Short answer: almost every visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Sri Lanka. Since 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA has been free of charge for citizens of 40 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan and most of Western Europe. It is valid for 30 days with a double-entry facility. You still have to apply online at the official site, eta.gov.lk; the fee is simply waived. Everyone else pays a fee, currently US$50 for a standard tourist ETA.
What is the Sri Lanka ETA?
The ETA is Sri Lanka's electronic visa for short visits. It is linked to your passport electronically, so there is no sticker or stamp to collect. You apply online before you travel, and you show your approval and passport to immigration on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Validity: 30 days from your first arrival, with a double-entry facility within that 30-day period. For example, you can pop over to the Maldives and come back.
- Where to apply: only the official government portal, eta.gov.lk. Many look-alike websites "help" with the ETA for an extra fee. You never need them.
- When to apply: a few days before you fly. Most approvals come back quickly, but don't leave it to the airport.
Who gets a free ETA? The 40 countries
From 25 May 2026, nationals of the following 40 countries can get a tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days (list as published on eta.gov.lk):
Europe
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Asia and the Middle East
- Bahrain
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Israel
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- United Arab Emirates
Americas and Oceania
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States
Also free under reciprocal agreements
- Maldives (90 days)
- Seychelles (30 days)
- Singapore (30 days)
Children under 12 of any nationality also get a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days.
If you paid for an ETA before 25 May 2026, that fee is not refundable.
ETA fees for other nationalities
If your country isn't on the list above, the tourist ETA fees published by the Department of Immigration are:
| South Asian countries | All other countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA, applied for online in advance | US$20 | US$50 |
| Tourist visa on arrival | US$25 | US$60 |
| Business ETA | US$30 | US$55 |
| Transit (up to 2 days) | Free | |
Applying in advance is cheaper than a visa on arrival and avoids queues after a long flight. UK government advice also notes that if you're only transiting by air and your connecting flight leaves within 24 hours, you don't need a visa. Check transit times with your airline.
How to apply for the ETA, step by step
- Go to eta.gov.lk and start a new application for a Tourist ETA.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport: name, passport number, nationality and date of birth. Typos are the most common reason for problems at immigration.
- Add your travel details: expected arrival date, port of entry (usually Bandaranaike International Airport, CMB) and address in Sri Lanka. Your first hotel is fine.
- If your nationality is on the free list, the fee shows as zero. Otherwise, pay by card.
- Save or print the approval email. Immigration can see it electronically, but a copy on your phone saves time if there's a question.
Passport and arrival requirements
- Passport validity: at least 6 months from your arrival date. You can be refused entry otherwise.
- Onward travel: carry proof of a return or onward ticket and your accommodation details.
- Yellow fever: you need a vaccination certificate only if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Buddha tattoos: visible tattoos of the Buddha can lead to refused entry or deportation. Keep them covered. See our culture and etiquette guide.
Staying longer than 30 days
To stay beyond your ETA, apply for an extension online through the Department of Immigration's portal, eservices.immigration.gov.lk, before your current ETA expires. Fees apply, even if your original ETA was free. The Department's own guidance is that a 30-day tourist visa can be extended for a further 30 days. Some websites quote much longer maximum stays, so check the current rules on the portal rather than relying on third-party summaries.
Don't overstay. UK government advice warns it can lead to detention, a fine, deportation at your own expense and a ban on returning. Applying online on your last day does not protect you from overstay fines.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
British citizens need an ETA, which is currently free for tourism. Apply at eta.gov.lk before you travel. It allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Indian nationals are on the free-ETA list, so the tourist ETA costs nothing. You still need to apply online before you travel.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA really free?
For tourists from the 40 listed countries (plus the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore, and children under 12), yes: the government fee is waived. Websites that charge you a "service fee" are unofficial agents. Only use eta.gov.lk.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka?
A visa on arrival is available, but it costs more (US$60 for most nationalities) and means queuing after your flight. Apply online in advance instead, especially since the ETA is free for most visitors.
How long does ETA approval take?
Usually quickly, but processing times aren't guaranteed. Apply a few days before departure to leave room for any problems.
Sources: Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka (eta.gov.lk; fee table and free-ETA notice effective 25 May 2026); UK FCDO travel advice for Sri Lanka. Once your ETA is sorted, read our guide to flights and arriving at Colombo airport, or book an airport transfer so a driver is waiting when you land.
Cover photo: Eirik Skarstein on Unsplash.
