Sri Lanka
General visa requirements for travelling to Sri Lanka. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Entry (40 Countries))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
- Fee
- Free (ETA fee waived)
- Validity
- 30 days from arrival
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Starting January 2026, citizens of 40 countries can obtain a free ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for tourist visits. While the fee is waived, travelers must still apply online for the ETA before travel. Double entry permitted during the 30-day validity period. Extensions possible up to 270 days total (in stages: +60, +90, +90 days) by applying at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to nationals of 40 designated countries including major markets such as UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU countries, and Asian nations.
Eligible countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America
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Purpose of visit
For tourism, sightseeing, holidaying, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatments, sports events, and cultural performances only.
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Financial
Must demonstrate adequate funds for maintenance during stay in Sri Lanka and for return passage.
Minimum funds: Not specified - adequate for stay duration
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statement, credit cards, cash; Minimum amount: Adequate funds for stay and return passage
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA); Form url: https://eta.gov.lk
How to apply
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Online application
Apply online for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through the official portal at least 24-48 hours before travel.
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Processing wait
Wait for ETA approval which typically takes 24-48 hours. The approved ETA will be sent via email.
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Visa collection
No physical visa collection required. Present approved ETA email and passport at port of entry in Sri Lanka.
Tourist visa (Tourist e-Visa (ETA) - Standard)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
- Fee
- $35 USD (non-SAARC countries)
- Validity
- 30 days from arrival
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For all countries not covered by the visa-free program. SAARC countries pay $15 USD. Children under 12 years are exempt from the ETA processing fee. Double entry permitted. Can be extended up to 270 days total (in stages: +60, +90, +90 days) at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic countries.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries except those in the visa-free 40-country program.
-
Purpose of visit
For tourism, sightseeing, holidaying, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatments, sports events, and cultural performances.
-
Financial
Must demonstrate adequate funds for maintenance during stay and return passage.
Minimum funds: Not specified - adequate for stay duration
-
Age
Children under 12 years are exempt from the ETA processing fee.
Max age: 11; Min age: 0
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statement, credit cards; Minimum amount: Adequate funds for stay and return passage
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA); Form url: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/apply.jsp?locale=en_US
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Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic countries); Validity months: 120
How to apply
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Online application
Complete online ETA application form with personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
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Fee payment
Pay ETA fee online: $35 USD for most countries, $15 USD for SAARC countries, free for children under 12.
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Processing wait
Wait for ETA approval. Typically processed within 24-48 hours and sent via email.
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Visa collection
No physical collection required. Present ETA approval email and passport upon arrival at Sri Lankan immigration.