The Sri Lanka ETA fee ranges from free to USD 60 depending on your nationality, visa type, and how you apply. Since 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries can obtain a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization at no charge. This guide covers every fee category – tourist, business, transit, extension, and overstay penalties – so you know the exact cost before applying.
Sri Lanka ETA Fee Overview
The Sri Lanka ETA fee structure has three tiers: free for 40 countries, reduced SAARC rates, and standard rates for all other nationalities. Your cost depends on your passport, the visa type you need, and whether you apply online or on arrival.
The following table summarizes the key Sri Lanka ETA fees:
| Visa Type | SAARC Countries (Online) | All Other Countries (Online) | On Arrival (SAARC) | On Arrival (Others) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (30 days, double entry) | USD 20 | USD 50 | USD 25 | USD 60 |
| Business (30 days, multiple entry) | USD 30 | USD 55 | Not available | Not available |
| Transit (2 days, single entry) | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Children of any nationality under 12 years old enter Sri Lanka free of charge regardless of visa type.
Free Sri Lanka ETA – 40 Eligible Countries
Since 25 May 2026, 40 countries receive a free tourist ETA valid for 30 days with double-entry permission. This policy was introduced by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to boost tourism.
The 40 eligible countries are:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Bilateral agreement countries also receive free ETAs:
- Singapore and Seychelles: 30 days free, double entry
- Maldives: 90 days free, double entry
Important: All foreign nationals, including those from the 40 free-visa countries, must still obtain an ETA before arrival. The ETA fee paid before 25 May 2026 is non-refundable.
Sri Lanka ETA Fee by Visa Type
Sri Lanka ETA fees vary by visa category, with tourist visas costing USD 20-50, business visas USD 30-55, and transit visas free for all nationalities.
Tourist Visa (ETA)
The tourist ETA allows double entry within a 30-day validity period. SAARC nationals (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) pay USD 20 online, while all other nationalities pay USD 50 online. The 40 eligible countries listed above pay nothing.
Business Visa (ETA)
The business ETA grants multiple entry for 30 days. SAARC nationals pay USD 30 online, and all other nationalities pay USD 55 online. Business ETAs are not available on arrival – you must apply online or through a Sri Lankan overseas mission.
Transit Visa (ETA)
The transit visa is free for all nationalities. It allows a single entry for 2 days and is designed for travelers passing through Sri Lanka to another destination.
Online vs On-Arrival ETA Fees
Applying online through eta.gov.lk saves USD 5-10 compared to obtaining your ETA on arrival at Sri Lankan ports of entry.
| Application Method | Tourist (SAARC) | Tourist (Others) | Business (SAARC) | Business (Others) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online (eta.gov.lk) | USD 20 | USD 50 | USD 30 | USD 55 |
| On arrival | USD 25 | USD 60 | Not available | Not available |
Key differences:
- Online application is cheaper, available 24/7, and recommended by the Department of Immigration
- On-arrival costs USD 5-10 more and is only available for tourist and transit visas
- Business visas must be obtained online or through an overseas mission before travel
- Children under 12 are free regardless of application method
Sri Lanka Visa Extension Costs
Extending a Sri Lanka tourist visa costs between USD 60 and USD 200 depending on your nationality and how long you want to stay. The initial tourist ETA is valid for 30 days only. If you wish to remain longer, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Extension Fee Matrix
| Country Group | 31-90 Days | 91-180 Days | 181-270 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Norway | USD 100 | USD 150 | USD 200 |
| United States | USD 100 | USD 200 | – |
| Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, Czech Republic | Free | USD 150 | USD 200 |
| All other countries | USD 60 | USD 150 | USD 200 |
Notes on extensions:
- Extension fees are calculated from the arrival date, not the application date
- The 40 free-visa countries can also extend their stay, subject to the applicable extension fee
- Business visa extensions cost USD 100 (30-90 days) or USD 200 (90-180 days) for most nationalities
Sri Lanka ETA Overstay Penalties
Overstaying a Sri Lanka visa triggers financial penalties of USD 250 for 7-14 days beyond expiry and USD 500 for over 14 days. Sri Lanka enforces a strict overstay policy published in Gazette 2337/10.
Penalty Schedule
| Overstay Duration | Penalty | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 7 days | No penalty | Pay applicable visa fee at port of departure |
| 7-14 days | USD 250 | Plus applicable visa fee |
| Over 14 days | USD 500 | Plus applicable visa fee |
The 7-day grace period allows travelers who accidentally overstay to depart by paying only the visa fee at the airport, without incurring a penalty. After 7 days, the USD 250 penalty applies automatically. Overstaying beyond 14 days doubles the penalty to USD 500.
Recommendation: Apply for a visa extension before your 30-day ETA expires to avoid these penalties entirely.
How to Pay the Sri Lanka ETA Fee
The Sri Lanka ETA fee is paid online via credit or debit card through the official eta.gov.lk portal during the application process.
Payment steps:
- Visit eta.gov.lk and select “Apply”
- Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel dates
- Select your visa type (tourist, business, or transit)
- Proceed to the payment page
- Enter your credit or debit card details
- Confirm payment and submit your application
- Receive your ETA approval via email
Payment notes:
- Payment is required before your application is processed
- The fee is non-refundable once paid
- For the 40 eligible countries, the payment step is skipped (USD 0)
- Business and tourist visas applied for on arrival must be paid in cash (USD only)
