Almost every visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Sri Lanka — there is no visa-on-arrival queue to rely on for most nationalities, so this is worth sorting out before you book flights. Here is what the process actually involves.
Do you need a visa?
Almost all foreign nationals need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka, applied for before departure. As of the most recent update, a number of countries qualify for a free 30-day tourist ETA with double-entry, while other nationalities pay a processing fee. The eligible-country list and fees change from time to time, so always check the current list on the official ETA website rather than relying on a blog post — including this one.
How to apply
The only official channel is eta.gov.lk. Apply online before you travel: you’ll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address to receive the approval. At the time of writing, a standard tourist ETA costs around $50 applied online versus a higher fee if arranged on arrival, so it is worth applying at least a few days ahead rather than leaving it to the airport.
Be cautious of third-party websites that charge a large markup to “process” your ETA for you — the official site is the only one that matters, and applying directly is straightforward.
What you’ll need
- A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date
- Proof of onward or return travel (a return flight ticket, or a ticket to your next destination)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- A valid email address to receive your ETA approval
How long can you stay?
A standard tourist ETA is generally issued for 30 days with double-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter once within that period — useful if your trip includes a short side trip to somewhere like the Maldives. If you want to stay longer, an extension can be arranged through the Department of Immigration and Emigration before your current visa expires; overstaying is best avoided as it can involve fines and complications on departure.
A few practical tips
- Apply for your ETA once your travel dates are confirmed, ideally at least a week before departure.
- Double-check every detail on the application — passport number, spelling, and dates — since corrections after approval can be slow.
- Print or save a digital copy of your ETA approval to show at check-in and on arrival.
- Keep your passport and ETA approval accessible for immigration on landing.
Planning your trip
Once your ETA is sorted, the rest of the planning is easier with a private driver who already knows the route. Browse our Sri Lanka tours or send us your travel dates and we’ll help you build an itinerary around them.
Planning your trip? See our guide on whether Sri Lanka is safe to visit.
Visa rules, fees and eligible countries change from time to time. This guide is a general starting point — always confirm current requirements on the official eta.gov.lk or immigration.gov.lk websites before you travel.
