Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- Official website
- https://www.eta.gov.lk 1
- Tourist ETA fee (others)
- US$50, or US$20 for South Asian countries 2
- Stay
- 30 days, double entry 1
- ETA validity
- Six months 4
Who needs an ETA
The Department of Immigration and Emigration says all foreign nationals must get an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. This includes nationals of the 40 free countries and of Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore 1. ETA holders are given a 30-day short visit visa at the port of entry 6.
Nationals of some countries, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Syria and Kosovo, must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the department's head office 1.
Free ETA countries from 25 May 2026
The free 30-day tourist ETA covers nationals of Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States 2.
Under reciprocal agreements, Singapore and Seychelles nationals get 30 days free and Maldives nationals 90 days 2. Fees paid before 25 May 2026 are not refunded 1.
Fees for other nationals
Children of any nationality under 12 get a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days 2. Crew members are exempt from the ETA 3.
When to apply and how long it lasts
You can get an ETA before booking your ticket 4. You cannot get a new ETA once you are in Sri Lanka 4. The tourist ETA allows 30 days with double entry from the date of first arrival 1.
The ETA is valid for six months, and you cannot get a fresh one on the same passport until it expires 4. To stay beyond 30 days, apply for an extension after arrival at https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/login.php, paying the fee for your nationality 2.
Payments are final
Once you submit and pay, you cannot cancel and the payment is not refunded, so check your details before you confirm 4. The UK Foreign Office confirms that ETAs for UK visitors are free and valid for 30 days 5.
Use the official site
Apply on the Department of Immigration and Emigration site, https://www.eta.gov.lk 1. If your nationality is on the free list, you should not pay anything for a tourist ETA 1,2. A site asking for money from those travellers is charging its own fee 2.
Common questions
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free?
Yes for nationals of 40 listed countries from 25 May 2026, plus Singapore, Seychelles and Maldives 2. Others pay 2.
How long is a Sri Lanka ETA valid?
Six months 4.
Do children need to pay for a Sri Lanka ETA?
No. Children under 12 get a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days 2.
Can I get a refund on my ETA fee?
No. Payments cannot be cancelled or refunded 4.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email hello@entryrulesexplained.com with the official link.
Sources
- Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka): Online Visa Application, home page alerts (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka): ETA fees (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka): ETA exemptions (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka): ETA FAQ (accessed 19 October 2026)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Sri Lanka entry requirements (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka): What is an ETA? (accessed 19 October 2026)
Related
- India e-Visa
India's e-Tourist visa costs US$25 for 30 days for most nationals from July to March. Fees, validity, the 4-day rule and the official site.
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Kenya's eTA costs US$30 for a standard single entry. Who needs it, the exempt countries under the 2025 rules, processing times and the official site.
- Vietnam e-visa
Vietnam's e-visa costs US$25 single entry or US$50 multiple entry and allows up to 90 days. Who can apply, border gates and the official portal.