Visitor Visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Foreign nationals travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism or other short visits are advised to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, unless an exemption applies under the prevailing immigration regulations of Sri Lanka.
Applications should be submitted only through the official ETA portal of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. Travellers are advised to review the latest eligibility requirements, fees, validity periods, and conditions before submitting an application.
Official Sri Lanka ETA Portal: www.eta.gov.lk
Start an ETA application online
Important ETA Notices
Free ETA Facility for Selected Countries
Applicable countries: China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.
As announced on the official Sri Lanka ETA portal, passport holders of the above countries are eligible to obtain an ETA free of charge for tourism purposes, subject to the applicable conditions and regulations in force at the time of travel.
- Nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan may apply for ETA under the free visa regime.
- The facility applies to eligible holders of Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Service, and Ordinary passports, subject to the conditions of the scheme.
- Eligible travellers must still apply for ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. The ETA may be granted free of charge where the applicant meets the applicable criteria.
- The free tourist visa facility permits a stay of up to 30 days, with double entry allowed within 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.
- Travellers who need to remain in Sri Lanka beyond the initial permitted period must apply for an extension and pay the applicable visa extension fee.
- This special facility applies only to the nominated countries listed above. Nationals of all other countries should follow the general ETA rules, fees, and procedures applicable to Sri Lanka.
ETA Processing Fees
ETA processing fees are determined by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka and may vary according to nationality, visa category, method of submission, and the applicant’s age. Travellers should verify the latest processing fees on the official ETA portal before applying.
View current ETA fee information
Special Procedure for Certain Nationals
Applicable countries: Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana who intend to apply for ETA may be required to apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor. Such applications are handled through the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka, in accordance with the current ETA procedure.
Important Reminder
Visa and ETA requirements are subject to change without prior notice. Travellers are strongly advised to confirm the latest requirements through the official ETA website before making travel arrangements or commencing their journey to Sri Lanka.