Sri Lanka Visa Guide 2026: ETA, Entry Rules & Fees
Sri Lanka’s visa rules have been updated more than once. Because of that, it can be harder to find correct details online than to complete the application. Some sites still show older fee amounts. Others mention the old eVisa setup. A few also say “visa-free” but do not spell out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) steps.
One key update happened on 25 May 2026. At that time, Sri Lanka started a free Tourist ETA that lasts 30 days. This applies to people from 40 specific countries.
The official guidance also says this ETA still must be obtained before you arrive. In other words, the free Tourist ETA is still part of the entry process. It does not mean you skip the visa workflow.
This guide explains the Sri Lanka ETA, free visa scheme, visa fees, passport rules, arrival card, double entry, visa extensions, restricted nationalities, business travel, Digital Nomad Visa, transit rules, yellow fever requirements, ETA mistakes and official visa contacts in one place.
Last reviewed: 23 September 2026.
Sri Lanka Visa Rules at a Glance
| Requirement | What travellers should know |
| Main short-stay system | Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) |
| Standard Tourist ETA | Up to 30 days |
| Entry facility | Double entry during the original 30-day period |
| Free Tourist ETA | Available to 40 selected countries from 25 May 2026 |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from arrival under ETA guidance |
| Return/onward ticket | Keep proof ready |
| Proof of funds | May be requested at immigration |
| Arrival card | Complete separately online |
| ETA response | Normally within 48 hours |
| ETA use window | Follow the “must be utilised before” date on your approval |
| Tourist visa extension | Available after arrival; fees depend on nationality |
| Transit ETA | Up to 2 days free |
Sri Lanka’s ETA conditions also make clear that ETA approval by itself does not guarantee admission. Travellers arriving by air should be able to show a round-trip ticket and evidence of sufficient funds.
What Is a Sri Lanka ETA?
ETA means Electronic Travel Authorization. In Sri Lanka, it is used when you enter the country for a short stay. People use it for tourism, some business trips, and also for transit.
If you are going for a normal holiday, you usually choose the Tourist ETA. Common reasons include sightseeing and general holidays. It can also cover time with friends or family. Some people apply for medical care, including Ayurveda and yoga. Certain sports or cultural activities are also listed as valid.
A Tourist ETA typically lets you stay for as long as 30 days. It also usually allows double entry.
The ETA is tied to the passport information you enter during the application. That means your passport number, your nationality, and your date of birth need to be accurate. You should carry and travel with the same passport that you used when you applied for the ETA.
For short tourist trips in 2026, follow the current government ETA process. Do not rely on the older eVisa guidance from 2024.
Free Tourist ETA for 40 Countries
From 25 May 2026, citizens of the following 40 countries became eligible for a free 30-day Tourist ETA. The scheme applies to eligible holders of ordinary, diplomatic, official, and service passports.
| Country | Country | Country | Country |
| Australia | France | Malaysia | Saudi Arabia |
| Austria | Germany | Nepal | South Korea |
| Bahrain | India | Netherlands | Spain |
| Belarus | Indonesia | New Zealand | Sweden |
| Belgium | Iran | Norway | Switzerland |
| Canada | Israel | Oman | Thailand |
| China | Italy | Pakistan | Turkey |
| Czech Republic | Japan | Poland | United Arab Emirates |
| Denmark | Kazakhstan | Qatar | United Kingdom |
| Finland | Kuwait | Russia | United States of America |
“Free” means the ETA processing fee is waived. It does not mean the ETA procedure disappears. The 2026 notice says travellers from these countries should obtain ETA approval before arrival. Fees already paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable.
Maldives, Singapore and Seychelles
Maldives, Singapore and Seychelles have separate reciprocal arrangements with Sri Lanka.
| Nationality | Current free arrangement |
| Singapore | Free Tourist ETA for 30 days |
| Seychelles | Free Tourist ETA for 30 days |
| Maldives | Free Tourist ETA for 90 days |
A newer notice for 2026 says people from these countries must get an ETA before they arrive. But there is another official page online that still says they can enter without an ETA for brief trips.
Since the two sources do not match, travellers from these three countries should use the most recently dated notice. Also, check the ETA system on the day you plan to travel, or right before you go.
ETA Fees for Other Nationalities
Travellers who are not covered by the free 40-country scheme or reciprocal arrangements remain subject to the general fee schedule.
| ETA Type | SAARC Category | Other Countries |
| Tourist ETA – 30 days | US$20 | US$50 |
| Business ETA – 30 days | US$30 | US$55 |
| Transit ETA – up to 2 days | Free | Free |
| Children under 12 | Free initial ETA fee | Free initial ETA fee |
The current Immigration fee schedule supports these figures. Several countries that normally fall into these regional categories are now in the free 40-country scheme, so always check nationality first instead of paying based on an older fee table.
