Sri Lanka Visa & ETA 2026 – Complete Guide for Tourists & Business Travellers
Free 30-Day Tourist Visa for 35+ Countries
Since October 2024, Sri Lanka offers a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival for citizens of over 35 countries — including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan, and EU nations. Apply online via ETA before you travel.
Apply at srilankaeta.gov.lkPlanning a trip to Sri Lanka? Understanding the visa requirements is the first step. Sri Lanka has significantly simplified its visa process in recent years, making it easier than ever for tourists and business travellers to visit the island.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from the free 30-day tourist visa policy to the online ETA application process, visa extensions, business visa requirements, and the latest fees. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, this is your complete reference for Sri Lanka visa matters in 2026.
Overview of Sri Lanka Visa System
Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system as the primary method for processing short-stay visas. The ETA was first introduced in 2012 and has undergone several updates since.
The ETA is not a visa stamp in your passport — it is an electronic pre-approval that allows you to board your flight and enter Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) or Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), immigration officers verify your ETA and stamp your passport.
In a landmark decision in October 2024, the Sri Lankan government announced free 30-day tourist visas for citizens of over 35 countries to boost tourism recovery. This policy remains in effect as of March 2026.
Free Visa on Arrival (Since 2024)
Since October 1, 2024, Sri Lanka offers a free 30-day tourist visa to citizens of a wide range of countries. This was introduced as part of the government's strategy to revive tourism after the economic crisis.
No visa fee for tourists from 35+ countries! Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU member states, India, China, Japan, South Korea, and many others can enter Sri Lanka for free for up to 30 days. You still need to register via the ETA portal or receive your stamp on arrival.
How the Free Visa Works
- Pre-register online (recommended): Apply through the ETA portal at www.srilankaeta.gov.lk before your trip. The fee is waived for eligible nationals, and you receive electronic approval.
- On arrival: If you haven't applied online, you can receive the free visa stamp at the immigration counter upon landing. However, pre-registration speeds up the entry process significantly.
- Duration: 30 days from the date of entry. Extendable up to 90 days at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
- Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, or attending conferences (as a delegate, not a speaker — speakers need a business visa).
Types of Sri Lanka Visas
Sri Lanka issues several categories of visas depending on the purpose and duration of your visit:
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 30 days (extendable to 90) | Sightseeing, visiting family, medical tourism, yoga retreats |
| Business Visa | 30 days | Meetings, conferences, trade activities, negotiations |
| Transit Visa | Up to 2 days | Passing through Sri Lanka to a third country |
| Residence Visa | Varies (months/years) | Employment, study, religious activities, volunteering |
ETA Online Application Process
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain your Sri Lanka visa. Here's how to apply step by step:
Visit the Official ETA Website
Go to www.srilankaeta.gov.lk. This is the only official portal — beware of third-party websites that charge inflated fees.
Select Your Visa Category
Choose Tourist Visa, Business Visa, or Transit Visa based on the purpose of your visit.
Fill in Your Application
Enter your personal details (full name as in passport, date of birth, nationality), passport information (number, issue date, expiry date), travel dates, flight details, and accommodation address in Sri Lanka.
Upload Documents
Upload a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page and a recent passport-sized photograph. File format: JPEG or PNG, under 2 MB.
Pay the Fee (If Applicable)
For eligible tourist nationalities, the fee is waived (free). For others, pay the processing fee via credit or debit card (Visa/MasterCard accepted).
Receive Your ETA Approval
You will receive an email with your ETA approval, typically within 24–48 hours. Print the approval notice or save it on your phone. Present it at check-in and upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
Beware of unofficial ETA websites! Several third-party sites mimic the official portal and charge USD 50–100+ for the same service. The only official website is www.srilankaeta.gov.lk.
Eligible Countries for Free Visa & ETA
The following major countries are eligible for the free 30-day tourist visa as of 2026. This is not an exhaustive list — check the ETA portal for the full list.
Europe
- United Kingdom
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain
- Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland
- Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland
- Austria, Poland, Portugal, Greece
- All other EU/EEA member states
Americas & Oceania
- United States of America
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
Asia
- India
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
- Indonesia
Middle East & Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel
- South Africa
- Russia
Not on the list? Citizens of countries not included in the free visa scheme can still apply for an ETA through the official portal. A processing fee applies. Citizens of certain restricted countries may need to apply at a Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in advance.
Documents Required for Visa Application
Whether you're applying online via ETA or at an embassy, you'll need the following documents:
For Tourist Visa (ETA)
- Valid passport — with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka
- Return or onward flight ticket — proof that you will leave Sri Lanka within the visa validity period
- Proof of sufficient funds — bank statements, credit cards, or traveller's cheques showing you can support yourself during your stay (approximately USD 50–100 per day is a guideline)
- Accommodation details — hotel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from your host with their address
- Passport-sized photograph — recent, colour photo with white background (for online applications)
- Contact information — your email address and phone number
For Business Visa
- All documents listed above for the tourist visa
- Invitation letter from the Sri Lankan company or organization you are visiting
- Letter from your employer stating the purpose of travel and confirming financial responsibility
- Business registration documents of the inviting Sri Lankan company
Tourist Visa Extension Process
If 30 days isn't enough, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions can be granted for up to an additional 60 days, bringing your total stay to 90 days.
Step-by-Step Extension Process
Visit the Department of Immigration
Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration at No. 45, Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 08. Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) as queues can be long.
Collect and fill in the application form
Obtain the visa extension application form from the counter or download it from the Department's website. Fill in your personal details, passport information, and reason for extension.
