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Sri Lanka visa in brief: Most tourists need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applied online at eta.gov.lk before departure. Effective 25 May 2026, the fee is USD 50, but it's free for citizens of 40 countries including the US, UK, and EU. Maldivian nationals get a free 90-day ETA under a bilateral agreement; Seychelles and Singapore nationals also get a free ETA. Visa on Arrival was discontinued in October 2025 - you must apply online. The standard ETA grants 30 days, double entry, extendable to 270 days total. Processing is 24–48 hours. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable even though the same nationality may now qualify for free entry.
Getting a Sri Lanka visa is one of the simplest parts of planning your trip. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is entirely online, takes about 10 minutes to complete, and is approved within 24–48 hours in almost all cases. The bigger question for most travellers is whether they even need to pay for it - effective 25 May 2026, 40 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, most of Europe, India, Japan, and China, receive a free 30-day double-entry ETA.
This guide covers everything: who pays, who doesn't, how to apply step by step, the Digital Arrival Card (new since 2023), and what happens if you want to extend your stay beyond 30 days.
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Our take: In our experience processing ETAs across multiple trip dates, the official eta.gov.lk system is straightforward but the payment page times out if you leave it idle. Have your credit card details ready and complete the application in one uninterrupted session. Never use third-party visa services - they charge two to four times the official fee for the same result.
Do You Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
Bilateral Agreement Countries (Free ETA, Still Required)
Citizens of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore still need to apply for an ETA, but it's processed free of charge under bilateral agreements. Maldivian nationals get 90 days (double entry) instead of the usual 30 - the only nationality with an extended free stay. Seychelles and Singapore nationals get the standard 30 days.
Free ETA - 40 Countries (Effective 25 May 2026)
From 25 May 2026, citizens of the following 40 countries apply online but pay no fee for a 30-day double-entry tourist ETA:
Australia · Austria · Bahrain · Belarus · Belgium · Canada · China · Czech Republic · Denmark · Finland · France · Germany · India · Indonesia · Iran · Israel · Italy · Japan · Kazakhstan · Kuwait · Malaysia · Nepal · Netherlands · New Zealand · Norway · Oman · Pakistan · Poland · Qatar · Russia · Saudi Arabia · South Korea · Spain · Sweden · Switzerland · Thailand · Turkey · UAE · United Kingdom · United States
If your country is on this list, go to eta.gov.lk, complete the application (takes 10 minutes), and receive your free ETA by email. Don't pay anything - if a site is asking you to pay, you're on a third-party site, not the official one. Note: if you already paid the ETA fee before 25 May 2026, it is non-refundable even if your nationality is now on the free list.
Paid ETA - Everyone Else
All other nationalities also apply online at eta.gov.lk. The fee is USD 50 for most nationalities. SAARC-region nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Myanmar) pay USD 20 - though India, Pakistan, and Nepal are on the free ETA list. Nationals of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Afghanistan, Taiwan (China), Kosovo, and Syria are subject to additional sponsor-based application requirements - check eta.gov.lk for the specific documentation needed.
What About Visa on Arrival?
Visa on Arrival no longer exists. It was formally discontinued in October 2025. There is no facility at Bandaranaike International Airport or any other Sri Lanka port of entry to obtain a visa on arrival. You must apply online before departure. Arriving without a valid ETA risks being denied entry.
Visa Fees at a Glance (2026)
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (paid) | 30 days | Double | USD 50 |
| Tourist ETA (free - 40 countries, from 25 May 2026) | 30 days | Double | Free |
| Tourist ETA - Maldives nationals | 90 days | Double | Free (bilateral agreement) |
| SAARC nationals (paid group) | 30 days | Double | USD 20 |
| Transit Visa | Up to 2 days | Single | Free (under 48 h) |
| Extension - Stage 1 | +60 days | - | ~USD 50 |
| Extension - Stage 2 | +90 days | - | ~USD 75 |
| Extension - Stage 3 | +90 days | - | ~USD 100 |
Maximum stay: 270 days total (30 days initial + up to 240 days of extensions across three stages).
