Morocco—a country that paints a picture of exotic markets, ancient walled cities, and vast Saharan landscapes. For many Sri Lankan travelers, it's a dream destination. In 2022, Morocco launched its e-Visa system, promising a simple, online application.
But for Sri Lankan passport holders, there's a critical catch.
While the e-Visa is available, it's not a straightforward application for everyone. This guide will break down the exact eligibility rules, the documents you need, and the common problems that cause Morocco eVisa for Sri Lanka to be rejected. This is your complete, user-friendly guide to successfully getting that visa.
Can I Apply for a Morocco e-Visa with a Sri Lankan Passport?
This is the first and most important question. The answer is yes, but only if you meet a specific condition.
A Sri Lankan passport alone does not make you eligible for the e-Visa. To apply online, you must also hold a valid multiple-entry visa OR residence permit from one of the following "high-issuance" countries: Schengen Area countries, the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, or Switzerland.
This is a "conditional e-Visa." If you do not hold one of these specific documents, you are not eligible for the e-Visa.
Why Do I Need a US/Schengen Visa for a Morocco e-Visa?
This is the number one hurdle where most applicants fail. Your "supporting document" (your US, UK, Schengen visa, etc.) is used by the Moroccan authorities as proof that you have already passed a strict visa process.
However, just having this visa is not enough. It must meet two strict conditions:
It must be multiple-entry. A single-entry visa will not be accepted, even if it's unused.
It must be valid for more than 90 days from the day you submit your Morocco e-Visa application.
If your multi-entry Schengen visa expires in 80 days, your application will be automatically refused, and your fee will not be refunded.
Do Sri Lankans need a visa for Morocco?
If you are a Sri Lankan citizen without one of the "supporting documents" listed above, you are not eligible for the e-Visa.
Your only option is to apply for a traditional sticker visa in person. Morocco does not have an embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. You will need to apply through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in New Delhi, India, which is accredited to Sri Lanka. This process takes longer and requires submitting your physical passport, so you must plan well in advance.
How many types of Morocco e-visas are there?
If you are eligible for Morocco e-Visa, the system is straightforward and designed for short-term stays. The Moroccan visa offers two types:
Tourist eVisa - 180 days, Single entry
Business eVisa - 180 Days, Single entry
Both visas have a 180-day validity window, meaning you must enter Morocco within six months of the visa being issued. Once you enter, your maximum duration of stay is 30 days. It is a single-entry visa.
What documents are needed for the Morocco eVisa?
Before you start, gather high-quality digital scans of these Morocco Visa Requirement:
Valid Sri Lankan Passport: A clear scan of your passport's bio page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into Morocco.
Valid Supporting Document (The Critical Part): A clear scan of your valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen, etc. (Remember: valid for 90+ days!).
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A clear, recent color photo, 4x3 cm, against a plain white background.
What are the entry requirements for Morocco?
To enter Morocco you may need:
Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay.
Return Flight Ticket: A confirmed booking for a round-trip flight.
Sufficient Funds Certification: You must certify during the application that you have sufficient financial means, which is specified as a minimum of 70 EUR per day.
Valid Travel Insurance: Your policy must be valid for your entire stay in Morocco.
How to apply for Morocco eVisa online from Sri Lanka?
The process is simple if you have the correct documents.
Step 1: Fill in the Form. Carefully enter your personal information, passport details, and travel plans. Double-check for typos.
Step 2: Upload Your Documents. This is the key. You will upload your passport scan, your photo, and your "Supporting Doc - Valid Multiple-Entry Visa."
Step 3: Pay the e-Visa Fee. You will be prompted to pay the fee online using an international credit or debit card.
Step 4: Submit and Wait. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email.
Step 5: Receive Your e-Visa. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent as a PDF to your email.
How long does it take for Sri Lankans to get a Moroccan visa?
The Moroccan visa offers three processing speeds. These are business days and do not include weekends or public holidays.
Normal Processing: 3 - 6 Days
Rush Processing: 2 - 4 Days
Super Rush Processing: 1 - 2 Days (often within 24 hours)
Advice: Always apply at least two weeks before your flight to avoid any unexpected delays.
Myth vs. Fact: Is There a Visa on Arrival in Morocco for Sri Lankans?
NO. This is extremely important. Morocco does not offer a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Sri Lankan passport holders. You will be denied boarding at the airport in Colombo (CMB) or your layover city if you do not have a valid, pre-approved e-Visa or embassy visa.
My Morocco e-Visa Was Refused. What Went Wrong?
This is a terrible feeling, especially since the fee is non-refundable. Nearly all rejections for Sri Lankan applicants happen for one of these reasons:
The Supporting Document was Invalid: It was single-entry, or it expired in less than 90 days. This is the #1 mistake.
The Photo Was Bad: You used a selfie, the background wasn't white, or the image was blurry. It must be a professional, passport-quality photo.
Typos in the Form: Your name was spelled "S. Perera" on the form but "Subramaniam Perera" on your passport. All details must match exactly.
Incomplete Bookings: Your hotel booking didn't cover every single night of your trip.
If you are refused, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. You cannot appeal the decision.
Moroccan Visa Payment Failed with My Sri Lankan Card. What Now?
This is a common "real problem" for applicants using Sri Lankan bank cards for an international transaction in Moroccan Dirhams.
Call Your Bank First: Contact your bank (e.g., HNB, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank) and ask them to pre-authorize an international online transaction to Morocco.
Try a Different Card: Sometimes a Visa card will go through when a Mastercard fails, or vice-versa.
Don't Try Too Many Times: This can lock your account. Call your bank after the first or second failure.
Don't Get Rejected for a Bad Photo: Moroccan e-Visa Photo Specifications
Don't let your application fail because of a photo. It must be:
Size: 4x3 cm.
Background: Plain white or a very light color. No shadows or patterns.
Quality: Clear, in-focus, and high-resolution.
Pose: Facing the camera directly with a neutral expression. No smiling.
Extras: No glasses (if possible), no hats or head coverings (unless for documented religious reasons).
I'm Approved! What Do I Show the Immigration Officer at the Airport?
You've got your e-Visa! Congratulations. When you land in Casablanca or Marrakesh, have these documents ready for the immigration officer:
Your Printed e-Visa: You must have a physical printed copy. Do not rely on your phone.
Your Sri Lankan Passport: The same one you used for the application.
Your Supporting Document: Have your US/UK/Schengen visa or residence permit available, as the officer may wish to see it.
Proof of Accommodation/Return Flight: It's wise to have your hotel and return flight details easily accessible.
Are You Ready for Your Moroccan Adventure?
For Sri Lankan travelers, the Morocco e-Visa is a fantastic and fast shortcut, if you have the required supporting visa from the US, UK, or Schengen zone. It saves you a trip to the embassy in New Delhi and gets you a travel permit in just a few days.
If you don't have that supporting document, don't worry—your Moroccan dream isn't over. You just need to plan further ahead and apply through the traditional embassy route.
By checking your documents carefully—especially that 90-day validity rule—you'll be bargaining in the souks of Fez and watching the sunset over the Sahara before you know it.