Children Under 12
Children under 12 are exempt from the initial Tourist ETA processing fee.
This waiver works only for the first brief visit. If the child stays in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, you will need to extend the tourist visa, and the extra fee will depend on the child’s nationality.
Can You Still Get an ETA on Arrival?
The 2026 notice says travellers must get ETA approval before they arrive in Sri Lanka. But the current ETA application page still shows a way to submit on arrival at the port of entry.
The current fee schedule shows higher on-arrival Tourist ETA rates:
| Category | Online Tourist ETA | On-Arrival Tourist ETA |
| SAARC fee-paying category | US$20 | US$25 |
| Other fee-paying countries | US$50 | US$60 |
It would not be right to claim that all on-arrival facilities are gone. Still, people should use the online application route before they fly. Do not rely on what the airport might offer instead.
If your application is sent for review and not approved right away, the guidance says you might not be allowed in. In that case, you could be taken back to where you started. Some people are also left out of the usual tourist option on arrival. This includes restricted nationals.
When Should You Apply?
The ETA reply note says people usually get a response within two days.
That does not mean you should wait until the last moment to apply. Issues like payment trouble, a passport mistake, a referral letter, or a short system outage can slow things down. If you apply a few days early, you have time to fix any snag that comes up.
How Long Is the ETA Valid Before Travel?
One ETA page says the holder can enter Sri Lanka within three months from the issue date. But another ETA FAQ page still mentions six months.
Since the sites do not match, use the “must be utilised before” date on your own ETA approval letter.
How to Apply for the ETA
- Go to the official ETA portal.
- Type in your details the exact same way they are shown on your passport.
- Before you submit, double-check each field: Look at your name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, passport expiry date, travel details, and your email.
- If a fee is needed, the system lets you pay with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express at this time.
- After you submit, you will get a confirmation message. This is not the final decision.
- Wait and keep checking your ETA status. Once it shows Approved, download or save the approval notice on your device for your records.
What Happens If You Make a Mistake?
A submitted ETA cannot simply be edited.
The notice says that if you need an amendment, you must ask to cancel it. Use the same email you used for the first application. Also add the ETA reference number.
Once the cancellation is confirmed, you can file a new application. You may also need to pay the fee again. If an ETA application is cancelled, the money is not returned. For that reason, make sure the passport number is correct before you submit.
Passport Validity and Entry Documents
Sri Lanka’s ETA advice says your passport must be valid for at least six more months after the day you arrive.
In some places, the rules can be tighter. Airlines and governments may choose stricter wording. Canada is one example. It tells Canadians to make sure their passport is valid for at least six months past the date they plan to leave.
At immigration, keep the following information ready:
| Document or Proof | Why it matters |
| Passport used for ETA | Must match the application |
| ETA approval | Evidence of authorised short visit |
| Return/onward ticket | May be requested at entry |
| Accommodation details | Useful for immigration and arrival-card information |
| Proof of sufficient funds | May be requested |
The official ETA rules refer to sufficient funds but do not state a universal US-dollar amount per day.
Sri Lanka Online Arrival Card
The arrival card is separate from the ETA.
Current travel guidance says visitors also need to complete an online arrival card and that it can be completed up to three days before arrival.
The difference is simple:
- ETA = permission for the short visit.
- Arrival card = information used for immigration clearance.
Use the official Immigration e-services route rather than a third-party website charging an unnecessary arrival-card fee.
How Double Entry Works
A 30-day tourist ETA usually allows double entry. The second entry does not add a fresh 30-day block. On the second entry, you only get the days left from the first 30-day period. No new full period starts then.
There is another key point for longer stays: Sri Lanka Immigration states that the double-entry option is valid only within the first 30 days. If you ask for a visa extension in that first window, the original double-entry option is cancelled.
If you leave Sri Lanka while you are on a paid extension, that extension can be cancelled too. In that case, you may have to apply for a new tourist visa to come back. This can affect side trips, for example, to the Maldives or India.
Extending a Tourist Visa
Tourist visas may be extended either online or in person at the Department of Immigration and Emigration Head Office in Battaramulla.
If you extend your visa in person, you will need:
- A valid passport
- Return air ticket
- Accommodation details
- Contact phone number
- Completed application form and photograph
If you choose the online option, you must register first and upload your photograph along with the data page of your passport.
Current extension fees are structured by nationality:
| Nationality Group | 31–90 Days | 91–180 Days | 181–270 Days |
| UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, New Zealand and several European countries | US$100 | US$150 | US$200 |
| Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, Czech Republic | Free | US$150 | US$200 |
| Many other countries | US$60 | US$150 | US$200 |
| United States | US$100 | US$200 | (Presented separately) |
Your extended stay must end at least two months before your passport expires. Some older ETA text talks about extensions of as much as six months, but the newer fee details list a 181–270-day range for many countries.