How to Apply for the Sri Lanka ETA
The only official portal is eta.gov.lk. Bookmark that link and ignore every other site - many third-party services charge $50–80 for the same application the official site processes for free or at cost.
Step by step:
- Go to eta.gov.lk and select "Tourist" visa type
- Enter your passport details - passport number, nationality, date of birth, date of expiry
- Upload a passport photograph - digital, recent, white background, minimum 200×200px
- Enter your trip details - arrival date (approximate is fine), intended accommodation, return/onward flight details
- Pay if applicable - USD 50 for paid countries, free for the 40 exempt countries (from 25 May 2026) and for Maldives/Seychelles/Singapore nationals. Visa, Mastercard, and Amex accepted
- Submit and wait - approval email arrives within 24–48 hours in most cases, sometimes within hours
- Save your ETA confirmation - print or save a digital copy. You'll need it at check-in and immigration
Apply at least 10 days before your flight - not because processing takes that long, but as a buffer in case of any issues with your application.
The Digital Arrival Card (Required Since 2023)
In addition to your ETA, Sri Lanka introduced a Digital Arrival Card requirement in 2023. This is a separate online form completed before landing - not the same as the ETA.
What it is: An online declaration covering your health, travel history, and contact details in Sri Lanka.
Where to complete it: arrivals.immigration.gov.lk
When to complete it: Within 72 hours before your flight departs.
What you'll need: Your passport details, flight number, accommodation address in Sri Lanka, and emergency contact.
You'll receive a QR code by email - have it ready on your phone or printed when you arrive at immigration.
Missing the Digital Arrival Card doesn't usually cause major problems (paper forms are available at the airport) but it slows your immigration process. Do it the day before your flight and it takes five minutes.
What You Need for Your ETA Application
Before you start the application, have these ready:
- Valid passport - must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Sri Lanka
- Return or onward ticket - proof you're leaving Sri Lanka (most airlines check this before boarding)
- Accommodation details - hotel name and address for your first night (doesn't need to be confirmed)
- Digital passport photo - recent, white background, facing forward
- Payment method - Visa, Mastercard, or Amex (for paid countries)
- Sufficient funds - no specific requirement stated, but immigration officers can ask
ETA Details: Duration, Entry, and Conditions
Duration: 30 days from date of first entry.
Double entry: The tourist ETA allows two entries. If you leave Sri Lanka (for example, to visit the Maldives or southern India) and return within the 30-day validity, you can re-enter once without needing a new ETA.
Entry condition: The ETA grants permission to enter - immigration officers can still ask questions and theoretically refuse entry if requirements aren't met. In practice this is extremely rare for tourist visitors.
Work restriction: An ETA is for tourism and leisure only. Working, volunteering for pay, or conducting business activities requires a different visa category.
Validity: The 30 days begins when you first enter Sri Lanka, not when the ETA is approved. You can apply weeks ahead.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can extend your visa in Sri Lanka through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Extensions are done in three stages up to a maximum of 270 days total.
Where to extend:
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo (main office)
- Regional immigration offices in Kandy, Galle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and other cities
- Online extensions are also available via immigration.gov.lk
What you'll need for an extension:
- Current passport with valid ETA
- Completed application form
- Return ticket or evidence of onward travel
- Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds
- Recent passport photographs
- Extension fee payment (~USD 50–100 per stage, payable in LKR)
Apply before your current visa expires. Overstaying a Sri Lanka visa results in a fine and potential difficulty on future visits. Don't leave it until the last day.
The three extension stages:
| Stage | Additional Days | Cumulative Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Initial ETA | 30 days | 30 days |
| Extension 1 | +60 days | 90 days |
| Extension 2 | +90 days | 180 days |
| Extension 3 | +90 days | 270 days |
Long-stay travellers (digital nomads, those doing extended trips) should be aware that at 270 days you must leave Sri Lanka and re-enter if you wish to continue visiting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a third-party ETA service. Dozens of websites offer to "assist" with Sri Lanka ETA applications and charge $50–100 for a service that costs nothing (40 free countries from 25 May 2026) or $50 directly. Only use eta.gov.lk.
