Travel Tips
Visa & ETA for Sri Lanka
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. It is quick to apply for online, and a tourist ETA is normally valid for a 30-day stay with double entry.
- Type
- Tourist ETA
- Stay
- 30 days, double entry
- Extendable
- Up to 6 months
- Apply
- Online, before travel
Apply online for the ETA
Use only the official government portal to avoid overpriced agents.
- Official site: eta.gov.lk — apply a few days before you fly.
- You'll need your passport details, return/onward ticket and an address in Sri Lanka.
- Approval usually arrives by email within 24–72 hours; carry a printed copy.
- A visa on arrival is sometimes available but online is cheaper and safer.
Entry requirements
Have these ready for immigration when you land at Bandaranaike (CMB).
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Proof of onward or return travel.
- Confirmation of your first night's accommodation.
- Sufficient funds for your stay may occasionally be checked.
Extending your stay
Tourists commonly extend the initial 30 days.
- Extensions are handled by the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo (Battaramulla).
- You can extend up to a total of 6 months in tiers; fees increase per tier.
- Apply before your current permit expires to avoid overstay fines.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
- Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Apply online at eta.gov.lk; a tourist ETA is normally valid for a 30-day stay with double entry.
- How long can tourists stay in Sri Lanka?
- The tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay and can be extended in tiers up to a total of 6 months at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
- How much does a Sri Lanka tourist visa cost?
- Fees are set by the government and vary by nationality; applying online via the official ETA portal is cheaper than a visa on arrival or third-party agents.
Official sources