Sri Lanka Visa & Entry Requirements 2025 | Complete ETA & Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here’s your updated 2025 guide to visa rules, ETA applications, free-visa countries, health requirements, and arrival tips — everything you need before you fly to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

 

Quick Facts: Sri Lanka Visa at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Passport Validity	Minimum 6 months from your departure date
Visa Type	Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Free Visa Countries	China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan
Standard Tourist Stay	30 days (extendable to 180 days)
Processing Time	24–72 hours (apply 7+ days before travel)
Application	Online at eta.gov.lk
Entries Allowed	Double entry within validity period

Pro Tip: Apply for your ETA at least one week before departure to avoid last-minute stress.

 

Passport & ETA Requirements

Before booking your flight, ensure your passport is:

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
• In good physical condition (no tears or damage).
• Matches your flight and hotel bookings.

Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has replaced the traditional visa. You no longer need to visit an embassy — simply apply online.

ETA Basics:

• Valid for 6 months from the issue date.
• Allows double entry within that period.
• Grants an initial 30-day stay, extendable up to 180 days.
• No visa sticker required; approval is sent via email.

Important: Only use the official website — eta.gov.lk. Avoid unofficial or third-party sites that charge unnecessary fees.

 

Free Visa Regime (7 Countries)

Sri Lanka currently offers free 30-day visas for citizens of the following seven countries:
🇨🇳 China | 🇮🇳 India | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 🇷🇺 Russia | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 🇯🇵 Japan

Travelers from these nations must still apply for an ETA online, but no payment is required. The ETA includes:

• 30 days of stay per visit.
• Double entry within 30 days.
• Option to extend the stay for standard fees.

Note: This policy was introduced to boost tourism and may be extended beyond 2025. Always recheck official sources before applying.

 

Types of Visas

Tourist Visa

For leisure, sightseeing, family visits, or short cultural programs.
You can: explore, attend short training, join festivals, or receive medical treatment.
You cannot: work, study long-term, or engage in journalism without prior authorization.

Business Visa

For meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, and short business activities.
Apply via eta.gov.lk by selecting “Business” and be ready to provide invitation letters or related documents if requested.

Work or paid employment in Sri Lanka requires a separate work visa sponsored by a local employer.

 

How to Apply for Your ETA

Applying for a Sri Lanka ETA is quick and fully online.

Step 1: Go to eta.gov.lk — the official site.
Step 2: Fill in your details — name, passport number, nationality, dates, and accommodation.
Step 3: Upload a passport-size photo and bio-page scan of your passport.
Step 4: Pay the ETA fee online (Visa, Mastercard, or AmEx). Travelers from the seven free-visa countries skip this step.
Step 5: Receive approval by email, usually within 24–72 hours.

Processing Tip: Apply 7–14 days before departure, especially during peak travel months (December–March).

Beware of websites claiming to “fast-track” your ETA for extra cost. The official system is already fast.

 

Health & Vaccination Requirements

Mandatory

• Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required only for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever (mostly parts of Africa and South America).

Recommended

• Routine vaccines: MMR, DPT, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid.
• Travel insurance: Always advisable for medical or flight emergencies.
• Mosquito precautions: Carry repellent for dengue prevention.

If you transit through a yellow-fever country for more than 12 hours, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP).

 

Visa Extensions

Fell in love with Sri Lanka? You can extend your stay!

Option 1 – Online Extension

• Visit eta.gov.lk before expiry.
• Request an extension of 30 to 90 days.
• Pay online and receive approval digitally.

Option 2 – In-Person Extension

• Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
• Bring your passport, ETA approval, and proof of sufficient funds.

Extension Periods:

• 1st Extension: +60 days (total 90).
• 2nd Extension: +90 days (total 180).

Important: Always extend before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, or entry bans.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Entering the wrong passport number.
❌ Applying through fake third-party websites.
❌ Submitting applications too late.
❌ Not printing your ETA approval for immigration.
❌ Overstaying your visa.

Tip: Always print and carry two copies of your ETA — one for arrival, one as backup.

 

Arrival Checklist

When landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), keep these ready:

✅ Passport (6+ months validity)

✅ Printed ETA approval

✅ Return or onward flight ticket

✅ Proof of accommodation (hotel or host)

✅ Sufficient funds for your stay

✅ Yellow Fever certificate (if required)

Immigration officers may briefly ask about your visit — purpose, accommodation, and return plans. Answer politely and clearly.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I get a visa on arrival?
👉 No, most travelers must apply for an ETA online before departure.

Q2: Can I extend my visa?
👉 Yes, up to 180 days total. Apply online or in Colombo.

Q3: Can I work with a tourist visa?
👉 No, employment is strictly prohibited.

Q4: Is travel insurance mandatory?
👉 Not required, but strongly recommended.

Q5: Do I need a visa for transit?
👉 Not if you remain inside the airport transit area.

Q6: My ETA was lost — what should I do?
👉 Visit eta.gov.lk and retrieve it using your application reference number.

 

Official Contacts

• ETA System: eta.gov.lk
• Department of Immigration: immigration.gov.lk
• Hotline: +94 11 532 9300
• Tourist Police: 1912 | Ambulance: 1990

 

Final Travel Tips

✔ Apply for your ETA at least one week in advance.
✔ Check passport validity and spelling accuracy.
✔ Always print your ETA confirmation.
✔ Carry proof of funds and accommodation.
✔ Respect local customs and regulations.
✔ Monitor your visa expiry date — extensions are easy but must be done on time.

 

Conclusion:

Sri Lanka’s ETA system makes visiting easier than ever — quick, digital, and efficient. Whether you’re here for the beaches, ancient temples, or tea-covered hills, entering the island is now seamless.

Remember: Always use eta.gov.lk for authentic, hassle-free travel authorization.