Sri Lanka Tourist Visa – Complete Guide for 2026

Sri Lanka’s tourist visa system runs through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a mandatory online pre-approval required for all foreign nationals before arriving on the island. Since May 2026, citizens of 40 countries can obtain this authorization free of charge, making Sri Lanka more accessible than ever. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Sri Lanka tourist visa – who needs one, what it costs, how to apply, and what you can and cannot do once you arrive.

What Is the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa?

The Sri Lanka tourist visa is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that grants foreign nationals permission to enter Sri Lanka for short-term tourism purposes. It replaced the previous visa-on-arrival system, which was officially cancelled on October 15, 2025.

The ETA is processed entirely online through the official government portal at eta.gov.lk. Once approved, the authorization is linked electronically to your passport – there is no physical sticker or stamp to obtain before travel. For a full overview of how the system works, see our Sri Lanka ETA guide.

Key features of the tourist ETA:

• Validity: 30 days from the date of first arrival
• Entry type: Double entry permitted within the 30-day validity period
• Processing: Typically approved within 24-72 hours
• Application: Entirely online – no embassy visit required for most nationalities

The tourist visa is strictly for leisure travel. If you plan to conduct business, attend conferences, or work in Sri Lanka, you need a separate business visa or work permit.

Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Sri Lanka?

Every foreign national visiting Sri Lanka must obtain an ETA before arrival, regardless of nationality. There are no visa-exempt categories for ordinary passport holders. However, the cost and conditions differ based on your citizenship.

Free ETA – 40 Eligible Countries (Since May 25, 2026)

Effective May 25, 2026, citizens of the following 40 countries can obtain a free tourist ETA valid for 30 days with double-entry privileges:

Important: Even though the ETA is free for these 40 countries, you must still apply online before departure. The authorization does not happen automatically.

Additionally, three countries have bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka:

• Maldives – 90-day free tourist visa
• Seychelles – 30-day free tourist visa
• Singapore – 30-day free tourist visa

Nationals of these three countries must also apply through the ETA system, which processes their applications free of charge.

Countries Requiring a Paid ETA

Citizens of countries not listed above can still obtain a tourist ETA, but must pay a fee. The cost depends on your nationality and how you apply:

SAARC countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Note that India, Nepal, and Pakistan are already covered under the free 40-country scheme.

Children under 12 of any nationality are eligible for a free tourist visa (ETA) for stays up to 30 days. If the stay exceeds 30 days, extension fees apply according to the child’s nationality.

Special Restrictions for Certain Nationalities

Nationals of a few countries face additional requirements and cannot apply through the standard online ETA portal. Instead, they must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office in Battaramulla:

• Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Afghanistan – require a Sri Lankan sponsor, police clearance report, and proof of accommodation
• Taiwan-China and Kosovo – require a Sri Lankan sponsor and proof of accommodation
• Syria – require a Sri Lankan sponsor, police clearance report, and proof of accommodation

The sponsor must submit a request letter, a signed affidavit, and a copy of their national identity card or passport.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Fees

Here is a complete breakdown of tourist visa costs as of 2026:

Extension fees for stays beyond 30 days are handled separately through the immigration e-services portal after arrival. Extension fees vary by nationality. For a detailed fee breakdown, see our Sri Lanka ETA fee guide.

Note: ETA fees paid before May 25, 2026 are non-refundable, even for nationals of the 40 countries who are now eligible for free entry.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa, you need (see our detailed Sri Lanka ETA requirements page for the full checklist):

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival
• A passport data page scan (JPG format) for upload during the online application
• A valid email address to receive the ETA approval notice
• A credit or debit card for payment (only if your nationality requires a paid ETA)

No hotel bookings, flight tickets, or invitation letters are required for the standard tourist ETA application.

Allowed Activities on a Tourist Visa

The tourist visa permits the following activities:

• Sightseeing and holidaying – exploring Sri Lanka’s temples, beaches, wildlife parks, and cultural sites
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Medical treatment – including Ayurvedic medicine and yoga retreats
• Sports events and competitions
• Cultural performances and activities

Prohibited Activities on a Tourist Visa

You cannot do the following on a tourist visa:

• Engage in business or trade activities
• Attend meetings, conferences, or short-term training programs
• Participate in art, music, or dance festivals as a performer or organizer
• Take up employment (paid or unpaid) or self-employment
• Reside in Sri Lanka through frequent or successive visits

If your purpose falls under any of the prohibited categories, you need to apply for the appropriate visa type – either a business visa or work visa.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Online

The application process is straightforward and takes about 10-15 minutes:

Step 1: Visit the official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk

Step 2: Select “Tourist Visa” as your visa type

Step 3: Fill in your personal details – full name (as it appears on your passport), nationality, passport number, date of birth, and contact information

Step 4: Upload a JPG image of your passport data page

Step 5: Review your application carefully before submitting

Step 6: Pay the applicable fee (if required for your nationality) using a credit or debit card

Step 7: Wait for the ETA approval notice to arrive via email – this typically takes 24-72 hours, though many applicants receive approval within hours

Step 8: Print the approval notice or save it on your phone for presentation at immigration upon arrival

Tips for a smooth application:

• Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel to allow time for processing and any unexpected delays
• Double-check your passport number and personal details – errors can cause problems at immigration
• Use the official government website (eta.gov.lk) only – avoid third-party sites that charge additional service fees
• Keep a digital copy of your ETA approval on your phone as a backup

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Validity and Extensions

The standard tourist ETA grants a 30-day stay from the date of your first arrival in Sri Lanka. It includes double-entry privileges, meaning you can leave the country and return once within the 30-day validity period.

On your second entry, only the remaining balance of the original 30-day period is granted – the clock does not restart.

If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s online extension service. The extension process requires:

• Applying in person at the immigration office in Colombo, or through the online portal
• Payment of the applicable extension fee (varies by nationality)
• A valid reason for the extended stay

The maximum cumulative stay on tourist visas is typically 90 days within a 6-month period, though specific limits depend on your nationality and the discretion of immigration authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions