Sri Lanka Visa Guide: What Every Traveller Needs to Know

By My Sri Lankan Guide Team · Published 28 Jan 2026 · Updated 28 Jan 2026 · 5 min read

Most visitors need an ETA

Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, applied for online before arrival. Rules and eligible nationalities do change, so always confirm current requirements on Sri Lanka's official immigration website before booking.

Apply through official channels only

Apply directly through the official Sri Lankan ETA website. Numerous third-party sites charge extra fees for the same service — there's no need to pay more than the official rate.

Processing time

ETAs are often processed within a day or two, but applying at least a week before travel gives a comfortable buffer in case of delays or additional information requests.

What you'll need

A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity, a return or onward ticket, and basic travel details are typically required for the application.

On arrival

Keep a copy of your ETA approval (digital or printed) along with your passport for immigration on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay on a tourist ETA?

Standard tourist ETAs typically allow a set initial stay with the option to extend — check the official site for current, exact durations, as these are subject to change.

Do children need their own ETA?

Yes, each traveller, including children, generally needs their own ETA application.