Free tool · Updated May 2026
Sri Lanka Visa & ETA Checker
Select your passport country below to instantly find out whether you need a free ETA, paid ETA ($20), visa on arrival, or an embassy visa for Sri Lanka.
40+
countries with FREE ETA
$20
standard ETA fee
30 days
initial stay permitted
Online
apply at eta.gov.lk
Check your passport
Updated for the May 2026 ETA expansion - 40+ countries now get free ETA
Data reflects Sri Lanka's policy as of May 2026. Policies can change - always confirm at eta.gov.lk before booking travel.
How Sri Lanka's ETA system works
Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system rather than traditional visas for most travellers. You apply online before departure, receive an approval email, and present it on arrival. The process takes under 15 minutes, and approval is usually instant - though it can occasionally take up to 48 hours.
The official application portal is eta.gov.lk. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra “processing fees” on top of the official rate - they are not affiliated with the Sri Lanka government and should be avoided.
A tourist ETA grants an initial stay of 30 days, which you can extend to a maximum of 90 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (fee: approximately LKR 5,000 / USD $15).
The May 2026 free ETA expansion
On 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka significantly expanded its free ETA programme. Previously available to a handful of countries, the waiver now covers 40+ nationalities, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, India, and the UAE.
If your passport is on the free list, the standard USD $20 ETA fee is waived. You still apply through the same online portal, but the cost field will show $0 at checkout. The authorisation, stay duration, and conditions are identical to the paid ETA.
This expansion was part of Sri Lanka's post-2023 tourism recovery strategy, aimed at making the destination more accessible to visitors from its primary source markets. The result has been a noticeable uptick in last-minute bookings from Europe and North America, where travellers can now make a spontaneous decision without worrying about visa costs.
What to do when you arrive
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, or at the Katunayake port, immigration officers will check your ETA approval alongside your passport. Print the email confirmation or have it ready on your phone.
You do not need to show proof of onward travel in most cases, but officers occasionally ask - it is worth having your return flight details accessible. Hotel bookings for the first few nights are also useful to have ready, as these may be requested.
If you are arriving on a cruise ship, different rules apply. Cruise passengers are generally permitted shore excursions without an ETA for up to 48 hours. Check with your cruise line before arrival.
Double-entry and multiple visits
A standard tourist ETA permits a single entry. If you plan to visit a neighbouring country (such as India or the Maldives) and return to Sri Lanka within your trip, you will need to apply for a new ETA for the second entry. The fee applies again ($20, or free if your country qualifies) and the 30-day stay is reset.
There is no limit on how many times you can apply for an ETA, but a history of long or frequent stays may attract scrutiny from immigration officers. Travellers on long itineraries who plan to use Sri Lanka as a base should consider the in-country extension route rather than exit-and-reenter strategies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sri Lanka ETA and how does it work?
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a pre-approved entry permit for Sri Lanka, applied for online before travel. It is valid for 30 days (extendable to 90 days in-country) and allows tourism or business travel. Most nationalities can apply at eta.gov.lk. The fee is either free or USD $20 depending on your passport.
Which passports qualify for a FREE ETA for Sri Lanka in 2026?
From 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka expanded its free ETA programme to 40+ countries, including all EU member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, China, India, and several others. If your country is on the free list, the USD $20 fee is waived - you still apply online but pay nothing.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on an ETA?
A standard tourist ETA allows an initial stay of 30 days. You can extend this up to a total of 90 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Maldivian passport holders receive a special 90-day visa-free period with no ETA required.
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival?
Sri Lanka does not have a traditional visa on arrival system for most nationalities. Instead, travellers apply for an ETA online before departure. A small number of nationalities can obtain an on-arrival permit directly at the airport, but this is slower and not guaranteed - applying online in advance is always recommended.
How do I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA online?
Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA portal: eta.gov.lk. The process takes around 10–15 minutes. You will need your passport details, a return or onward flight, and accommodation details. Processing is usually instant but can take up to 48 hours. Never apply through third-party sites that charge extra fees - they are not official.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka visa while I am there?
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration at 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10. Bring your passport, return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. The extension fee is approximately LKR 5,000 (around USD $15). You can extend up to 90 days total from your date of entry.
Ready to plan your Sri Lanka trip?
Now that you know what visa you need, start planning the rest of your itinerary.