Sri Lanka ETA 2026: How to Apply Before Entering the Country?

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Sri Lanka requires most foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before or on arrival. As of May 25, 2026, nationals of 40 countries can get a free 30-day tourist ETA.

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What Is the Sri Lanka ETA and Who Needs One?

The ETA is an electronic entry permit issued by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration that allows foreign nationals to visit the country for short stays. It has been required for all short-visit travellers since 1 January 2012.

The ETA covers three categories of short visit: tourist (sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment), business (meetings, conferences, professional engagements) and transit.

Only three nationalities are fully exempt from the ETA requirement:

Singapore
Maldives
Seychelles

Everyone else — regardless of nationality — needs an ETA to enter Sri Lanka. Children of any age also need their own ETA, though those under 12 are exempt from the processing fee.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival. You’ll also need proof of onward travel (a return or connecting flight ticket) and sufficient funds for your stay, according to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Free ETA for 40 Countries

As of May 25, 2026, Sri Lanka’s free tourist ETA is in effect for nationals of 40 countries. The scheme — approved by Parliament on 7 May 2026 — expands a programme that previously covered only seven nationalities.

The ETA remains mandatory and only the fee is being waived.

The 40 countries covered are:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland
France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait
Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia
Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA Online

The fastest and cheapest way to get your ETA is through the official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk. The Department of Immigration explicitly warns travellers to verify they are on a .gov.lk domain before entering personal details or making payments.

Applications submitted online are typically processed within 24 to 72 hours, and applying online costs less than getting an ETA on arrival.

Here’s what you’ll need to complete the application:

Passport details — full name (as it appears in your passport), passport number, expiry date, nationality and date of birth
Travel details — intended arrival date and your accommodation address for the first night in Sri Lanka
A JPG image of the data page of your valid passport
A valid credit or debit card for payment (not required for nationals of the 40 free-ETA countries)

Once approved, you’ll receive an ETA approval notice by email. Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at check-in and on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

You can also apply at a Sri Lanka overseas mission or on arrival at the airport, though on-arrival fees are higher and queues can be long.

ETA Fees: How Much Does It Cost?

Nationals of the 40 free-ETA countries pay nothing for a tourist ETA as of May 25, 2026. For all other nationalities, fees depend on nationality, visa type and application method. Applying online is consistently cheaper than applying on arrival.

Here’s the current fee structure from the official ETA fee schedule:

Online application fees (USD)

Nationals of the 40 free-ETA countries: Tourist ETA — Free (effective May 25, 2026)
Other SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan): Tourist ETA — US$20 | Business ETA — US$30 | Transit — Free
All other countries: Tourist ETA — US$50 | Business ETA — US$55 | Transit — Free
Children under 12 (any nationality): Free

On-arrival fees (USD)

SAARC countries: Tourist ETA — US$25
All other countries: Tourist ETA — US$60

Transit ETAs are free regardless of nationality or application method. Payment at the airport can be made in designated foreign currencies, with any change given in Sri Lankan Rupees.

The tourist ETA allows double entry for up to 30 days from the date of arrival. The business ETA allows multiple entries for up to 30 days. Both can be extended (see below).

Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days

You can extend your initial 30-day ETA for up to 270 days total, according to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Extensions must be applied for before your current ETA expires.

The extension timeline works like this:

First extension — up to 60 additional days (total: 90 days)
Second extension — up to 90 additional days (total: 180 days)
Third extension — up to 90 additional days (total: 270 days)

You can apply for an extension online through the Department of Immigration’s eServices portal or in person at the head office in Battaramulla, Colombo.

Apply at least one week before your current ETA expires to avoid any complications. Extension fees vary by nationality and visa type — check the official fee schedule for current rates.

The in-person office at Battaramulla accepts applications from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get an ETA on arrival at the airport?

Yes. A plan to make pre-departure ETAs mandatory from 15 October 2025 was revoked by the Department of Immigration, so you can still obtain an ETA on arrival — though it costs more and involves waiting in a queue.

How long does the online ETA take to process?

Most online applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your departure to allow for processing time.

Is the free ETA for 40 countries already in effect?

Yes. The free tourist ETA for nationals of 40 countries took effect on May 25, 2026, following parliamentary approval on 7 May 2026. Note that ETA fees paid before May 25 are not refundable.

Do children need an ETA for Sri Lanka?

Yes, all children need their own ETA. However, children under 12 years of age are exempt from the processing fee regardless of nationality.

Can I work in Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA?

No. The Department of Immigration states that tourist visa holders must not engage in any form of employment, paid or unpaid, during their stay.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Search for flights to Colombo on Wego to compare prices across airlines, or browse hotels in Colombo to find your stay.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.