Complete guide to Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and requirements by nationality. Updated for 2025.
Sri Lanka introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to streamline visa processing for tourists and business travelers. Most visitors can obtain their ETA online within minutes, making it one of the easiest visa systems in South Asia.
The ETA system replaced the traditional visa application process in 2012 and has been continuously updated to accommodate more nationalities. As of 2025, Sri Lanka offers various visa categories based on nationality and purpose of visit.
Sri Lanka has extended visa-free entry for tourists from select countries as part of its post-pandemic tourism recovery initiative. The visa-free scheme allows stays of up to 30 days for eligible nationalities.
Note: Visa policies can change based on diplomatic relations and government decisions. Always verify current requirements before traveling.
Citizens of the following countries can enter Sri Lanka without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for tourism purposes:
The ETA system applies to travelers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry, or those who wish to stay longer than 30 days or travel for business purposes.
Validity: 30 days (double entry)
Processing: 24-72 hours
Fee: USD 50
Extension: Can be extended up to 6 months
Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, sightseeing
Validity: 30 days (double entry)
Processing: 24-72 hours
Fee: USD 100
Extension: Can be extended up to 6 months
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade
You must obtain an ETA if you:
The online ETA application process is straightforward and can be completed in about 10-15 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Go to www.eta.gov.lk (official government website)
Warning: Beware of third-party websites charging inflated fees. The official site ends with .gov.lk
Choose between Tourist ETA, Business ETA, or Transit Visa based on your purpose of travel.
Provide the following information:
Provide:
Scan and upload:
Pay the ETA fee using:
Payment is processed securely through government payment gateway.
You will receive an email notification with your ETA approval within 24-72 hours. The email contains:
Print a copy of your ETA approval to present at immigration.
If you didn't obtain an ETA before travel, you can apply for a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo). However, this option:
| Visa Type | Validity | Online (ETA) | On Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 30 days (double entry) | USD 50 | USD 60 |
| Business Visa | 30 days (double entry) | USD 100 | USD 120 |
| Transit Visa | 2 days (single entry) | USD 25 | USD 30 |
| Visit Visa Extension (Tourist) | Up to 90 days additional | LKR 20,000 - 35,000 (approx. USD 60-110) | |
| Long-term Extension | 3-6 months | LKR 50,000 - 150,000 (approx. USD 150-460) | |
As of 2025, Sri Lanka requires:
If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa validity, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
Department of Immigration and Emigration
"Suhurupaya"
Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Typically 2-5 working days. Apply at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
No, the 30-day visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must exit and re-enter, or apply for a formal ETA before your visa-free period expires.
ETA rejections are rare. If rejected, you can contact the Department of Immigration for clarification and reapply with corrected information or additional documents.
No, tourist visas and ETAs do not permit employment. You need a business visa and work permit to work legally in Sri Lanka.
If you're staying airside and not entering Sri Lanka, no visa is required. If you wish to leave the airport, you need a transit visa (USD 25, valid 2 days).
Yes, tourist and business ETAs allow double entry within the 30-day validity period.
Address: "Suhurupaya", Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Hotline: +94 11 532 9300
Email: info@immigration.gov.lk
Website: www.immigration.gov.lk
Website: www.eta.gov.lk
Email: eta@immigration.gov.lk
Helpline: +94 11 267 1171
Hours: 24/7 online applications