Updated: 8 July 2026.
⚠️ Important 2026 update : Sri Lanka ETA now free for 40 countries : Maldives, Seychelles & Singapore no longer exempt
Since 25 May 2026, the ETA is still mandatory to apply for, but is now free for 40 countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, US, and most of the EU). At the same time, Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore : previously visa-exempt : now also require a (free) ETA to enter Sri Lanka.
Effective: 25 May 2026
Source: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration (eta.gov.lk)
All visitors (except certain exemptions) must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Apply online.
Sri Lanka ETA →Free for citizens of 40 countries (since 25 May 2026); USD 20-35 for other nationalities. Must be approved before arrival. Valid 30 days, extendable to 6 months. Required for: All visitors, including Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles (no longer exempt since 25 May 2026).
When: Apply before travel : processed within 24-48 hours
Register Now →Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? This 2026 guide explains the visa rules, costs and entry requirements for Sri Lanka, plus the practical travel details you need before you go. Below you will find the key facts at a glance, followed by visa categories, required documents and a step-by-step application guide.
Sri Lanka : Country Information
- Capital: Colombo (Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte)
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- Official language: Sinhala, Tamil
- Main airports: Bandaranaike Intl (CMB)
| Key Facts : Sri Lanka | |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ Sri Lanka ETA | Mandatory : Apply before travel : processed within 24-48 hours. Register here |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative); Colombo (commercial) |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) |
| Main Airport | Bandaranaike International (CMB), Colombo |
| ETA Fee | USD 20-35 (tourist); USD 35 (business) |
| Max Stay | 30 days (extendable to 6 months total) |
| Processing Time | Instant-24 hours (ETA online) |
| Free ETA Countries | 40 countries since 25 May 2026 (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, US, most EU + others) |
Introduction
Sri Lanka is an island nation off the southern tip of India, known for its beaches, ancient ruins, tea plantations, and wildlife. Almost all visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, obtained online at eta.gov.lk. Sri Lanka has periodically offered free ETAs to boost tourism.
Tourist & Short Stay
- ETA (Tourist) : Free for 40 countries, USD 20-35 for others: Required for ALL nationalities without exception since 25 May 2026. Apply at eta.gov.lk. Approval typically within minutes-24 hours. Allows 30-day initial stay, extendable up to 6 months total at a Department of Immigration office.
- Free ETA: Since 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka offers a free ETA to citizens of 40 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, the UK, the US and most of the EU. Check eta.gov.lk for the current free-ETA nationality list.
- Visa on Arrival: Available for select nationalities at CMB airport : the same ETA fee applies; it is easier to apply online in advance.
- Maldives, Seychelles, Singapore nationals: Previously visa-exempt, these three nationalities now also require a (free) ETA since 25 May 2026.
Business Visa
ETA (Business) : USD 35. Allows 30-day stay for business meetings, conferences, and trade activities. For long-term business investment, a Board of Investment (BOI) permit is required, which can lead to a Resident Guest visa for investors committing USD 250,000+.
Work & Long-Stay Visas
- Resident Guest Visa: For investors and long-term residents. Requires significant investment or employment by a BOI-approved company.
- Employment Visa: Employer must register with the Department of Immigration; visa issued for the duration of the employment contract. USD 50-100 fee.
- Retirement (Resident Guest): Sri Lanka offers a Resident Guest visa for retirees with income of at least USD 1,500/month or a deposit of USD 18,000/year in a Sri Lankan bank.
Student Visa
Student visa required for formal enrollment in Sri Lanka institutions. Apply at Department of Immigration with acceptance letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance. Generally issued for the duration of study.
Airport Transit
Transit without visa is permitted for most nationalities remaining airside at CMB. Passengers clearing immigration need a valid ETA or visa.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (6 months validity)
- ETA approval reference number (online application)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds (USD 50/day minimum recommended)
- Travel and health insurance
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| ETA (Tourist) : most nationalities | USD 20-35 |
| ETA (Business) | USD 35 |
| ETA : Free countries | Free |
| Employment Visa | USD 50-100 |
| Extension of Stay | LKR 3,000-15,000 |
How to Apply
- Visit eta.gov.lk : the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.
- Select "Tourist" or "Business" ETA, complete personal and travel details.
- Upload a scan of your passport bio-data page.
- Pay the fee online (Visa/Mastercard accepted).
- Receive ETA approval by email : print or save the reference number.
- Present the ETA reference on arrival at CMB : it is linked to your passport.
Official Links
Who Needs an ETA?
All nationalities require an ETA to enter Sri Lanka : there are no exemptions. Since 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, US and most of the EU) receive a free ETA; all other nationalities, including Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore (previously exempt), pay USD 20-35. Always check eta.gov.lk for the current fee structure before travel.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | 30 days | Free (40 countries) / USD 20-35 (others) | Free for 40 countries since 25 May 2026. Mandatory for ALL nationalities, including Maldives, Seychelles & Singapore. Apply online before travel |
| Tourist Visa Extension | Up to 90 days | $25-50 | Extendable at Department of Immigration, Colombo |
| Business ETA | 30 days | $50 | Business activities, conferences |
| Transit ETA | 48 hours | Free | Transit passengers connecting through Colombo |
| Residence Visa | 1 year | $200-500 | Employment, study, NGO work |
| Investor Visa | 5 years | $5,000 | $250,000+ investment in Sri Lanka |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Sri Lanka Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETA | 24-48 hours | Free | N/A | N/A |
| Business ETA | 24-48 hours | $50 | N/A | N/A |
| Residence | 2-4 weeks | $200-500 | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka
No mandatory vaccinations except Yellow Fever if from endemic area. Dengue present. Hepatitis A/B recommended. Medical facilities adequate in Colombo (Lanka Hospitals, Nawaloka). Limited elsewhere. Travel insurance recommended.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Sri Lanka
ETA 30 days extendable twice at Department of Immigration in Colombo for total 90 days. $25 for first extension. Overstay: $25/day fine. Significant overstay: detention, deportation.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Sri Lanka
ETA rarely refused for eligible nationalities. May be denied for: previous immigration violations, security concerns. No formal appeal. Can reapply online.
How to get the Sri Lanka visa?
- Check whether you need a visa. Confirm your nationality's requirement for Sri Lanka in the table above (visa-free, eVisa, visa on arrival or consular visa).
- Choose the right visa type for your trip : tourism, business, transit, work or study.
- Prepare your documents: a passport valid at least 6 months, a recent photo, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Apply online (eVisa) or at the nearest Sri Lanka embassy/consulate, and pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa and print or save the approval before you travel to Sri Lanka.
For the exact fee, processing time and document list for your nationality, see the dedicated requirements and fees guides linked on this page.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: 8 July 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Sri Lanka immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.