Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Sri Lanka's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Sri Lanka need tourist eta (electronic travel authorization), with an official government fee of Free for 40 countries; otherwise US$50 tourist (US$55 business); transit free.
Sri Lanka visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) |
| Government fee | Free for 40 countries; otherwise US$50 tourist (US$55 business); transit free |
| Processing time | Usually within 24 hours (up to 3 days) |
| Validity | 30 days from first arrival, double entry |
| Permitted stay | 30 days (extendable at Immigration Dept for a fee) |
| Where to apply | eta.gov.lk (official) or ETA counter on arrival (higher fee) |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Sri Lanka?
Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): All visitors except Maldives/Seychelles/Singapore-style short exemptions — everyone applies for ETA online or on arrival.
Free Tourist ETA (waiver nationalities incl. India & Singapore): 40 free-list nationalities (India, Singapore, USA, UK, China, Japan, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, etc.); children under 12 free for all nationalities
Tourist ETA (non-waiver / other countries): Nationalities not on the free list and not SAARC
Tourist ETA - SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan): SAARC nationals not otherwise on the free list (India is on the free list, so not charged this rate)
Business ETA: Business travellers (meetings, conferences, professional engagements)
Transit ETA: Transit passengers
Sri Lanka visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | Free for 40 countries; otherwise US$50 tourist (US$55 business); transit free | 30 days (extendable at Immigration Dept for a fee) | Usually within 24 hours (up to 3 days) | eta.gov.lk (official) or ETA counter on arrival (higher fee) |
| Free Tourist ETA (waiver nationalities incl. India & Singapore) | US$0 (tourism/family/short transit only) | 30 days | Typically within a few hours | https://eta.gov.lk |
| Tourist ETA (non-waiver / other countries) | US$50 online (US$60 on arrival) | 30 days | Typically within a few hours | https://eta.gov.lk |
| Tourist ETA - SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan) | US$20 online (US$25 on arrival) | 30 days | Typically within a few hours | https://eta.gov.lk |
| Business ETA | US$55 (other countries) / US$30 (SAARC); not available on arrival; the free waiver does NOT cover business | 30 days | Typically within a few hours | https://eta.gov.lk |
| Transit ETA | Free (all nationalities) | 2 days | Typically within a few hours | https://eta.gov.lk |
Documents required
For the Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization):
- Passport valid ≥6 months
- Return ticket
- Proof of funds
- Card payment (paid nationalities)
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): eta.gov.lk (official) or ETA counter on arrival (higher fee) — allow Usually within 24 hours (up to 3 days).
- Free Tourist ETA (waiver nationalities incl. India & Singapore): https://eta.gov.lk — allow Typically within a few hours.
- Tourist ETA (non-waiver / other countries): https://eta.gov.lk — allow Typically within a few hours.
- Tourist ETA - SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan): https://eta.gov.lk — allow Typically within a few hours.
- Business ETA: https://eta.gov.lk — allow Typically within a few hours.
- Transit ETA: https://eta.gov.lk — allow Typically within a few hours.
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Sri Lanka visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Sri Lanka visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Sri Lanka.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Sri Lanka application.
- Processing: allow Usually within 24 hours (up to 3 days). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Sri Lanka
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Only use eta.gov.lk — many look-alike sites overcharge.
Sri Lanka visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Sri Lanka visa?
Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Free for 40 countries; otherwise US$50 tourist (US$55 business); transit free. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Usually within 24 hours (up to 3 days).
Things to do once your Sri Lanka visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Sri Lanka you can book on HolidaySG:
- Kandy Private Car Charter — from SGD 51
- Kandy Self Drive Car Rental — from SGD 48
- Kitulgala Adventure Day Tour From Colombo — from SGD 29
- Kitulgala Adventure Day Tour from Kandy — from SGD 40
- Knuckles Day Tour from Kandy — from SGD 72
- Minneriya National Park Safari Experience from Anuradhapura — from SGD 57
Official sources
- Sri Lanka Dept of Immigration & Emigration — verified 16 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.