Visa and Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka – Complete Guide for Travelers
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Before you pack your bags, it’s essential to know the visa and entry requirements for Sri Lanka. Whether you are visiting for a short holiday, attending business meetings, or planning a long-term stay, this complete guide explains the types of visas available, how to apply, fees, and important travel tips.
🛂 Do You Need a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
Yes. Most visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. The ETA is quick to apply for online and is usually approved within 24–48 hours. Only nationals of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles are exempt from this requirement for short visits.
✈️ Types of Sri Lanka Visas
Sri Lanka offers several visa options depending on the purpose of your visit:
Tourist Visa – For holidays, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends. Valid for 30 days, extendable up to 6 months.
Business Visa – For business meetings, conferences, training programs, or short-term work. Valid for 30–90 days.
Transit Visa – For passengers transiting through Sri Lanka. Valid for up to 2 days.
Residence Visas – For long-term stays such as employment, study, or investment.
💻 How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa (ETA)
The easiest way to get a Sri Lanka visa is through the official ETA website: https://www.eta.gov.lk
Application Steps:
Visit the official ETA portal.
Fill in your personal, travel, and passport details.
Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
Receive ETA approval by email (usually within 48 hours).
Present your ETA approval upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
📋 Requirements for Sri Lanka Visa Application
When applying for your visa, make sure you have:
A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
A return ticket or proof of onward travel.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Accommodation details (hotel booking or host’s address).
💰 Sri Lanka Visa Fees (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Online ETA Fee | On Arrival Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | USD 50 | USD 60 |
| Business ETA | USD 55 | USD 65 |
| Transit Visa (up to 48 hrs) | Free | Free |
Note: Fees may vary depending on nationality. Some countries have free or discounted visa arrangements.
🛬 Visa on Arrival in Sri Lanka
A Visa on Arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for most travelers. However, applying for an ETA online before your trip is strongly recommended to save time at immigration.
⏳ Extending Your Stay in Sri Lanka
Tourist visas can be extended for up to 270 days from the date of arrival. To extend your visa, you must visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo and provide:
A completed visa extension form.
Your passport and photocopies.
Recent passport-size photographs.
Payment for the visa extension fee.
🚫 Countries Exempt from ETA
Nationals of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles do not need an ETA for short visits to Sri Lanka.
⚠️ Travel Tips for a Smooth Entry
Apply for your ETA before booking your flight to avoid delays.
Always carry a printed copy of your ETA approval.
Ensure your passport has enough blank pages for entry stamps.
Double-check visa rules if visiting for work, study, or long-term purposes.
📌 Useful Resources
Official ETA Application – https://www.eta.gov.lk
Sri Lanka Immigration – http://www.immigration.gov.lk
