Sri Lanka Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, ETA Fees & How to Apply
Updated: April 2026
1. Visa Overview: Do You Need One?
Almost all international visitors to Sri Lanka require some form of travel authorization before they arrive. The good news is that the vast majority of nationalities — over 180 countries — can obtain authorization quickly and entirely online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system managed by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. [1]
A small number of nationalities from so-called "restricted countries" (such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Nigeria) are not eligible for an ETA and must apply in person at the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before travel. If your country is not available in the dropdown menu on the ETA portal, this likely applies to you. [1]
Sri Lanka does not offer a general visa-free entry policy for any country in the traditional sense; however, since 2023 it has run a fee-waiver programme that lets nationals of 40 selected countries enter without paying an ETA fee. This programme has been extended through October 31, 2026. [2]
2. What Is the Sri Lanka ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital pre-clearance that links electronically to your passport. It is not a visa stamp — there is no sticker placed in your passport. Instead, once approved, your details are stored in the immigration system and verified when you arrive at the port of entry.
The ETA is available for three purposes: Tourist, Business, and Transit. Most leisure travelers will apply for the tourist category. The official and only legitimate portal to apply is:
Official ETA Website: https://eta.gov.lk [3]
ETA Types at a Glance
| ETA Type | Purpose | Initial Duration | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Leisure, visiting friends/family | 30 days | Double entry |
| Business | Business meetings, conferences | 30 days | Double entry |
| Transit | Stopover en route to a third country | Up to 48 hours | Single entry |
3. ETA & Visa Fees in 2026
All Sri Lanka ETA fees are quoted in US Dollars (USD) and converted to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's daily selling rate at the time of payment. There is no fixed LKR price. [1]
| Visa Category | Non-SAARC Countries | SAARC Countries | Fee-Waiver Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (30 days) | $50 USD | $20 USD | FREE |
| Business ETA (30 days) | $55 USD | $30 USD | FREE |
| Transit ETA (up to 48h) | Free | Free | FREE |
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist) | $60 USD | $25 USD | FREE |
| Express ETA (add-on) | +~$20 USD | +~$20 USD | N/A |
SAARC member states include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan. [1]
4. Visa-Free & Fee-Waiver Countries (2026)
Sri Lanka does not offer visa-free entry in the traditional sense; all visitors still need an ETA. However, nationals of the following 40 countries receive the ETA at zero cost under the 2026 fee-waiver programme — in effect until October 31, 2026. [2]
5. How Long Can Tourists Stay in Sri Lanka?
A standard Tourist ETA grants an initial stay of 30 days with double entry. This means you can leave and re-enter Sri Lanka once without obtaining a new ETA, provided the total stay does not exceed 30 days on each entry. [1]
Visitors who wish to stay longer can apply for extensions at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The maximum total stay permitted for tourists (including all extensions) is 270 days (9 months) within a 12-month period. [4]
| Stage | Duration | Total Cumulative Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Initial ETA | 30 days | 30 days |
| 1st Extension | Up to 30 days more (30–60 day stay) | Up to 60 days |
| Further Extensions | Additional increments up to 180 days | Up to 270 days |
6. Sri Lanka Entry Requirements 2026
In addition to your ETA, Sri Lanka's immigration officers expect you to demonstrate the following at the border. Failure to produce any of these may result in denial of entry. [1]
- Valid passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay.
- Approved ETA: Either a printed copy of your ETA approval email or the reference number saved on your phone.
- Return or onward ticket: A confirmed booking showing you will leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Approximately $50–$100 USD per day of your planned stay, shown via bank statements, cash, or credit cards.
- Accommodation details: A hotel booking, hostel reservation, or host's contact information for your first few nights.
- Clean criminal record: Sri Lanka may deny entry to travelers with certain criminal convictions; this is assessed on arrival.
7. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA
The entire ETA process is completed online through the official portal at eta.gov.lk. There is no need to visit an embassy or mail your passport for most nationalities. [3]
- 1Visit the official ETA portal. Go to eta.gov.lk — do not use any third-party website. Select your visa category (Tourist, Business, or Transit) and click "Apply."
