Important Visa Policy Update (Feb 2026)
The "Mandatory Pre-Arrival ETA" rule has been REVOKED. A new "Free Visa" pilot scheme is now active for 7 nations (including India, China, Russia). Check the details below for more information.
Sri Lanka Visa Guide
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Apply online before your trip
Processing Time
24-72 hours
Standard Cost
$40-60 USD range (Check official portal)
Validity
30-60 days (extendable to 6 months)
Passport Validity
6 months from entry
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to get your ETA before traveling
- 1
Visit Official Portal
Go to https://www.srilankaevisa.lk
- 2
Fill Application
Fill out the application form with passport details
- 3
Pay Fee
Pay using credit or debit card (USD or LKR)
- 4
Receive Confirmation
Receive ETA via email within 24-72 hours
- 5
Print Confirmation
Print or save ETA confirmation for airport check-in
Visa Fees
Free Visa Pilot Scheme (30-day)
Eligible Countries (2026): Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, UK, USA. (Check official portal for latest updates).
FREE ($0 fee)
Standard Tourist Visa
$40-60 USD (Approx. range)
SAARC Countries
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Seychelles
$20-30 USD (Approx. range)
Children under 12
FREE
On Arrival Option
Available but NOT recommended due to queues. Online ETA is preferred.
$60-80 USD (Approx. range)
Document Preparation Checklist
Check items off as you prepare — your progress is saved
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Check Your Country's Visa Requirements
Select your nationality to see visa type, fee, and duration
Passport Requirements
- Valid for at least 6 months from entry date
- At least 2 blank pages available
- Not damaged or overstamped
Free Visa Waiver Countries
Citizens of these countries can obtain free visa waivers
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Canada
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
France
Germany
India
Indonesia
Iran
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Oman
Poland
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
UAE
UK
USA
Important Notes
- Warning:Apply at least 3 days before travel (24-72 hour processing)
- Warning:ETA is valid for 30 days from date of issue (not arrival)
- Warning:Tourist Police number for support: 1912 or +94 11 242 1052
- Warning:Can extend from 30 days up to 6 months at Immigration Office Colombo
- Warning:MANDATORY: Complete Digital Arrival Card online (free) 7 days before travel
- Warning:Do NOT miss the visa payment queue at immigration - separate from main queue
- Warning:Overstay penalty: LKR 1,000/day (~$3 USD/day), then deportation
Apply for ETA on Official Portal
Official Government Portal: https://www.srilankaevisa.lk