Sri Lanka Visa Guide 2026: How to Apply for Your ETA
Quick answer: Most visitors to Sri Lanka need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying. As of May 2026, travelers from 40 countries — including the US, UK, most of Europe, India, Japan, and China — get a free 30-day double-entry ETA. All other nationalities pay USD 50. Apply online at the official government portal, eta.gov.lk; approval usually takes 24–48 hours.
Planning a trip with Serendip Trails? Getting your ETA sorted is the first practical step, and it’s simpler than most first-time visitors expect. Here’s everything you need to know.
Do I Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
Almost all foreign visitors need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka for tourism. A small number of nationalities — including Singapore and the Maldives — are fully visa-exempt and receive their ETA free of charge. Everyone else, including children and infants, needs an individual ETA linked to their passport.
How Much Does the Sri Lanka ETA Cost?
- 40 designated countries (US, UK, Canada, most of the EU, India, Japan, China, and others): free tourist ETA, effective since May 25, 2026
- All other nationalities: USD 50 for a standard 30-day, double-entry tourist ETA
- Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore nationals: processed free of charge
If you paid the fee before May 25, 2026 and your nationality later became fee-exempt, that payment isn’t refundable — so it’s worth checking the current list before you apply.
How Do I Apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?
- Go to eta.gov.lk — this is the only official government portal. Double-check the domain before entering any personal or payment details; several imitation sites charge $80–150 for the same free or low-cost service.
- Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation information.
- Pay online by card, if your nationality requires a fee.
- Wait for your approval email — most arrive within 24–48 hours, sometimes within a few hours.
- Save or print your ETA confirmation. You’ll need it at check-in and at immigration on arrival.
The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes. We recommend applying at least a few days before departure to leave buffer time in case your application needs manual review.
How Long Can I Stay in Sri Lanka on a Tourist ETA?
The standard tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay (90 days for Maldivian nationals). If you want to stay longer, extensions can be arranged in person at the Department of Immigration in Colombo — worth planning ahead for if your trip runs past a month.
Can I Get a Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival?
Technically yes for some nationalities, but it isn’t recommended. On-arrival processing costs more than applying online, queues can be long, and same-day approval isn’t guaranteed. Applying through eta.gov.lk before you fly is faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.
Planning Your Trip
Once your ETA is approved, the rest is easy — especially with a private, tailor-made itinerary. Browse our Sri Lanka tours or explore by region, from the Central Province to the Southern coast.
FAQs
Do children need their own Sri Lanka ETA? Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs an individual ETA linked to their passport, though very young children may be exempt from the processing fee.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA the same as a visa? Functionally yes — it’s Sri Lanka’s electronic entry authorization for short-term tourism and business travel, and it’s mandatory for most visitors even where the fee has been waived.
What’s the safest way to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA? Only use the official government portal at eta.gov.lk. Third-party sites often charge significantly more for the same application.
How long before my trip should I apply? Apply at least 3–5 days before departure. Most approvals arrive within 24–48 hours, but a small number are flagged for manual review and take longer.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka ETA once I’ve arrived? Yes, extensions are handled in person at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Plan ahead if you expect your trip to run longer than the standard 30 days.
