How to Get a Tourist Visa for a Holiday to Sri Lanka

Tourist visa for Sri Lanka at a glance

What is an ETA?

An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is Sri Lanka's online tourist visa. You apply on the internet before you travel, and if it's approved, the permission is linked to your passport electronically. You show your passport (and a copy of your ETA confirmation) when you arrive, and the immigration officer admits you for the period allowed.

Who needs a visa for a holiday to Sri Lanka?

Most foreign visitors need an ETA for a holiday to Sri Lanka, including travellers from the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India. In 2026, citizens of a number of countries have been able to get their tourist ETA free of charge, while citizens of other countries pay a fee. The list of eligible countries and the fees can change, so check the official ETA website for your nationality before you apply.

A small number of nationalities can't apply for an ETA online and need to apply through a sponsor in Sri Lanka. If this applies to you, contact the Sri Lankan embassy in your country.

How to apply for a tourist visa: step by step

1. Check your passport. It should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages.
2. Go to the official ETA website. Make sure you're using the official Sri Lankan government site. Unofficial websites may charge extra service fees.
3. Choose the tourist ETA. Select "tourist" as the purpose of your visit.
4. Fill in the form. Enter your passport details, travel dates and the address of your first night's accommodation exactly as they appear.
5. Pay the fee, if one applies to your nationality.
6. Submit and wait for approval. Approval is often quick, but allow extra time.
7. Save your confirmation. Keep a copy on your phone and a printout with your passport.

What you'll need to apply

• A valid passport (at least six months' validity from arrival)
• Your travel dates
• Your first night's address in Sri Lanka
• An email address
• A payment card, if a fee applies

It's also sensible to have proof of onward or return travel and enough funds for your stay, in case you're asked on arrival.

How long can you stay?

A tourist ETA usually allows a stay of up to 30 days from your arrival, with double entry, so you can leave and return within that period, for example if you combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives. Check the exact terms on your approval.

Extending your stay

If you'd like to stay longer than your ETA allows, you can apply for an extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration before your permitted stay ends. Extensions usually carry a fee, even if your original ETA was free. Apply well before your stay expires.

Visa on arrival

A visa on arrival has been available at times, but we don't recommend relying on it. Arriving without an approved ETA can mean long queues and uncertainty after a long flight. Apply online before you travel.

Combining Sri Lanka with the Maldives or India

Many travellers combine a holiday to Sri Lanka with the Maldives or India. If you'll leave Sri Lanka and return, check that your ETA allows double entry within its validity. The Maldives and India have their own entry rules, so check those separately. See our Sri Lanka and Maldives tour and Sri Lanka trip from India.

Other things to arrange before your holiday

See our Sri Lanka packing list and things to know before visiting Sri Lanka.

Arriving in Sri Lanka

Most visitors arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, near Colombo. After immigration and baggage collection, you'll find ATMs, money exchange and mobile phone counters in the arrivals hall. If you've booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting with a name board. See Sri Lanka airport transfers.

Common visa mistakes to avoid

• Using an unofficial website that charges extra fees.
• Typing passport details incorrectly. Double-check every field.
• Applying too late. Allow at least one to two weeks.
• Overstaying your permitted stay. Extend in time if you want to stay longer.
• Assuming last year's rules still apply. Check the current requirements for your nationality.

Our older visa guide

For more background on Sri Lanka's ETA system, see our Sri Lanka ETA visa guide.

How we help with your holiday

At Vacation Ceylon Tours, we don't issue visas, but we help you plan everything else: your route, hotels, private car and driver, and airport pick-up. Once your ETA is approved and your flights are booked, we'll take care of your holiday in Sri Lanka. See how to book and our private tours.