Assuming Visa on Arrival still exists. It doesn't - as of October 2025. Anyone who arrives without an ETA is turned away or put on the next flight home.
Children without separate ETAs. Every person travelling, including infants and children, needs their own individual ETA. They cannot be included on a parent's application.
Applying too close to departure. ETA processing is usually 24–48 hours but allow extra buffer. Apply at least 10 days before travel, especially around public holidays.
Not completing the Digital Arrival Card. It's a separate form from the ETA. Easy to miss if you only know about the ETA - but immigration will ask for it on arrival.
Passport expiring within 6 months. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, your ETA will be for the passport's validity period. Renew before travelling if your passport is close to expiry.
SAARC Countries: Reduced Fee
Citizens of SAARC-region countries pay a reduced ETA fee of USD 20 rather than the standard USD 50 - but this only applies to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
Note: India, Pakistan, and Nepal are on the free ETA list effective 25 May 2026, meaning citizens of those three SAARC nations now pay nothing for their ETA. Afghan nationals are also subject to additional sponsor-based documentation requirements - check eta.gov.lk for details.
Arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport
Sri Lanka's main international gateway is Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA/CMB) in Katunayake, 35 km north of Colombo.
Immigration process:
- Queue at the immigration counter - there are dedicated lanes for Sri Lankan nationals; foreigners queue in the general/ETA lane
- Present your passport, ETA confirmation, and Digital Arrival Card QR code
- Biometrics (fingerprints) are taken on arrival
- Proceed to baggage reclaim then customs
Customs: Sri Lanka has fairly standard customs rules. Notable: you can bring in 2 litres of spirits and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Certain items including large amounts of currency (over USD 15,000) must be declared. Bringing in drones without a licence is restricted.
Airport taxi to Colombo: Around LKR 3,000–4,000 by metered taxi (book at the official kiosk before exiting arrivals). PickMe and Uber also operate from the airport. See where to go first in the 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary or 10-day itinerary.
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Sri Lanka Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost in 2026? USD 50 for most nationalities. Effective 25 May 2026, it's free for citizens of 40 countries including the US, UK, most EU nations, India, Japan, China, and others. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar nationals pay USD 20. Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore nationals get a free ETA (Maldivians get 90 days instead of 30) but still need to apply.
How long does the Sri Lanka ETA take to process? 24–48 hours in most cases. Some applications are approved within a few hours. Allow 10 days before travel as a buffer in case there's a query on your application.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka? No. Visa on Arrival was discontinued in October 2025. You must apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure. There is no option to obtain a visa at the airport.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa? The ETA grants 30 days from first entry, with double-entry permission. You can extend in Sri Lanka up to a maximum total of 270 days through three extension stages at the Department of Immigration.
Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka? US citizens need an ETA, which is free effective 25 May 2026. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure - takes 10 minutes, approved within 24–48 hours.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka? UK citizens need an ETA, which is free effective 25 May 2026. Same process as US citizens - apply online at eta.gov.lk.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka if I'm just transiting? Transit under 48 hours is free with no ETA required. If you are leaving the airport, you need an ETA or visa appropriate to your nationality.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka visa? Yes. Extensions are processed at the Department of Immigration in Colombo or regional offices. The initial 30-day ETA can be extended in three stages to a maximum 270-day total stay.
What is the Digital Arrival Card and is it the same as the ETA? No, they are separate. The ETA is your entry authorisation. The Digital Arrival Card is a health and travel declaration form completed at arrivals.immigration.gov.lk within 72 hours before your flight. Both are required.
Can I work in Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA? No. The tourist ETA is for tourism and leisure only. Working, paid volunteering, or conducting business activities requires a business visa or work permit through the Department of Immigration.
What happens if I overstay my Sri Lanka visa? Overstaying results in a fine payable on departure and a possible black mark on your record for future Sri Lanka visits. Always extend your visa before it expires, or leave Sri Lanka and re-enter.
What is the minimum passport validity required for Sri Lanka? Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. If your passport expires within 6 months of when you plan to arrive, renew it before travelling.
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