- 2Enter your personal and passport details. Fill in your full name (as it appears in your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, and your intended dates of travel.
- 3Provide travel information. Enter your flight details, port of entry (e.g., Bandaranaike International Airport), and your accommodation address in Sri Lanka.
- 4Upload a passport-style photo (if required). For extensions and some applications, a digital photo is needed: 35mm x 45mm, white background, face clearly visible, file size under 300 KB (JPEG format). The initial 30-day ETA may derive your photo from passport scan data.
- 5Review and pay the fee. Check all details carefully before payment. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, or other accepted cards. Fee-waiver country nationals pay $0; others pay $50 (Tourist, Non-SAARC). The portal confirms your payment immediately. [1]
- 6Receive your ETA approval by email. After approval, you will receive an email with your ETA reference number. Print this email or save it on your phone — you may be asked to show it at check-in and on arrival.
Required Documents Summary
- Valid passport (scanned data page)
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Travel dates and accommodation address
- Return/onward flight details
- Passport-style photo (35x45mm, white background) — for extensions
8. Visa on Arrival in Sri Lanka
Yes — Sri Lanka does offer Visa on Arrival (VoA), available at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo, which is the country's primary international gateway. [1]
The Visa on Arrival is intended as a convenience for travelers who did not obtain an ETA in advance. However, it is more expensive than the pre-arrival ETA and queues at the immigration desk can be lengthy during peak periods.
| Traveler Category | Visa on Arrival Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Non-SAARC countries | $60 USD |
| SAARC countries | $25 USD |
| 40 fee-waiver countries | FREE |
9. Extending Your Tourist Visa in Sri Lanka
If you wish to stay beyond your initial 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Extensions must be applied for before your current authorization expires. [4]
Extension Fees (2026)
| Extension Stage | Western Countries | All Other Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Extension (30–60 days total) | $100 USD | $60 USD |
| Subsequent extensions (up to 180 days) | $150–$200 USD | $150–$200 USD |
How to Apply for an Extension
- Online: Via the Department of Immigration portal at immigration.gov.lk.
- In Person: At the Head Office in Battaramulla, Colombo (41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Battaramulla). Bring your passport, current ETA printout, accommodation proof, and funds evidence.
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your current visa expires to allow processing time.
10. What to Do If Your ETA Is Rejected
ETA applications can be rejected for various reasons: errors in your application form, restricted-country nationality, prior immigration violations, or security flags. If your ETA is rejected, there is currently no formal online appeal mechanism through the eta.gov.lk portal. [1]
Your options after a rejection are:
- Apply for a traditional visa at a Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This is the most reliable path forward and allows for a personal review of your circumstances.
- Review your application for errors. If you believe the rejection resulted from a data-entry mistake (e.g., wrong passport number or misspelled name), you may reapply with corrected information.
- Contact the Department of Immigration directly at immigration.gov.lk or call the immigration helpline for clarification on the reason for rejection before reapplying.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything travelers most commonly ask about Sri Lanka visas in 2026 — answered in plain English.
Quick Checklist Before You Travel
- Apply for your ETA at eta.gov.lk at least 3 days before departure
- Confirm your passport has 6+ months of validity remaining
- Book your return/onward ticket before applying
- Print your ETA approval email or save the reference number offline
- Carry evidence of funds (~$50–$100/day) and accommodation details
- If your country is on the 40-country waiver list, enjoy the free ETA — but still apply!
- Check immigration.gov.lk for last-minute policy updates before flying
References
- Department of Immigration & Emigration Sri Lanka — Visa Types & Entry Requirements. https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14
- VisasNews — Sri Lanka extends 40-country free ETA programme to October 2026 (citing March 2026 Cabinet decision). https://visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-40-countries-free-visa/
- Official Sri Lanka ETA Portal. https://eta.gov.lk
- Department of Immigration & Emigration Sri Lanka — Visa Extensions. https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=45