Visa & Entry requirements for Sri Lanka.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? One of the first things to check is whether you need a visa and what you need to enter the country.

Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for short tourist visits. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, and the rules have recently changed.

New visa rules from May 2026

As of 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries are eligible for a free tourist ETA for 30 days.

There is an important detail: this does not mean that travelers from these countries can simply arrive without prior authorization. They are still required to obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka — the tourist ETA is simply issued free of charge.

The 40 countries currently included in the free tourist ETA scheme are:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

Citizens of Singapore and Seychelles are also eligible for a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days, while citizens of the Maldives can receive a free tourist ETA for up to 90 days under the applicable bilateral agreement.

The free tourist ETA allows double entry during its validity period. If you leave Sri Lanka and return, the second entry is allowed only for the remaining part of the original validity period.

What is an ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an electronic authorization for a short visit to Sri Lanka.

For a tourist visit, the ETA is linked to the passport used in the application, so make sure your passport details are entered correctly.

You can apply through the official Sri Lankan ETA website:

Official ETA website:
eta.gov.lk

Always use the official website when applying. Third-party websites may charge additional service fees — I know this from personal experience, so it is worth avoiding unnecessary extra costs.

Do I need to pay for an ETA?

If you are a citizen of one of the 40 countries covered by the new scheme, the tourist ETA is currently free for up to 30 days.

Citizens of Singapore and Seychelles are also eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA, while Maldivian citizens can receive a free 90-day tourist ETA.

For other nationalities, the standard ETA fee applies. The current official fee for an online tourist ETA is US$50 for most countries and US$20 for SAARC countries.

Because visa fees and procedures can change, always check the current official information before applying.

What do you need to
enter Sri Lanka?

Having an ETA does not automatically guarantee entry into Sri Lanka. You should be prepared to provide:

• A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
• A return or onward ticket
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• The appropriate authorization for your purpose of travel

What happens when you arrive?

If you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the main international airport serving Colombo, the arrival procedure is straightforward.

1. Immigration

Follow the signs to the Immigration counter. You will need to present your passport and travel documents to the immigration officer. Your entry will then be processed and your passport stamped.

2. Baggage claim

After immigration, follow the signs to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage.

3. Customs

After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to Customs and proceed through the appropriate channel.

That’s it — you’re ready to leave the airport and begin your Sri Lankan adventure.

How long can you stay?

A standard tourist ETA is issued for 30 days.

If you are eligible for the free tourist ETA and want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension after arriving in Sri Lanka. An applicable fee will be charged for the extension.

What if I am only transiting through Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka also has provisions for transit travelers.

If you are passing through Sri Lanka on your way to another destination, check the current transit ETA requirements before your journey, as the rules depend on the circumstances and length of your transit.

Before you travel

Sri Lanka’s visa rules have changed recently, and older travel guides may no longer reflect the current system.

Before your trip, make sure you:

1. Check the requirements for your nationality.
2. Check whether you qualify for the free tourist ETA.
3. Apply through the official ETA website.
4. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
5. Keep your return or onward ticket available.
6. Check that all information in your ETA application matches your passport.

Official sources

Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

eta.gov.lk

Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka

immigration.gov.lk

Bandaranaike International Airport – Arrival Procedures

airport.lk