Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Good news—getting a Sri Lanka visa is straightforward thanks to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Most travelers can apply online in minutes and receive approval within 24 hours, making Sri Lanka one of the easiest destinations to visit in South Asia.
Whether you're coming for beach sunsets in Mirissa, ancient temples in Anuradhapura, or wild safaris in Yala, understanding Sri Lanka visa requirements ensures a smooth entry. This guide covers everything from ETA costs and application steps to visa on arrival and extension options for 2026.
Visa requirements for Sri Lanka vary by nationality:
Citizens of the following countries can enter Sri Lanka without a visa for up to 30 days:
Maldives
Singapore
Seychelles
Citizens of over 180 countries—including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and most European nations—can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA online. This covers the vast majority of tourists.
A small number of countries require applying for a visa at a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before travel. Check the official ETA website to confirm your nationality's requirements.
The Sri Lanka ETA is an electronic visa issued to tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers. Introduced to simplify immigration, the ETA system allows you to apply online without visiting an embassy.
Key ETA Features:
Validity: 30 days from arrival (extendable to 6 months)
Type: Single or double entry
Processing time: Usually within 24 hours (often 1-2 hours)
Application: Online only via www.eta.gov.lk
Sri Lanka visa costs are paid in USD during the online application. Here are the official 2026 rates:
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | 30 days (extendable to 6 months) | $50 |
| Transit Visa | 2 days | $25 |
| Business Visa | 30 days | $100 |
| Children (under 12) | Same as parent visa | Free |
Extension Costs: Visa extensions cost approximately USD 50-100 depending on the length of the extension. Extensions are processed at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
When budgeting for your trip, factor in visa costs as part of your overall travel expenses. Check out our complete Sri Lanka travel budget guide for detailed cost breakdowns.
Applying for your Sri Lanka ETA takes about 10 minutes. Follow these steps:
Visit the Official Website: Go to www.eta.gov.lk (not a third-party site).
Select "Apply for Individual": Choose the tourist visa option.
Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your passport details, travel dates, and contact information. Double-check spelling—it must match your passport exactly.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload your passport bio page (JPEG or PDF format).
Pay the Fee: Use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex accepted). The cost is USD 50 for tourist visas.
Receive Confirmation: You'll get an email with your ETA approval (usually within 24 hours). Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
Print Your ETA: Print the confirmation email and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration in Sri Lanka.
Pro Tip: Apply at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid last-minute stress, though most ETAs are approved within hours.
Visa on arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) for eligible nationalities, but we strongly recommend applying online beforehand.
Why Apply Online Instead?
Faster: Skip the visa queue at the airport (which can take 1-2 hours during peak times)
Cheaper: Same cost, no additional airport fees
Peace of mind: Arrive knowing your visa is approved
If you must get a visa on arrival, have the following ready: passport, return ticket, hotel booking, USD 50 in cash or card, and completed application form (available at the airport).
To enter Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA, you'll need:
Valid passport: Must have at least 6 months validity from your arrival date
ETA confirmation: Printed or digital copy of your approved ETA
Return/onward ticket: Proof you're leaving Sri Lanka (airlines may check this before boarding)
Accommodation proof: Hotel booking or address where you'll stay
Sufficient funds: Proof you can support yourself (credit card, cash, or bank statement)
Immigration officers rarely ask for all documents, but have them ready just in case.
Fell in love with Sri Lanka and want to stay longer? You can extend your tourist visa up to 6 months total.
Extension Process:
Visit the Department of Immigration: Located in Colombo near Diyatha Uyana (Battle Field Road).
Bring documents: Passport, current visa, passport photos, hotel booking/address, bank statement or cash proof.
Fill out the extension form: Available at the office.
Pay the fee: USD 50-100 depending on extension length (paid in LKR equivalent).
Wait for processing: Usually 1-3 business days. You may need to return to collect your passport.
Important: Apply for your extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on immigration officer discretion.
Avoid visa violations by following these rules:
No working: Tourist visas do not permit employment or paid work. Get a work visa if you're employed in Sri Lanka.
Overstay penalties: Overstaying results in fines (USD 100-200) and possible immigration blacklisting. Extend before expiry!
Border runs not allowed: You cannot leave and re-enter immediately to reset your visa. Immigration will deny entry.
Respect local laws: Sri Lanka has strict drug laws, cultural norms around clothing at temples, and other regulations tourists must follow.
As of 2026, most Covid-related entry requirements have been lifted, but check current health regulations before traveling.
A tourist ETA for Sri Lanka costs USD 50 for a single entry, 30-day visa. Transit visas cost USD 25 (2 days), and business visas cost USD 100. Children under 12 travel free.
Sri Lanka ETA applications are typically processed within 24 hours. However, approval can come in as little as 1-2 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before your travel date to be safe.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Colombo Airport, but applying online for ETA beforehand is strongly recommended. Online applications are faster, cheaper, and let you skip long airport queues.
The standard tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka. You can extend this visa up to 6 months total by applying at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend your Sri Lanka tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Colombo (near Diyatha Uyana). Extensions cost approximately USD 50-100 depending on the duration. Apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying your Sri Lanka visa results in fines of USD 100-200 plus possible immigration blacklisting. You will need to pay the fine at the airport and may face entry bans for future visits. Always extend your visa before it expires.
Getting a Sri Lanka visa is one of the easiest parts of planning your trip. With the online ETA system, you can apply in minutes, pay USD 50, and receive approval within 24 hours. Just remember to use the official government website, apply at least a few days before travel, and keep your documents handy.
Now that your visa is sorted, it's time to plan your adventure! Explore our destination guides to discover ancient temples, pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, and vibrant cities waiting for you in Sri Lanka.
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in the pearl of the Indian Ocean!