The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Sri Lanka. Since October 2025, travelers must obtain the ETA online before departure – the option to apply at the airport is no longer available. Requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months, a completed online application via eta.gov.lk, and payment of the applicable fee (USD 35 for tourist travel, though citizens of 40 countries now receive free ETAs as of May 2026).
What Documents Do You Need for a Sri Lanka ETA?
The Sri Lanka ETA requires a valid passport, a recent photograph, and proof of onward travel. These core documents form the foundation of every ETA application, regardless of your nationality or travel purpose.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Sri Lanka. This is a strict requirement enforced by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival, you will be denied entry even if your ETA is approved.
The passport must also be in good condition – damaged or defaced passports may be rejected at immigration. Dual nationals should carry the passport they used for the ETA application, as the authorization is electronically linked to that specific passport number.
Photo Specifications
The ETA application requires a recent passport-style photograph. The photo must be in color, taken against a white background, and show your full face clearly. Standard passport photo dimensions apply. The photo is uploaded digitally during the online application process on eta.gov.lk.
Supporting Documents
Beyond the passport and photo, you should have the following ready:
- Return or onward flight ticket – proof that you plan to leave Sri Lanka within your authorized stay
- Accommodation details – hotel booking or host address in Sri Lanka
- Sufficient funds – evidence you can support yourself during your stay (bank statement or credit card)
- Travel itinerary – optional but recommended for business ETA applicants
These supporting documents may be requested by immigration officers upon arrival, even though they are not uploaded during the ETA application itself.
Who Needs a Sri Lanka ETA?
The Sri Lanka ETA is mandatory for citizens of over 190 countries worldwide. Almost every foreign national visiting Sri Lanka must obtain this authorization before departure.
Standard Nationalities
Travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, European Union member states, Japan, South Korea, China, and most other nations must apply for an ETA online. The standard tourist ETA costs USD 35 and permits a stay of up to 30 days.
US citizens, UK citizens, and travelers from other major nations can apply directly through the official portal at eta.gov.lk without any additional documentation beyond a valid passport.
SAARC Member Countries
Citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries benefit from reduced ETA fees under regional agreements. SAARC members include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan. Indian citizens, for example, pay significantly reduced fees as part of bilateral arrangements between India and Sri Lanka.
Fee Waiver Countries (40 Countries – May 2026)
As of May 25, 2026, nationals of 40 countries are eligible for a free tourist ETA valid for 30 days. This fee waiver applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports from the following nations:
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, and United States of America.
Additionally, nationals of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore receive free ETAs under separate bilateral reciprocal agreements. Maldivian nationals receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system.
Exempt and Restricted Nationalities
Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Afghanistan must apply for their ETA through a Sri Lankan sponsor. The sponsor submits the application to the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla, along with a request letter, affidavit, national ID copy, and the applicant’s police clearance and passport copy.
Nationals of Taiwan, Kosovo, and Syria follow a similar sponsor-based application process for tourist or business visas.
Sri Lanka ETA Fees and Payment Requirements
The Sri Lanka ETA fee structure varies by travel purpose and nationality. Understanding the correct fee before applying prevents delays or rejected applications.
Tourist ETA
The standard tourist ETA costs USD 35 and allows a stay of up to 30 days with single or double entry. Citizens of the 40 fee-waiver countries listed above receive this free of charge. The tourist ETA covers leisure travel, visiting friends and family, and attending cultural events.
Business ETA
The business ETA costs USD 40 and permits a 30-day stay for commercial activities such as meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, and consultations. Business ETA holders are not authorized to take up employment in Sri Lanka – a separate work visa is required through the Department of Immigration.
Transit ETA
The transit ETA is free of charge for transits under 48 hours. If your layover exceeds 48 hours, you need a standard transit ETA. Transit ETA holders must have confirmed onward travel documentation and are generally restricted to the airport vicinity or designated transit zones.
Payment Methods
ETA fees are paid online during the application process at eta.gov.lk. The portal accepts major credit and debit cards. Fees paid before the May 2026 fee waiver policy are non-refundable, even for nationals now eligible for free ETAs.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Requirements
The Sri Lanka ETA application is completed entirely online. There is no embassy visit, no paper forms, and no airport-on-arrival option since the policy change in October 2025.
