Quick answer: Sri Lanka requires an e-visa for most travelers. $50 USD for 30 days (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization). Apply at eta.gov.lk.
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here’s the complete, current visa picture — without the legalese. We’ve checked the rules against official government sources as of May 2026.
Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?
The answer depends on your passport. Here’s the current breakdown for the most common travelers:
Key facts at a glance
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- Capital: Colombo
- Passport validity: 6 months beyond departure (or 3 months for Schengen)
- Visa cost: $50 USD for 30 days (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Stay length: 30 days, extendable to 6 months
- How to apply: eta.gov.lk — apply at least 3 days before
How to enter Sri Lanka — step by step
- Apply online at eta.gov.lk — apply at least 3 days before 3-7 days before travel.
- Pay the fee: $50 USD for 30 days (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Print confirmation and bring it to the airport (some countries require paper copy).
- Bring 6+ months passport validity and a return ticket.
- At immigration: Show e-visa + passport. Fast track usually applies.
What people miss about Sri Lanka entry
- Print the ETA confirmation. Sri Lankan immigration occasionally asks for paper copy.
- From 2023, Sri Lanka introduced free 30-day ETA for travelers from China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and Russia.
- Overstays trigger bans. Even 1 day over can mean denied future entry or hefty fines.
- Carry passport copies in a separate place. If lost, your embassy can help faster.
- Save e-visa/eTA as PDF on your phone — saves frantic searches at the airport.
Common trip scenarios
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka requires an e-visa for most travelers. $50 USD for 30 days (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization). Apply at eta.gov.lk.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka?
30 days, extendable to 6 months
How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost?
$50 USD for 30 days (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization)
Can I extend my stay in Sri Lanka?
Generally visa-free stays cannot be extended. To stay longer, apply for an appropriate residence permit before your visa-free time expires.
What if I overstay in Sri Lanka?
Overstaying triggers fines (typically $100-500), possible deportation, and entry bans (1-5 years). Don’t risk it.
Do I need travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any international trip. Schengen visa applications require €30,000+ medical coverage.
Can I work in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas (or visa-free entry) are for tourism, family visits, or short business meetings only. Working requires a work visa.
What if my visa is denied?
Common reasons: incomplete application, insufficient funds, criminal record, prior overstays. You can usually re-apply with stronger documentation.
Plan your Sri Lanka trip
How Much Does a Trip to Sri Lanka Cost? →
Visa Checker Tool →
Trip Cost Calculator →
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