Quick answer: almost every visitor to Sri Lanka needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they fly, and the official place to apply is eta.gov.lk. Since 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, India, Germany, France and Japan, get the 30-day tourist ETA free of charge. They still have to apply online first, because only the fee is waived, not the ETA itself.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka in 2026?
Yes. Foreign visitors need an ETA (the electronic tourist visa) approved before arrival, whether they are coming for a holiday, a short business trip or a stopover. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport, so the airline can check it when you check in. A few nationalities cannot use the online system and must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor or a Sri Lankan mission: the official site names Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Afghanistan, Taiwan-China, Kosovo and Syria.
Which countries get a free Sri Lanka tourist visa?
From 25 May 2026, nationals of these 40 countries can get a tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Singapore and Seychelles also receive a free 30-day ETA, and the Maldives receive a free 90-day ETA. The free ETA allows double entry within the 30 days counted from your first arrival. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are not refundable.
Sri Lanka ETA fees if your country is not on the free list
| Traveller | Apply online | Pay on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA, South Asian (SAARC) countries | US$20 | US$25 |
| Tourist ETA, all other countries | US$50 | US$60 |
| Business ETA, South Asian countries | US$30 | not listed |
| Business ETA, all other countries | US$55 | not listed |
| Transit ETA (stopover of up to 2 days) | Free | Free |
| Children under 12, any nationality | Free tourist ETA for up to 30 days | Free |
Applying online before you fly is cheaper than paying on arrival and avoids queues, so it is the better choice. Fees can change, so check the current figures on the official ETA fees page.
What you need before you apply
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
- A passport photo and a scan of your passport data page, which you will be asked to upload.
- A valid email address, because your approval is sent there.
- A bank card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) if your nationality has to pay a fee.
- A confirmed return or onward ticket and enough money for your stay. You do not need the ticket to apply, but immigration can ask to see both when you land.
How to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA step by step
- Open the official website. Go to eta.gov.lk and type the address yourself. Many look-alike sites charge extra service fees.
- Click Apply and fill in the form. Enter your passport details, travel dates and contact details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Pay the processing fee by card if your nationality is not on the free list. Nationals of the free-ETA countries are not charged.
- Submit the application. You receive an acknowledgement straight away.
- Wait for approval by email. Many applications are approved within one to three days, but the official site does not promise a time, so apply at least a week before you travel.
- Check your status if needed on the ETA website or through the 24-hour ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888.
- Save the approval. Keep a digital copy and a printed copy to show at immigration in Sri Lanka.
How long is the ETA valid and how long can I stay?
Once approved, you can enter Sri Lanka within three months of the date of issue. Your stay is then limited to 30 days from the date you arrive, with double entry for the tourist ETA. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension, up to six months in total, through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Tourist visa extensions can be made online, and extension fees apply according to nationality. You cannot apply for a new ETA while you are inside Sri Lanka, so use the extension route instead.
Do I also need to fill in an arrival card?
The arrival card is a separate immigration form and it is not the same thing as the ETA. Since January 2023 visitors can complete it online up to three days before they travel, through the Department of Immigration's online arrival card. Check the Department of Immigration website for the current requirement before you fly.
Common Sri Lanka ETA mistakes to avoid
- Using an unofficial website and paying extra fees. The official site is eta.gov.lk.
- Travelling on a passport with less than six months of validity.
- Typing the passport number or name incorrectly. An application cannot be corrected after submission, so you may need to apply again.
- Applying at the last minute. Leave time in case your application is referred for more information.
- Forgetting that the ETA is mandatory even when the fee is free.
Plan your Sri Lanka trip with Figo Holidays
Once your ETA is sorted, the next step is choosing where to go. Browse our Sri Lanka tour packages, read our Sri Lanka visa guide, work out the best time to visit Sri Lanka, or contact our travel designers for a trip built around your dates. If you are booking with us, ask the team about help with your ETA when you enquire.
Last checked against the official ETA website and the Department of Immigration and Emigration on 8 October 2026. Visa rules and fees can change, so always confirm on eta.gov.lk before you apply.