Sri Lanka Visa Guide: ETA, Requirements and How to Apply
Almost every visitor to Sri Lanka still needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding — including nationals of the 40 countries that receive a free 30-day tourist ETA from 25 May 2026. The process is straightforward on the official site, but validity, double-entry rules and unofficial lookalike websites still catch first-time travellers out.
What the ETA is and who needs one
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is Sri Lanka’s online pre-arrival permission for tourism, business or transit. All foreign nationals must obtain an ETA before arrival, including countries that now receive it free of charge. Apply only at the official portal eta.gov.lk (or eta.gov.lk/slvisa). Third-party sites that charge inflated “service fees” for the same form are a common trap. From 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries — including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Russia, the United States, Canada, India, Australia and China — can obtain a tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days with double entry. Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore continue to receive free processing (Maldivian nationals: 90 days). Fees paid before 25 May 2026 are not refunded. Other passports follow the standard paid ETA rules. Always re-check the official list for your passport before you fly.
How and when to apply
Apply online at least a few days before departure, though approval is often issued within 24 hours for straightforward tourist applications. You will need your passport details and a return or onward flight itinerary. If a fee applies, have a valid credit or debit card ready; under the free tourist scheme the same form is still required, just without payment. Print or save a digital copy of your approval to show at check-in and immigration; airlines have been known to deny boarding to passengers who cannot produce evidence of ETA approval, even though immigration itself can verify it electronically.
Validity and length of stay
The standard tourist ETA — including the free scheme for the 40 listed countries — permits an initial stay of up to 30 days from first arrival, with double entry allowed inside that window (useful for a short Maldives or India side trip). Avoid applying many months ahead of a flexible trip; use the approval window stated on the official site. Check the exact current validity period and permitted stay on eta.gov.lk before booking flights. Rules are updated by gazette and the portal text is the source of truth, not blog posts or airline rumours.
Extending your stay
Tourist stays can generally be extended beyond the initial 30 days by applying through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, or online where available, typically allowing a total stay of up to 90 days for tourism with the correct extensions and fees paid in advance. Overstaying without an approved extension can result in fines and complications on departure, so apply for an extension before your current authorisation expires rather than after.
Passport and other entry requirements
Your passport should generally be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and you should carry proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds for your stay, as immigration officers can request these at their discretion. A printed or digital copy of your accommodation booking is a sensible addition, even if rarely checked. Double-check any currently required health documentation before travel, since requirements have changed over time and can vary by country of departure.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying through unofficial third-party websites at inflated prices is the most common and avoidable mistake the official government ETA fee is fixed and the process takes only a few minutes on the correct site. Entering passport details incorrectly, particularly names that don’t exactly match your passport, is the next most common cause of delayed or rejected applications. Leaving the application until the airport, or assuming a valid ETA from a previous trip still applies, are both avoidable problems: always apply fresh, ahead of time, for each visit.
Let us help with the practical details
Once your ETA is approved, our team can help plan an itinerary around your exact travel dates, with airport pickup and a private driver-guide from the moment you land.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes. Almost all visitors must get an ETA online before travel at eta.gov.lk — even if your nationality qualifies for the free 30-day tourist ETA from 25 May 2026. Free does not mean walk-in on arrival.
How long does ETA approval take?
Straightforward tourist applications are often approved within 24 hours, though it is sensible to apply at least a few days before departure rather than at the last minute.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA?
The standard tourist ETA permits an initial stay of up to 30 days, with extensions generally available through the Department of Immigration and Emigration up to a total of around 90 days for tourism.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka visa after arrival?
Yes apply for an extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, or online where available, before your current authorisation expires to avoid fines or complications.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free in 2026?
For nationals of 40 listed countries (including the UK, much of the EU, Russia, the US, Canada, India and Australia) the tourist ETA is free from 25 May 2026 for 30 days with double entry. Everyone still applies in advance on eta.gov.lk. Other passports follow paid ETA rules.
Where should I apply for my Sri Lanka ETA?
Only through the official government site eta.gov.lk. Third-party sites often charge significantly inflated fees for the same form.