Overview
Planning your trip to Sri Lanka
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Understanding the latest visa and entry requirements is an important part of preparing for your journey.
This iCanFly guide provides general information about Sri Lanka tourist visas, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), business visas, transit visas, visa extensions, and general entry requirements.
Important
Visa rules, eligibility, fees, and immigration requirements can change. Travellers should always verify the latest requirements with the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration before travelling.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
What is a Sri Lanka ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an electronic travel authorisation used by eligible foreign nationals travelling to Sri Lanka for a short stay.
Depending on the purpose of travel, ETA categories include:
Travellers should check their eligibility and complete the appropriate process through the official Sri Lanka ETA website.
Apply or check the latest ETA information
Updated May 2026
Free Sri Lanka Tourist ETA for 40 Countries
With effect from 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries are eligible to obtain a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA free of charge for a period of 30 days.
The eligible countries are:
Under the current scheme, eligible tourists receive a free Tourist ETA valid for 30 days with double-entry facilities.
Travellers wishing to remain in Sri Lanka beyond the permitted period may apply for an extension, subject to applicable immigration requirements and fees.
Separate reciprocal arrangements also apply to nationals of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore. Maldivian nationals currently receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system under the applicable bilateral arrangement.
As immigration policies can change, always verify your eligibility and current requirements before travelling.
Categories
Types of Sri Lanka Visas
Sri Lanka offers different visa categories depending on the purpose and duration of your visit.
Tourist Visa
A Tourist Visa is intended for travellers visiting Sri Lanka for short-term purposes such as:
- Holidays and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Medical treatment
- Participating in sporting events
- Participating in cultural activities and events
The permitted duration, number of entries, and conditions depend on the visa or ETA granted.
Business Visa
A Business Purpose Visa is intended for eligible foreign nationals travelling to Sri Lanka for short-term business activities. These may include:
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Conferences
- Workshops and seminars
- Short-term training programmes
- Other approved business activities
Business travellers should check the latest requirements directly with the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration, as different application procedures and documentation may apply.
Transit Visa
A Transit Visa or Transit ETA applies to eligible travellers passing through Sri Lanka while travelling to another destination.
The official ETA system currently provides a Transit ETA for up to two days free of charge, subject to applicable conditions and documentary requirements. Travellers should check whether a Transit ETA is required based on their nationality, travel itinerary, and transit arrangements.
Residence Visa
A Residence Visa allows an eligible foreign national to reside in Sri Lanka for an approved purpose. Residence visa categories may include:
- Employment
- Investment
- Business activities
- Religious activities
- Education
- Volunteering
- Family relationships
- Medical treatment
- Diplomatic and official assignments
- Other approved residence purposes
Residence visas have different eligibility and documentation requirements from short-stay Tourist ETAs. Travellers intending to work, study, invest, conduct long-term business activities, or reside in Sri Lanka should check the appropriate visa category directly with the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Before you travel
General Sri Lanka Visa Requirements
Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality, passport, visa category, and purpose of travel.
Travellers may generally be required to:
- Hold a valid passport
- Meet the applicable passport validity requirements
- Obtain an approved ETA or visa where required
- Provide accurate passport and personal information
- Have sufficient funds for their stay
- Hold a return or onward travel ticket where required
- Meet the conditions associated with the relevant visa or ETA
Your passport information should match the information provided in your ETA or visa application.
Airlines may also verify passports, visas, ETAs, and other travel documentation before allowing passengers to board.
Can I work in Sri Lanka on a Tourist Visa?
A Tourist Visa or Tourist ETA should not be considered permission to work in Sri Lanka.
Travellers must comply with the conditions attached to their visa and should not undertake employment or other activities that are not permitted under their immigration status.
If you intend to work, study, invest, conduct business activities requiring another visa category, or reside in Sri Lanka, check the appropriate immigration requirements before travelling.
Stay longer
Extending a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa
Eligible travellers who wish to remain in Sri Lanka beyond their initially authorised stay may be able to apply for a visa extension.
Eligibility, extension periods, fees, and procedures depend on the traveller's nationality and visa category.
Travellers should apply before their authorised stay expires and verify the latest extension requirements directly with the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Official Department of Immigration and Emigration
Step by step
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA
Eligible travellers can apply for an ETA through the official Sri Lanka ETA system.
- 1
Visit the Official ETA Website
Go to www.eta.gov.lk/
- 2
Select the Appropriate Travel Purpose
Select the relevant ETA or visa category based on the purpose of your visit.
- 3
Enter Your Details Carefully
Provide the requested passport, personal, and travel information. Make sure your details match your passport.
- 4
Review Your Application
Check your passport number, nationality, name, date of birth, and other information carefully before submitting your application.
- 5
Pay Applicable Fees
Complete any applicable payment through the official process. Travellers eligible for the current free Tourist ETA scheme should check the official ETA website for the applicable conditions.
- 6
Keep Your ETA Information
Retain your ETA acknowledgement, approval information, and other relevant travel documentation for your records.
Be Careful When Using Third-Party Visa Websites
Travellers should be cautious when using third-party websites offering visa or ETA services.
The official Sri Lanka ETA system is operated by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Third-party service providers may charge additional service or processing fees.
When applying through a third party, make sure you understand:
- Who is processing your application
- What service is being provided
- What government fees apply
- Whether additional service charges are being added
For official information and applications, visit https://www.eta.gov.lk/ https://www.eta.gov.lk/
Official authority
Department of Immigration and Emigration – Sri Lanka
The Department of Immigration and Emigration is the Sri Lankan government authority responsible for immigration and visa matters.
Head Office
Department of Immigration and Emigration"Suhurupaya"
Sri Subhuthipura Road
Battaramulla
Sri Lanka
For current opening hours, application procedures, contact information, and visa services, please visit immigration.gov.lk immigration.gov.lk
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Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa and ETA requirements depend on factors including your nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, and intended length of stay. Check the official Sri Lanka ETA and Department of Immigration and Emigration websites before travelling.
Important Travel & Visa Disclaimer
Last updated: 8 August 2026
Visa requirements, eligibility, fees, processing procedures, immigration regulations, and entry conditions can change without notice.
The information provided in this iCanFly Visa Guide is intended for general travel information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Travellers are responsible for checking and meeting the latest passport, visa, ETA, transit, health, and entry requirements applicable to their journey.
Before making travel arrangements or travelling to Sri Lanka, always verify the latest information with the relevant government authorities.
Official Sources
iCanFly recommends checking official government sources before every international journey.