Overstaying a Visa
The current Immigration rules publish clear overstay penalties:
| Overstay Period | Current Penalty |
| Up to 7 days | Applicable visa fee; no separate overstay penalty |
| More than 7 days and up to 14 days | US$250 plus applicable visa fee |
| More than 14 days | US$500 plus applicable visa fee |
If you submit an extension form online, you still may face penalties once your current visa runs out. Immigration says people should send the request before the expiry date, and visit the Battaramulla office if the online form stalls.
Restricted Nationalities and Sponsor Requirements
Some nationalities follow special sponsor procedures.
| Nationality Group | Main Procedure |
| Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Afghanistan | Apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor; police clearance included |
| Syria | Apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor; police clearance included |
| Taiwan-China, Kosovo | Apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor; separate document list |
Supporting papers required include a sponsor request letter, sponsor affidavit, certified sponsor ID/passport copy, applicant passport copy, accommodation proof, and a police clearance report where specified.
People who are restricted nationals must follow the immigration instructions that apply to them and not use a general tourist ETA guide.
Tourist ETA, Business ETA and Special Activities
A Tourist ETA does not allow regular work (paid or unpaid) or trading.
Allowed business reasons include meetings, talks, conferences, workshops, seminars, and short training sessions. A Business ETA is requested through Sri Lankan Overseas Missions or the Immigration Head Office with supporting documents. Business visas can be issued for single, double, or multiple entry.
Activities like journalism, media work, political meetings, and NGO/INGO activities fall outside the online ETA route and require prior government approval.
Diplomatic, Official and Crew Exemptions
Flight and ship crew members do not need an ETA. Certain diplomatic, official, and service passport holders are also exempt based on bilateral arrangements. However, simply holding a special passport does not automatically exempt you without checking specific agreements.
Digital Nomad Visa
A Tourist ETA extension does not allow remote work. Sri Lanka offers a separate Digital Nomad Visa for foreign professionals working remotely for non-Sri Lankan employers, clients, or businesses.
| Requirement | Current Rule |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Work type | Remote employment, freelancing, or foreign business |
| Minimum monthly remittance | US$2,000 for main applicant |
| Extra dependants | US$500 per month for each additional dependant (if over 2) |
| Visa duration | 1 year |
| Main applicant fee | US$500 per year |
| Spouse fee | US$500 per year |
| Each dependant fee | US$500 per year |
| Local employment | Not permitted |
Requirements include application form, request letter, passport copy, photos, certificates (marriage/birth if applicable), security and medical clearance, police clearance, international health insurance, proof of remittance, and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Digital Economy.
Transit Through Sri Lanka
A Transit ETA for up to two days costs nothing, but you may need to show documentary proof.
If you have a very short connection and stay airside, rules may differ. Check with your airline and Immigration if you need to collect luggage, clear immigration, leave the airport, stay overnight, or fly on separate tickets.
Yellow Fever Entry Requirement
Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever risk country. However, travellers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever risk countries (in parts of Africa or South America) may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination record upon arrival.
What Happened to the Old Sri Lanka eVisa?
Older search results may mention a past eVisa setup. For short trips in 2026, official guidance points travellers strictly to the ETA system. Do not use directions from earlier visa-policy periods.
Avoiding Fake or Overpriced Visa Websites
Some third-party agencies operate websites that look like official government portals and charge extra service fees on top of official prices. This is especially important if you qualify for the free Tourist ETA. Always ensure you use the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.
Official Visa Help and Contact Details
| Contact | Details |
| Immigration Hotline | 1962 |
| Main Department Phone | +94 112 101 500 |
| Visa Enquiries | 011 210 1540 / 011 210 1545 |
| 24/7 ETA Helpline | +94 71 996 7888 |
| Head Office Address | Suhurupaya, Sri Subhuthipura Road, Battaramulla |
A Practical Check Before You Fly
Before departing for Sri Lanka, ensure:
- ETA status shows Approved (not just Submitted).
- You carry the same passport used in the application.
- Passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- You check the “must be utilised before” date.
- You complete the online arrival card.
- Onward travel and accommodation details are saved offline.
- You understand extension and double-entry rules if staying longer than 30 days.
Preparing for Your Sri Lanka Trip in 2026
For most visitors, the process is straightforward:
- Confirm eligibility for the free Tourist ETA.
- Apply via the official portal.
- Double-check all passport details before submitting.
- Obtain official approval.
- Complete the arrival card prior to landing.
- Keep return tickets and accommodation bookings ready.
Remember: A free Tourist ETA does not mean there is no visa process. Once the paperwork is complete, you can begin planning your Sri Lanka itinerary—whether it starts in Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country, a wildlife safari, or along the coast.