The Sri Lanka Guides

Sri Lanka Visa and ETA Guide

· 3 min read Practical
Bandaranaike International Airport arrivals hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Contents

  1. Who Needs an ETA
  2. Applying for the Tourist ETA
  3. Third-Party ETA Services
  4. What the Tourist ETA Covers
  5. Extending Your Stay
  6. Arriving by Sea
  7. Arrival at Colombo Airport
  8. Common Questions

Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. The process is straightforward and almost entirely online. Here is what you need to know.

Who Needs an ETA

The majority of nationalities require an ETA before arrival. A small number of countries are exempt — these include Singapore, the Seychelles, the Maldives, and a handful of others. The list changes periodically.

SAARC nations (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan) receive a free 30-day visa — a different category from the standard tourist ETA.

Check the current exemption list at the official Sri Lanka ETA website before assuming your nationality is included.

Applying for the Tourist ETA

Official site: eta.gov.lk — this is the Sri Lanka government’s official ETA portal.

Cost: The tourist ETA costs $20 (single entry, 30 days) or $35 (double entry). Fees are paid online by card during the application.

Processing time: Usually instant or within a few hours. Can take up to 24–48 hours in some cases. Apply at least 48 hours before travel to be safe.

What you need:

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
  • Onward or return flight ticket
  • Accommodation for at least the first night in Sri Lanka
  • A card for the fee payment

The form asks for basic personal information, passport details, and your Sri Lanka accommodation address. It is short and does not require supporting documents to be uploaded.

You receive the ETA approval by email. Print it or keep it accessible on your phone — immigration at Colombo Airport may ask to see it.

Third-Party ETA Services

Numerous commercial websites offer to process the ETA for a higher fee ($30–80). They are processing the same ETA through the same government system with a markup. There is no advantage to using them. Apply directly at eta.gov.lk.

What the Tourist ETA Covers

A single-entry tourist ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days from first entry. Sri Lanka’s immigration calculates this from the date of arrival, not the date the ETA was issued.

Extending Your Stay

Tourist ETAs can be extended at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are processed for an additional 30-day period at a time, up to a maximum total stay of 90 days.

Process for extension:

  • Appear in person at the Department of Immigration, 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
  • Bring your passport, the printed ETA approval, a recent passport photo, proof of onward travel, and evidence of accommodation
  • The fee is approximately LKR 5,000–10,000 per extension (fees are adjusted periodically)
  • Process typically takes one to three working days; some applicants report same-day completion during quieter periods

Plan your first extension before your initial 30 days expire. Overstaying an ETA is a violation and will result in a fine and potential complications with future Sri Lanka entries.

Arriving by Sea

The practical option for arriving by sea is the ferry from Rameshwaram (India) to Talaimannar in northern Sri Lanka. This service has operated intermittently since it was restarted post-war — check current status before planning around it, as schedules and availability vary.

Your ETA covers sea entry as well as air entry. Apply through the same process.

Arrival at Colombo Airport

Bandaranaike International Airport processes arrivals efficiently during quieter periods. During peak season (December–January), queues at immigration can be significant. The ETA lanes are separate from visa-on-arrival queues. Have your documents accessible before joining the queue.

What immigration may ask for: onward ticket (sometimes checked), first night accommodation address, and confirmation of the ETA. Having these on your phone or printed is sufficient.

Common Questions

Can I work on a tourist ETA? No. Tourist ETAs do not permit employment in Sri Lanka.

Can I enter from India overland? Only via Talaimannar by sea. There is no land border crossing between India and Sri Lanka.

What if my ETA is rejected? ETA rejections are uncommon for standard tourist applications. If rejected, you will receive a reason. Contact the Department of Immigration for clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British, US, Australian, and EU citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, and all EU member states require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. The ETA is applied for online at eta.gov.lk and costs USD $20 for a single-entry 30-day tourist visa.
How much does a Sri Lanka e-visa cost?
The standard tourist ETA costs USD $20 for single entry (30 days) or USD $35 for double entry. Fees are paid by card at the time of application on the official site, eta.gov.lk. Third-party services charge more for processing the same application.
How far in advance should I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA?
Apply at least 48 hours before travel. Most applications are approved instantly or within a few hours, but processing can occasionally take 24–48 hours. There is no benefit to applying months ahead — the ETA validity begins on your date of arrival, not the date of issue.
Is there a visa on arrival for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka does not offer a standard visa on arrival for most nationalities. The ETA must be obtained before travel at eta.gov.lk. Arriving without an ETA creates delays and complications at immigration. SAARC nationals (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan) receive a free 30-day visa under a separate arrangement.
What are the penalties for overstaying a Sri Lanka visa?
Overstaying an ETA is a violation of Sri Lanka immigration law. Overstayers are subject to fines and may face complications or refusal of entry on future visits to Sri Lanka. Extensions of up to 90 days total can be arranged at the Department of Immigration in Colombo before your initial 30-day ETA expires.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist ETAs can be extended at the Department of Immigration and Emigration, 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to a maximum total stay of 90 days. You need your passport, printed ETA approval, a passport photo, proof of onward travel, and accommodation evidence. The fee is approximately LKR 5,000–10,000 per extension.