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Verified Requirements, Types and How to Apply
Updated 10 July, 2026
Most visitors to Sri Lanka need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they arrive. This guide explains who needs a visa, the visa types, the documents and fees, and how to apply, using the official Department of Immigration and Emigration system.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
30 days from arrival, extendable
Online before arrival, via eta.gov.lk
Reviewed by Rikas Hussain, Visa & Travel Manager, Arabiers Colombo
In short: most travellers need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before arrival through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Some nationalities are visa-exempt, and a few must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor or consulate. Always confirm current rules, fees and eligibility at eta.gov.lk.
Most nationalities need an ETA. Some are visa-exempt; a few use a sponsor or consulate route.
Visa ruleSri Lanka's official online travel permit, linked to your passport. A tourist ETA allows 30 days.
ETAA government ETA fee set by the Department, plus an agent service fee if you use one.
FeeOnline through the official portal at eta.gov.lk, or through a licensed agent.
ProcessA limited on-arrival facility exists, but applying online first is recommended.
On arrival30 days on a tourist ETA, extendable through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
30 days
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Most nationalities need an ETA. A number are visa-exempt, and a few must use a consulate or sponsor route.
Travellers to Sri Lanka fall into three groups. Most need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), obtained online before arrival. A number of nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays. A small number are not eligible for the online ETA and must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor or a consulate. Because these lists change, the authoritative source is the official portal.
Tourist, business and transit are the main ETA categories.
| Type | Purpose | Typical Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Holidays, family visits, sightseeing | 30 days from arrival |
| Business ETA | Meetings, conferences, short business visits | 30 days from arrival |
| Transit ETA | Passing through Sri Lanka to another destination | Up to 48 hours |
Longer stays, work and residence fall under separate categories issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration and are not covered by the standard tourist ETA.
Apply online through the official portal before you travel.
Applicants who prefer not to apply themselves can have a licensed travel agent prepare and file the application. This is common for nationalities that must use the sponsor or consulate route rather than the self-service portal.
Two costs can apply: the government ETA fee, and an agent service fee if you use one.
The government ETA fee is set by the Department of Immigration and Emigration and varies by nationality and visa type. SAARC and non-SAARC nationals are charged different amounts, and some categories are free. The current figure is displayed on the official portal at the point of payment.
If you apply through a licensed travel agent, a separate service fee applies for preparing and filing the application. For nationalities that must use the sponsor or consulate route, the documentation required depends on the applicant's country of residence, so the service fee is confirmed for each case.
The core documents are a valid passport, a photo and proof of onward travel.
A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
A recent passport-style photograph with a plain background.
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
Proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka.
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay, if requested.
Nationalities on the sponsor or consulate route may need additional documents, which can vary by country of residence.
A limited on-arrival facility exists, but applying online first is recommended.
Eligible travellers can use a limited on-arrival ETA facility at the airport, though this can involve queues and, in some cases, refusal at the counter. Applying for the ETA online before travel is the more reliable route. For the full process and eligibility, see our guide to the Sri Lanka visa on arrival.
Most ETA applications are processed quickly, but travellers should apply before departure.
Sri Lanka ETA processing times can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the accuracy of the submitted details and whether additional checks are required. Many applications are decided within a short period, but travellers should apply several days before departure and avoid relying on same-day approval. Final approval is issued only by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
ETA status is checked on the official portal.
Once submitted, an ETA application can be tracked on the official portal at eta.gov.lk using the application reference and passport details. Approval is normally delivered by email.
Requirements, and whether the online ETA is available, depend on your nationality.
Some nationalities apply through the standard online ETA; others must use a Sri Lankan sponsor or a consulate. These guides cover the specific process, documents and fees for each:
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, applied for online through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Some nationalities are visa-exempt and a few must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor or consulate. The current list is on the official portal at eta.gov.lk.
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is Sri Lanka's official online travel permit. A tourist ETA is issued for a 30-day stay and is linked electronically to the traveller's passport.
A tourist ETA allows a stay of 30 days from the date of arrival. It can be extended through the Department of Immigration and Emigration for a longer stay.
The government ETA fee is set by the Department of Immigration and Emigration and varies by nationality and visa type. The current amount is shown on the official portal at eta.gov.lk. If you apply through a licensed agent, a separate service fee applies.
A limited on-arrival facility exists at the airport for eligible nationalities, but applying for the ETA online before travel is recommended to avoid queues and possible refusal at the counter.
ETA status can be checked on the official portal at eta.gov.lk using the application reference and passport details.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
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