Quick answer
Most international visitors need authorisation to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, typically arranged before travel through the official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) / online visa system, which usually grants a short tourist stay (commonly up to 30 days) that can often be extended in-country. Rules, fees, eligible nationalities, and any free-visa schemes change periodically, so always confirm the current requirements and apply only through the official Department of Immigration & Emigration website. You'll also need a passport valid for at least six months.
Key takeaways
- Most visitors need an ETA / online tourist visa, arranged before travel.
- The tourist visa commonly allows up to ~30 days, often extendable in-country.
- Rules, fees, and eligible nationalities change—always check official sources.
- Apply only through the official Department of Immigration & Emigration site.
- Have a passport valid 6+ months and onward/return travel details ready.
Who needs a visa for Sri Lanka
Citizens of most countries need entry authorisation for tourism, usually obtained in advance through Sri Lanka's ETA / online visa system. A small number of nationalities are exempt, and at times the government has run free-visa pilots for certain countries—these come and go.
Because eligibility shifts, check your own nationality's current requirement on the official site rather than relying on older blog posts.
How to apply
The standard route is the official online ETA application before you fly: complete the form with your passport and travel details, pay the fee, and receive approval by email, usually quickly. Print or save your approval to show on arrival.
Beware of unofficial 'visa' websites that charge inflated fees—use only the government's official portal.
- →Apply online via the official government ETA portal before travel
- →Have passport details and travel dates ready
- →Save or print the approval for arrival
- →Avoid third-party sites charging extra fees
Validity and extensions
The tourist visa commonly permits a stay of up to around 30 days from arrival, often with double entry. If you want to stay longer, extensions are usually possible in-country through the immigration department, subject to fees and conditions.
Confirm the exact validity, entries, and extension process for the current period, as these details are periodically updated.
Practical entry tips
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay, with blank pages. Have proof of onward or return travel and accommodation details to hand, as immigration may ask. Apply a few days ahead rather than at the airport to avoid stress.
Always treat any specific figures you read online as indicative and verify on the official site close to your travel date.
Let us help with the admin
While you must apply for your own visa, we can point you to the official portal, advise on timing, and ensure your itinerary, accommodation, and onward details line up neatly for entry.
Lankan Stays & Trails handles the on-the-ground logistics so all you sort is the visa. Share your trip dates and we'll guide you through the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Most international visitors need entry authorisation for tourism, usually the ETA / online visa arranged before travel. A few nationalities are exempt and free-visa schemes sometimes apply, so always confirm your own requirement on the official government site.
How do I apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa or ETA?
Apply online through the official Department of Immigration & Emigration ETA portal before you fly, using your passport and travel details, then save or print the emailed approval. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa?
The tourist visa commonly allows a stay of up to around 30 days from arrival, often extendable in-country through the immigration department. Confirm the exact validity and extension rules for the current period on the official site.
How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost?
Fees vary by nationality and change periodically, and at times free-visa schemes have applied. Because of this, check the current fee on the official government ETA portal rather than relying on older figures online.
What do I need at immigration in Sri Lanka?
A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, your ETA/visa approval, and ideally proof of onward or return travel and accommodation. Applying a few days before travel rather than on arrival avoids stress.
Can Lankan Stays & Trails help with my visa?
You apply for your own visa, but we'll point you to the official portal, advise on timing, and make sure your itinerary and accommodation details line up neatly for entry. Share your dates and we'll guide you.