
Do you arrange the visa, or do I have to?
We arrange it. Visa assistance is included in every package we sell, we tell you exactly which documents to bring, complete the forms, book the biometric appointment where one is needed, and track the application through to approval. The consulate makes the final decision; we make sure the file gives it the best chance.
What does the price actually include?
Unless stated otherwise, the price covers return economy airfare from Colombo, accommodation on twin sharing, the meals listed in the itinerary, all sightseeing and entrance fees named, transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and visa processing. Travel insurance, lunches, optional tours and personal expenses are extra. Every package page lists inclusions and exclusions in full.
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
The deposit varies by package and is shown on each page, typically between $150 and $800 per person. It secures your seat. The balance is due 21 days before departure. Packages above $700 per person can be split across three instalments at no extra cost.
Is a tour manager from Sri Lanka on every trip?
On group departures, yes, a Yaathra tour manager travels with the group from Colombo and stays with you throughout. Private and city-break packages use local English-speaking guides at each destination instead, with our Colombo team reachable 24/7.
Can you arrange halal or vegetarian meals?
Yes, across every destination we sell. Tell us at the time of booking and we notify the airline, the hotels and the restaurants on the itinerary. Pilgrimage departures are vegetarian by default.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You get the land portion of your payment back, less any non-refundable supplier costs and the visa fee itself, which the consulate keeps regardless of the outcome. Airfare refunds depend on the fare rules for your ticket. We set all of this out in writing before you pay.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is mandatory for Schengen visas and strongly recommended everywhere else. We can arrange a policy that meets the consulate's requirements, or you are welcome to arrange your own, we just need a copy for the visa file.
Can you organise a trip for our office or temple group?
Yes. Group air contracts, hotel blocks, meeting rooms and gala dinners for corporate parties are handled by our MICE desk, and pilgrimage groups get vegetarian catering and ritual-aware guides as standard. Ten or more travellers usually unlocks a complimentary seat, talk to us about the specifics.