At a glance
E-visa available
Yes
Visa-free countries
3 listed
Visa-on-arrival
14 listed
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
Sri Lanka transitioned its ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system to a new portal in April 2024, with the price changing to USD 50 for tourist visa. The previous USD 35 free-for-certain-nationalities scheme ended. Sri Lanka briefly offered visa-free entry for 35 nationalities (April-October 2024) but reverted to charging USD 50 from October 2024.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETA Tourist Visa | 30 days, double entry | USD 50 | Passport scan, photo, application | Same-day to 3 days |
| Visa Extension | 30-90 days additional | USD 30-50 at Department of Immigration | Application, passport, in-country | Same-day to 7 days |
| Tourist Visa (Embassy) | 30 days | USD 50 | Application, passport, photo | 5-10 business days |
Visa-free countries (3)
Singapore, Seychelles, Maldives.
Visa on arrival (14)
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, All EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Hong Kong, Most other nationalities.
Sri Lanka Visa Overview 2026
Sri Lanka's tourist visa is the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). USD 50 for a 30-day stay, double-entry allowed, extendable to 90 days total from inside Sri Lanka. Available to nationals of 150+ countries via the eta.gov.lk portal.
The ETA Tourist Visa
USD 50 covers a 30-day stay with double entry (you can leave and re-enter Sri Lanka once during the 30 days). Apply at eta.gov.lk with passport scan, photo, application, intended dates, and accommodation details. Processing same-day to 3 days. The ETA is electronic; print and present at immigration on arrival.
The 2024 visa-free experiment (April-October 2024) ended in October 2024, returning to the USD 50 ETA fee for all eligible nationalities. The current 2026 fee structure is unchanged from the late-2024 reversion.
Extending Your Visa
The 30-day ETA can be extended to 90 days total at the Department of Immigration in Colombo (5th floor, Suhurupaya building, Battaramulla). USD 30-50 extension fee. Apply in-country at any time before your visa expires. Processing same-day to 7 days. Many travelers use a visa agent (around USD 80-120 total) for minimum hassle. Beyond 90 days requires a different visa class (Residence Visa, Business Visa).
Visa on Arrival Alternative
Sri Lanka offers visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for nationals of most countries. Same USD 50 fee. The catch: the VOA queue can be 2-3 hours during peak arrival times. The ETA processed online before arrival saves this delay; most travelers prefer the pre-arrival ETA.
Practical Notes
The official portal is eta.gov.lk. Avoid the commercial sites (sri-lanka-visa.com, ivisa.com) that charge USD 50-150 markups. The Sri Lankan Ministry of External Affairs site is mfa.gov.lk; the Department of Immigration site is immigration.gov.lk.
Sri Lanka entry requirements: valid passport (6+ months remaining), ETA approval, return or onward ticket, sufficient funds (USD 50 per day recommended). The Sri Lankan immigration officer can ask about your accommodation and travel plans; have a printed copy of your ETA and a printed hotel reservation for the first night.
Working in Sri Lanka
The ETA explicitly prohibits work. For employment, you need a Visit Visa (Business) or Residence Visa (Employment) sponsored by a Sri Lankan employer. Sri Lanka does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026, though the Department of Immigration announced plans for a remote-worker visa in 2024 with anticipated launch in late 2025 or 2026.
Customs and Health Requirements
No yellow fever vaccination required for visitors from non-endemic countries. The Sri Lankan customs office permits up to USD 250 in undeclared goods; declarations required above this. The Sri Lanka tourism authority recommends bringing a copy of your passport (separate from the original) and a printed ETA. The Sri Lankan rupee is the local currency; USD is accepted at most tourism-area establishments.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG Sri Lanka country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.