Sri Lanka ETA Checklist
Sri Lanka requires almost all visitors to hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they arrive. From 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries can get a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge. This checklist sets out who qualifies, how to apply, what it costs, and how long you have to travel. Based on the official ETA website of Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration & Emigration (eta.gov.lk).
Three quick facts
- Apply before you arrive. All foreign nationals must obtain an ETA prior to arrival (with limited diplomatic/official exceptions).
- Free for 40 countries. Since 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries qualify for a free 30-day tourist ETA; Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore also qualify under bilateral agreements.
- Travel within three months. An ETA holder must enter Sri Lanka within three months of the date the ETA was issued.
The checklist — what to prepare
| Check the free-ETA list | Confirm whether your nationality is one of the 40 countries eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA. Maldives (90 days), Seychelles and Singapore (30 days) also qualify under bilateral agreements. |
| Passport and details | Your passport details must match your application exactly. |
| Apply online before arrival | Apply for the ETA before you travel (other submission routes are listed below). |
| Acknowledgement and approval | You receive an acknowledgement, then an approval — or, if refused, a referral notice directing you to contact a Sri Lankan overseas mission. |
| Fee (if not on the free list) | Paid ETA charges apply to all other countries — see the fee table below. |
| Travel within 3 months | Enter Sri Lanka within three months of the ETA issue date. |
| Photo (if requested) | An ETA application does not require a photo of its own, but a visa photo must meet the destination’s standards if one is later requested — check the photo size chart. |
The 40 countries with a free tourist ETA
From 25 May 2026, nationals of these countries are eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA:
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 · United States of America
Under the scheme, tourists from these countries get a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge, with double entry permitted from first arrival — on the second entry only the balance of the 30 days is granted.
What it costs for other countries
| Method | South Asian tourist | South Asian business | All other tourist | All other business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant / overseas mission / head office | US$20 | US$30 | US$50 | US$55 |
| On arrival | US$25 | — | US$60 | — |
A transit visa (for 2 days only) is free of charge. Children of any nationality under 12 are eligible for a free tourist ETA up to 30 days only; beyond that, extension fees apply according to nationality. For extensions past 30 days, apply through the immigration e-services portal after arriving in Sri Lanka. The Department maintains a NO REFUND policy — fees are not returned if an application is not approved.
Ways to submit an ETA application
- Online — the primary method, through the official ETA website.
- By the applicant at a Sri Lankan overseas mission or at the head office in Colombo.
- On arrival — a higher fee applies.
Holders of diplomatic, official service and service passports in specified countries visiting on official business — and holders of diplomatic and official passports issued by the United Nations and UN organisations — may obtain a visa without an ETA before arrival, under reciprocal arrangements.
Common reasons an application or entry fails
- No ETA before arrival — obtaining one in advance is the rule for almost everyone.
- Passport or identity details not matching the application.
- Applying again while holding a valid ETA — check the official FAQ on this case.
- Applying inside Sri Lanka for a new ETA — the official FAQ covers this separately.
- Using a tourist or business ETA for the wrong purpose — an ETA cannot be converted into a residence visa.
For related reading, our Israel ETA checklist and the wider Checklists hub collect other visa and entry checklists. Verify any photo with the passport photo checker.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA?
The ETA is applied for online before arrival; check the official FAQ for whether onward-travel evidence is requested in your case.
How long is a Sri Lanka ETA valid?
You must enter Sri Lanka within three months of the ETA issue date, and the free tourist ETA covers a 30-day stay.
Is the ETA fee refundable if I am not approved?
No. The Department maintains a NO REFUND policy.
Do I need an ETA if I already hold a valid visa?
Almost all foreign nationals need an ETA before arrival; the official FAQ covers the case of already holding a valid ETA.
Can I apply for an ETA while in Sri Lanka?
There is an official FAQ entry on applying from within Sri Lanka; check it for your situation rather than assuming you can.
How do airlines verify an ETA?
Airlines check the ETA against the official system; apply before you travel so the authorisation is in place when you check in. See the official FAQ for the current process.
Sources: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration, official ETA website (eta.gov.lk) — information centre, fees, apply, diplomatic and FAQ pages, retrieved 2026-09-28; free ETA for 40 countries in effect from 25 May 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position at eta.gov.lk before you apply.