How to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA tourist visa in 2026 — cost, how to apply online, processing time, and what to do if yours is rejected.
Watch: Sri Lanka Visa & ETA Guide for 2026 (All Nationalities)
Most visitors to Sri Lanka require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — essentially a tourist visa obtained online before departure. It is straightforward to apply for and is approved within minutes for most nationalities.
Sri Lanka ETA — Quick Reference
Cost
$50 USD
Validity
180 days
Max Stay
30 days (extendable to 90)
Processing
Under 24 hours
Official application site
eta.gov.lk
Do You Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
ETA not required
Citizens of the following countries do NOT need an ETA:
- Maldives
- Singapore (visa on arrival, free)
Citizens of most other countries — including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, all EU nations, India, Japan, and South Korea — do require an ETA.
Check the official Sri Lanka immigration website for the most current list, as this changes periodically.
Sri Lanka ETA: The Basics
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | $50 USD |
| Validity | 180 days from issue |
| Stay allowed | 30 days (extendable to 90 days) |
| Entry type | Single entry |
| Processing time | Usually within 24 hours |
| Where to apply | eta.gov.lk (official site only) |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Go to the official website Visit eta.gov.lk — this is the only official Sri Lankan government ETA portal. Many unofficial websites exist that charge higher fees and add unnecessary processing delays.
Step 2: Choose your application type Select "Tourist" for leisure travel. Business ETAs are also available at the same price.
Step 3: Enter your details
- Full name (exactly as on your passport)
- Passport number and expiry date
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Contact details in Sri Lanka (hotel name and address)
Step 4: Pay the $50 USD fee Credit and debit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard). The payment processes immediately.
Step 5: Receive your ETA You will receive an email confirmation within minutes to 24 hours. Print the approval or save it to your phone. Border officials will request it.
Extensions and Overstays
Extending your stay (30 to 90 days): If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a free extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo or via their online portal. The extension is typically free and granted on the spot.
Maximum stay: 90 days per visit on a tourist ETA.
Overstaying is a criminal offence
Sri Lanka takes overstays seriously. Overstaying can result in detention, fines, and a ban on future entry. If you need more time, extend legitimately before your 30 days expire.
Common ETA Issues and How to Avoid Them
Rejection: The most common causes of ETA rejection are: incomplete applications, incorrect passport details, and previous overstays. If rejected, you can re-apply or visit a Sri Lankan Embassy in your country.
Avoid unofficial ETA websites
Dozens of websites impersonate the official portal and charge $75–150 USD. They simply forward your application to eta.gov.lk and pocket the difference. Only use eta.gov.lk — the URL matters.
Multiple-entry: The standard tourist ETA is single-entry. If you plan to visit a neighbouring country (India, Maldives) and return to Sri Lanka, apply for a new ETA before re-entering.
Visa on Arrival
Sri Lanka officially offers visa on arrival for some nationalities, but the process is slower and less reliable than applying in advance. Apply online before you travel.
Long-Stay Options
Business visa: Available to those conducting business activities. Same $50 cost, single entry, 30 days.
Residence visa: For those staying long-term (digital nomads, retirees). Apply at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Requires supporting documents.
Digital nomad visa: Sri Lanka is developing a dedicated digital nomad visa. As of early 2026, no formal scheme has launched — most digital nomads use standard tourist ETAs and extend. Check current status before travelling.
At the Airport
Have these ready at immigration
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months from your entry date
- ETA approval — printed or on your phone
- Return or onward travel booking
- Proof of accommodation for the first night
- Evidence of sufficient funds ($50 USD/day is the informal guideline)
Immigration officers at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport are generally efficient. Average processing time is 10–20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ETA approval take? Usually within an hour. Occasionally up to 24 hours during peak periods. Apply at least 48 hours before departure.
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa at the airport? In theory, yes. In practice, this is unreliable and slow. Always apply online before travelling.
Is the ETA a single or multiple-entry visa? Single entry. Each visit requires a new ETA.
Can I work on a tourist ETA? No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal in Sri Lanka. Remote workers and digital nomads operate in a grey area — Sri Lanka has not yet launched a formal digital nomad visa.
What if my ETA is rejected? You can re-apply immediately with corrected information. If rejected twice, contact the Sri Lankan High Commission or Embassy in your country.
Do children need an ETA? Yes. Every person entering Sri Lanka, including infants, requires their own ETA.
What is the minimum passport validity? Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
Does my ETA allow multiple entries? No — the standard tourist ETA is single entry. If you leave Sri Lanka (to visit India, for example), you will need a new ETA to re-enter.
Bottom Line: The Sri Lanka ETA is one of the simplest visa processes for any country. Apply through eta.gov.lk, pay your $50, and you will have your approval within an hour. Just make sure you are on the official government website — not an impersonator site charging double the price.
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