Submit documents
Submit your passport, completed application form, proof of return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation for the extended stay, and a passport-sized photograph.
Pay the extension fee
Pay the applicable extension fee at the cashier. Fees vary depending on the duration of extension requested.
Collect your extended visa
Processing typically takes 3–5 working days. You may need to return to collect your passport with the extended visa stamp, or you can arrange courier delivery for an additional fee.
Apply before your visa expires! Always submit your extension application at least 1 week before your current visa expiry date. Overstaying is a serious offence that can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
Further extensions: In exceptional circumstances (medical emergencies, flight cancellations), additional extensions beyond 90 days may be granted. These require special approval from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
Business Visa Requirements
A business visa is required if you intend to engage in any form of commercial activity in Sri Lanka, including attending conferences as a speaker, conducting negotiations, or exploring trade and investment opportunities.
What Is Covered Under a Business Visa
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Attending trade fairs, exhibitions, and conferences
- Signing contracts or agreements
- Exploring investment opportunities
- Short-term consultancy work (with appropriate approvals)
Application Process
Business visas can be applied for through the same ETA portal at www.srilankaeta.gov.lk. Select "Business Visa" as the category. The process is similar to the tourist ETA but requires additional supporting documents — particularly an invitation letter from the host company in Sri Lanka.
A business visa does not equal a work permit. You cannot take up employment or receive a salary from a Sri Lankan entity on a business visa. For employment, you need a Residence Visa with a work permit.
Visa Fees & Costs
Below are the current visa fees as of March 2026. Fees are subject to change — always confirm on the official ETA portal.
| Visa Category | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (eligible countries) | FREE | 30 days, for 35+ eligible nationalities |
| Tourist ETA (other countries) | ~USD 50 | 30 days, applied online |
| Business ETA | ~USD 50 | 30 days |
| Transit ETA | Free | Up to 2 days |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days total) | ~LKR 10,000–25,000 | At Department of Immigration, Colombo |
| Visa extension (90–180 days) | ~LKR 25,000–50,000 | Special approval required |
Important Rules & Regulations
Understanding what you can and cannot do on your visa is critical. Violating visa conditions is a serious offence in Sri Lanka.
What You CAN Do on a Tourist Visa
- Sightseeing and tourism activities
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Medical treatment at Sri Lankan hospitals
- Yoga, Ayurveda retreats, and wellness tourism
- Attending cultural events and festivals
- Attending conferences and workshops as a delegate (non-paid)
- Volunteering with registered NGOs (with prior approval)
What You CANNOT Do on a Tourist Visa
- No employment — paid or unpaid work for a Sri Lankan employer
- No business activities — trading, selling goods, or providing services for profit
- No formal study — enrolling in educational institutions (requires a student visa)
- No overstaying — remaining beyond your visa validity period
- No restricted area travel — certain military zones may require special permits
Penalties for violations: Overstaying or violating visa conditions can result in fines of up to LKR 500,000 per day of overstay, detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Sri Lanka. Always ensure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay.
Useful Contacts & Resources
Keep these contacts handy for visa-related queries:
Department of Immigration & Emigration
No. 45, Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 08
+94 11 532 9000
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Government Information Centre
1919
General government inquiries, call from any phone
Embassies abroad: If you need to apply for a visa in person (residence visa, restricted nationality), contact the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or High Commission. A full list of diplomatic missions is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka in 2026?
Most foreign nationals can enter Sri Lanka with a free 30-day tourist visa. Since October 2024, citizens from over 35 countries — including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU nations, India, China, Japan, and others — receive a free visa on arrival or via the online ETA system. You still need to register through the ETA portal before travel.
Q: How do I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA online?
Visit the official ETA portal at www.srilankaeta.gov.lk, select your visa category (Tourist, Business, or Transit), fill in your personal and passport details, upload required documents, pay the processing fee (if applicable), and submit. You will receive your ETA approval via email, usually within 24–48 hours.
Q: How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa?
The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it for an additional 60 days (total 90 days) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Further extensions up to 180 days may be granted under special circumstances.
Q: What documents do I need for a Sri Lanka visa application?
You need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from date of entry), a return or onward flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit cards), hotel reservation or accommodation details, and a recent passport-sized photograph for the online application.
Q: Can I work in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa strictly prohibits any form of paid employment, business activity, or study in Sri Lanka. If you wish to work, you must apply for a Business visa or a Residence visa with a work permit through the Department of Immigration.
Q: What is the cost of a Sri Lanka ETA?
Since October 2024, the ETA for tourists from eligible countries is free for 30 days. For nationals not on the free list, the standard tourist ETA processing fee is approximately USD 50. Business visa ETA costs around USD 50. Extension fees at the Department of Immigration vary — typically around LKR 10,000–25,000 depending on the duration.
Q: Can I extend my tourist visa in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration at No. 45, Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 08, before your current visa expires. You can extend your 30-day visa by up to 60 additional days (90 days total). Bring your passport, completed application form, return ticket, proof of funds, and the extension fee.
Q: What happens if I overstay my visa in Sri Lanka?
Overstaying your visa is a serious offence. You may be fined, detained, deported, and banned from re-entering Sri Lanka. If your visa is about to expire and you cannot leave, visit the Department of Immigration immediately to apply for an extension before it lapses.
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Disclaimer: Visa regulations, fees, and eligible country lists may change at short notice based on government policy. While we strive to keep this guide updated, always verify current details on the official ETA website (www.srilankaeta.gov.lk) or contact the Department of Immigration before relying on this information.
Last Updated: March 28, 2026
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