Online Application Steps
- Visit the official portal at eta.gov.lk
- Select your ETA type (Tourist, Business, or Transit)
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload a recent passport-style photograph
- Enter your travel details (arrival date, accommodation, flight information)
- Pay the applicable fee (or confirm fee waiver if eligible)
- Submit the application and save your reference number
Required Information
The application form requires your full name, date of nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, email address, contact phone number, purpose of visit, and intended accommodation in Sri Lanka. All information must match your passport exactly – discrepancies can result in delays or rejection.
Processing Time
Most Sri Lanka ETA applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. However, applicants are advised to apply at least 1 week before departure to allow for any unexpected delays. The approved ETA is sent to your registered email address and is electronically linked to your passport.
You can check your ETA status on eta.gov.lk using your application reference number. If your ETA is not approved within 72 hours, contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration directly.
Special Requirements and Restrictions
Beyond the standard document and fee requirements, several special conditions apply to specific traveler categories.
Dual Nationals
Dual nationals entering Sri Lanka must use the same passport they applied with for their ETA. When returning to their other country of citizenship, they should carry both passports. British dual nationals, for example, must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when returning to the UK.
Overstay Penalties
Overstaying your Sri Lanka ETA is taken seriously. If you remain beyond your authorized 30-day period, you face:
- Immigration procedures that may include temporary detention
- Financial fines imposed by the Department of Immigration
- Deportation at your own expense
- Travel ban preventing future entry to Sri Lanka
- Refusal of entry on subsequent visits
To avoid these consequences, apply for an extension before your ETA expires if you plan to stay longer. Extensions are available for up to 90 days total through the official immigration portal at eservices.immigration.gov.lk.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement is enforced at the port of entry and applies regardless of your ETA status.
No other vaccinations are currently mandatory for Sri Lanka entry, but standard travel health recommendations apply. Check TravelHealthPro or equivalent sources for up-to-date health advisories before your trip.
Customs Rules
Sri Lanka has strict customs regulations. You must declare any items that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. The Sri Lanka Customs Department provides detailed guidance on restricted and prohibited goods at customs.gov.lk.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does a US citizen need an ETA for Sri Lanka?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a Sri Lanka ETA before arrival. As of May 2026, US nationals are eligible for a free tourist ETA valid for 30 days under the 40-country fee waiver program. Apply online at eta.gov.lk at least 24-72 hours before your flight.
How early should I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA?
Apply at least 1 week before your departure date. While most applications are processed within 24-72 hours, applying early allows time for any issues. The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of entry, not from the date of approval, so there is no concern about it expiring before your trip.
Is an ETA necessary for Sri Lanka?
Yes, the ETA is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Sri Lanka since October 2025. There is no option to obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival. You must complete the online application and receive approval before boarding your flight.
Can I get an ETA at the airport in Sri Lanka?
No, the option to apply for an ETA at the airport was removed in October 2025. All travelers must obtain their ETA online through eta.gov.lk before departure. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers without an approved ETA.
How long is the Sri Lanka ETA valid?
The standard Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. It can be extended up to 90 days through the Department of Immigration’s online portal. Maldivian nationals receive a 90-day validity period under bilateral agreements.
What is the fee for a Sri Lanka ETA?
The tourist ETA costs USD 35 and the business ETA costs USD 40. Transit under 48 hours is free. Citizens of 40 countries (including the US, UK, India, Australia, and most EU nations) receive free tourist ETAs as of May 2026.
Do Indian citizens need an ETA for Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indian citizens need a Sri Lanka ETA. However, India is among the 40 countries eligible for a free tourist ETA as of May 2026. SAARC member countries also benefit from reduced fees for business and other visa categories.
What happens if I overstay my Sri Lanka ETA?
Overstaying your ETA can result in detention, fines, deportation at your own expense, and a travel ban preventing future entry to Sri Lanka. Apply for an extension before your 30-day period expires if you need to stay longer.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Sri Lanka?
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This is a health requirement separate from the ETA and is checked at the port of entry.
What documents do I need to carry when entering Sri Lanka?
Carry your passport (valid for 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your approved ETA, your return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration officers may request these documents upon arrival.
Last updated: July 2026. Information sourced from the Department of Immigration and Emigration (immigration.gov.lk) and the official ETA portal (eta.gov.lk). For the latest policy updates, visit eta.gov.lk.
