ETA before travel
Most visitors should obtain their ETA approval before travelling to Sri Lanka rather than relying on airport processing.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Sri Lanka visa
& entry requirements.
Understand the tourist ETA, entry requirements and the practical steps to prepare before travelling to Sri Lanka.
01
QUICK VISA CHECK
What passport do you hold?
Choose your passport country for a quick tourist ETA summary.
QUICK ANSWER
Tourist entry
at a glance
For most short tourist visits, Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Your exact fee and eligibility depend on the passport you hold.
Typical tourist stay
The standard Tourist ETA normally permits a stay of up to 30 days. Some reciprocal arrangements provide different periods.
Double entry
Standard 30-day Tourist ETA approval normally allows two entries during the approved period, subject to current immigration rules.
Passport validity
Your passport should normally remain valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
Tripbook is an independent travel guide.
Official ETA website ↗We do not issue visas, process ETA applications or collect immigration fees. Always complete your application through Sri Lanka's official immigration services.
APPLYING FOR YOUR ETA
Four simple steps
before you travel
Apply through Sri Lanka's official ETA service before departure. Have your passport and travel details ready, and make sure every detail matches the passport you will use for your journey.
Go to the official ETA website ↗01
GET READY
Prepare your details
Have your passport, travel information and accommodation details ready before starting your application.
Passport • Travel dates • Accommodation02
APPLY
Apply online
Complete your Tourist ETA application through Sri Lanka's official ETA service before travelling.
Official ETA service ↗03
CHECK YOUR FEE
Pay if applicable
Your passport determines whether your Tourist ETA is free or whether the standard processing fee applies.
Check your nationality ↑04
READY TO TRAVEL
Keep your approval
Save your ETA confirmation and travel with the same passport used for your application.
Keep a digital copy accessible!
Make sure your passport information is correct.
The travel document used for your ETA application should be the same document you present when entering Sri Lanka.
TOURIST ETA FEES
What will your
ETA cost?
Your fee depends on the passport you hold. Use the nationality checker above for the quickest answer.
Check your passport →Children under 12
Tourist ETA processing is free for children under 12 for stays of up to 30 days.
Transit travellers
A transit ETA for up to two days is currently free of charge.
Fees and eligibility can change. Always confirm the amount shown by Sri Lanka's official ETA service before making payment.
View official ETA fees ↗ARRIVING IN SRI LANKA
What to have ready
when you arrive
ETA approval does not replace the normal entry checks at the border. Keep your key travel documents and information easy to access.
01
✓
Valid passport
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
02
✓
ETA approval
Keep your approved ETA confirmation accessible and travel using the same passport used for the application.
03
✓
Return or onward ticket
Be prepared to show a confirmed return or onward travel ticket when requested.
04
✓
Funds for your stay
Travellers should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their visit when required.
05
✓
Where you're staying
Keep your first accommodation address and useful contact information available during arrival.
STAYING LONGER?
Need more time
in Sri Lanka?
Tourist stays can be extended, subject to Sri Lanka's immigration rules, approval and applicable fees.
Official visa extension service →01
WHEN TO APPLY
Apply before your current stay expires
Don't wait until your permitted stay has ended. Check the current extension requirements early if you plan to remain in Sri Lanka longer.
02
WHAT YOU MAY NEED
Prepare your travel details
Immigration may request your valid passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation details, application information and a photograph.
03
HOW LONG?
Extensions may allow a longer stay
Tourist stays may be extended up to six months, subject to the applicable immigration rules, eligibility and fees.
GOOD TO KNOW
Sri Lanka visa
questions
Quick answers to common questions before travelling to Sri Lanka.
Do I need an ETA to visit Sri Lanka?+
Most short-stay visitors should check their ETA requirement before travelling. Requirements and fees depend on your nationality and current immigration rules.
How long can I stay with a Tourist ETA?+
A standard Tourist ETA normally permits a stay of up to 30 days. Some nationalities or arrangements may have different conditions.
Can I enter Sri Lanka twice with the same ETA?+
The standard 30-day Tourist ETA generally allows double entry. A second entry uses the remaining period of the original permitted stay.
Can I extend my tourist stay?+
Tourist stays may be extended subject to eligibility, immigration approval and applicable fees. Apply before your current permitted stay expires.
Can I work in Sri Lanka with a Tourist ETA?+
No. A Tourist ETA is intended for tourism and does not provide permission to take up employment in Sri Lanka.
Should I print my ETA approval?+
Keep your ETA approval easily accessible while travelling. Having a digital copy and a backup copy is a practical precaution.
VERIFY BEFORE YOU FLY
Always check the official source.
Visa rules, fees and eligibility can change. Sri Lanka Tripbook provides travel guidance, but immigration decisions and current requirements come from Sri Lanka's official immigration services.
Last verified: 12 September 2026