Visa (ETA)

Every visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It is free for 40 countries, but it must be approved before you fly.

Last updated · November 12, 2026

ETA fee: Free for 40 countries
Length of stay: 30 days
Passport: Valid 6 more months
When to apply: At least a week before

How to get it

Apply online
The form is on eta.gov.lk. Have your passport, arrival date and accommodation address ready. The villa's address is at the bottom of this page.
Wait for approval
First you get an email saying your application arrived. The approval comes in a second email. You can check the status online.
Pack your papers
Your passport, the approved ETA (printed or on your phone) and your return ticket.
On arrival
Show your passport and ETA at immigration. Your 30 days start on the day you arrive.

Official links

No other address is official. Other sites charge an extra fee.

What it costs

Since 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for citizens of 40 countries (see the list below). For everyone else it costs US$50, or US$20 for South Asian countries. The rules can change, so check the official site before you travel.

Can I get it at the airport?

Do not count on it. Colombo airport offers it only in limited cases, for US$60. Apply before you fly.

Can I leave and come back?

Yes. You can enter twice within the 30 days. On the second entry you only get the days left from the original 30.

Staying longer than 30 days?

Extend your stay online or at the immigration office in Battaramulla, near Colombo. Apply before your 30 days are up. The form shows the fee. Overstaying means a fine.

Watch out for copycat sites

Apply only on eta.gov.lk. Other sites look similar but add their own fee.

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive. Canada advises 6 months after you leave, which is the safer rule. Take out travel insurance. Check your own government's travel advice before you go.

Sources: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration · eta.gov.lk – fees · UK government travel advice

Country list

Who gets a free ETA

Citizens of these 40 countries get a free 30-day tourist ETA. They still have to apply for it.

Not on the list? Then the ETA costs US$50, or US$20 for South Asian countries. Singapore and the Seychelles get 30 days free by agreement, the Maldives 90 days.

Find your country

40 countries