This page lists exactly what documents you need for a Sri Lanka visa in 2026 — the paperwork immigration actually checks, drawn from Sri Lanka's official requirements. Prepare these correctly and you remove the most common cause of delays and refusals.
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) |
Sri Lanka visa documents checklist
For the Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Passport valid ≥6 months
- Return ticket
- Proof of funds
- Card payment (paid nationalities)
For the Free Tourist ETA (waiver nationalities incl. India & Singapore)
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Passport bio page
- Return/onward ticket
- Accommodation details
For the Tourist ETA (non-waiver / other countries)
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Return/onward ticket
- Accommodation details
For the Tourist ETA - SAARC nationals (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan)
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Return/onward ticket
For the Business ETA
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Supporting business documents
For the Transit ETA
- Passport
- Onward ticket
Photo and passport specification
Most Sri Lanka rejections at the document stage are avoidable: use a recent colour photo with the correct size and background, no glasses or headwear (unless religious), and a passport with at least six months of validity and free pages. Names and dates must match exactly across your form, passport and bookings.
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.
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.
Requirements by Sri Lanka visa type
| 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 |
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.