Get Your Sri Lanka Visa Online
Fast visa processing for the Pearl of the Indian Ocean — from Colombo to Kandy, your tropical adventure starts here
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Sri Lanka Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 24-48 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our user-friendly application form with your personal and travel information. Our intelligent validation system checks every field in real-time, ensuring accuracy and catching common errors before submission to Sri Lankan Immigration authorities.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible with at least 6 months validity), a recent passport-sized photograph meeting Sri Lankan specifications, and your confirmed flight itinerary. Our document specialists verify everything meets Sri Lanka Immigration requirements.
3
We submit to Sri Lankan Immigration
Your verified application is transmitted directly through Sri Lanka's official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. We monitor processing status continuously and keep you informed via email and SMS notifications at every stage of the approval process.
4
Receive your Sri Lanka visa
Your approved ETA arrives by email as a downloadable PDF. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Sri Lankan immigration alongside your passport. Ayubowan — welcome to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean!
Visa types needed for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourist ETA - 180 days, Double entry
The Sri Lanka Tourist eVisa provides access to ancient temples, tea plantations, wildlife, and pristine beaches. Valid for 6 Months with double entry, this visa allows stays up to 30 days. Perfect for tourism and leisure.
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- 🛂 Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
- 📸 Digital Photo: Recent passport-style photograph
- ✈️ Travel Details: Confirmed travel itinerary
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel or host booking
- 💳 Payment: Credit or debit card for fee
Important to know
- Maximum stay: 30 days per visit
- Print visa for presentation at immigration
Sri Lanka Visa Requirements & Entry Information
ETA Tourist
Up to 30 days
Electronic Travel Authorization for short tourism visits
Business ETA
Up to 30 days
Electronic authorization for business meetings and conferences
Transit ETA
Up to 2 days
For travelers passing through Sri Lankan airports
Extended Visa
Up to 90 days
Embassy visa for longer stays with extension options
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation proof
- Recent passport photo 35x45mm white background
- Completed ETA application or visa form
Visa Policy
Sri Lanka operates a straightforward visa system centered on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), making it easy for most nationalities to visit this beautiful island nation. The ETA system was introduced to streamline entry for tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The ETA is an electronic visa waiver that allows visitors to enter Sri Lanka for short stays without obtaining a traditional visa stamp before travel. Available online through the official ETA website or via authorized agents like DoVisa, the ETA is processed within 24-48 hours in most cases. Once approved, the ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of first entry, with the possibility of extension.
Who Needs an ETA?
Citizens of most countries require an ETA to enter Sri Lanka, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union nations, Australia, Canada, and most Asian countries. A limited number of nationalities from the SAARC region and certain other countries may qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Singapore and Maldives passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 30 days.
Visa Requirements
ETA Tourist Visa Requirements
To obtain a tourist ETA for Sri Lanka, applicants must provide: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay and two blank pages for stamps; a recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm with white background); proof of return or onward travel; accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter); and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Business ETA Requirements
Business visitors need additional documentation including: invitation letter from a Sri Lankan company or organization; letter from your employer stating the purpose of the visit; business registration documents; and details of meetings or conferences to be attended. Business ETAs do not permit employment or paid work in Sri Lanka.
Financial Requirements
While there is no official minimum amount specified, immigration officers may request evidence of sufficient funds. It is recommended to carry approximately $50-100 USD per day of your stay, demonstrable through cash, credit cards, or recent bank statements. Having a confirmed return ticket and accommodation booking significantly reduces questions at immigration.
Application Process
Online ETA Application Process
Applying for a Sri Lanka ETA through DoVisa is straightforward. Start by completing our online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates. Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent photograph. Our team reviews your application for accuracy and completeness before submitting to Sri Lankan Immigration. Most ETAs are approved within 24-48 hours, and you receive your approval notice by email.
ETA Extensions
Initial ETA allows a 30-day stay, but this can be extended. For tourism, you can extend your stay up to 90 days by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions cost approximately $25 USD for 30 days or $50 USD for up to 90 days. Business ETA holders can also apply for extensions with appropriate documentation.
Processing Times
Standard ETA processing takes 24-48 hours. During peak travel seasons (December-March, July-August), processing may take up to 72 hours. We recommend applying at least 5-7 days before your intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons affecting different coasts. The southwest monsoon (May-September) brings rain to the west and south coasts, making the east coast ideal during this period. The northeast monsoon (October-January) reverses this pattern. The cultural triangle in the center and hill country around Kandy and Ella are pleasant year-round, with cooler temperatures at elevation.
Entry Points and Immigration
Most international visitors arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo. The smaller Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in the south receives limited international flights. Immigration processing is generally efficient, with dedicated queues for ETA holders. Have your printed ETA, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for inspection.
Health and Safety
No vaccinations are mandatory for Sri Lanka unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic area. However, hepatitis A, typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations are current is recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water. Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions against petty theft apply in crowded areas. Always carry a printed copy of your ETA and keep digital backups.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
800+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
99%Approval rate
"Got my Sri Lanka ETA in less than 24 hours! The process was incredibly smooth and the support team answered all my questions about the extension process."
"Third time using DoVisa for Sri Lanka. Always reliable and fast. The train journey to Ella was worth every bit of the visa hassle they saved me!"
"Good service overall. Had a small issue with my photo but customer support helped me fix it within minutes. Visa approved the next day."
"Super easy application! I was nervous about doing it online but DoVisa made it simple. Now planning my trip to Sigiriya and the tea plantations."
"Excellent experience from start to finish. The step-by-step instructions were clear and my ETA arrived faster than expected. Highly recommend!"
"Very straightforward process. Took about 36 hours for approval which was within their timeframe. Would use again for my next trip."
"Family of 5 applied together and all approved within 48 hours. The family discount was a nice bonus. Sri Lanka was amazing!"
"Best visa service I've used! Real-time tracking kept me informed throughout. Immigration at Colombo airport was a breeze with the printed ETA."
"Solid service for a fair price. Application was simple and support responded quickly when I had questions about extension options."
"Applied on Sunday evening and had my approval by Monday afternoon. Couldn't believe how fast it was! Sri Lanka here I come!"
"DoVisa made getting my Sri Lanka visa completely stress-free. The whole process took less than 10 minutes to complete online."
"Good value for the convenience. They handled everything professionally and my ETA was approved without any issues. Will use again."
Sri Lanka Visa FAQs
What is a Sri Lanka ETA and who needs one?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an electronic visa waiver required by most foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka. It allows stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Citizens of nearly all countries need an ETA, including those from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada. Only a few nationalities (Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles passport holders) are exempt and can enter visa-free for short stays.
How long does Sri Lanka ETA processing take?
Standard ETA processing through DoVisa takes 24-48 hours in most cases. During peak travel seasons (December-March and July-August), processing may extend to 72 hours. We recommend applying at least 5-7 days before your travel date to account for any unexpected delays. Urgent processing options are available for last-minute travel needs.
What documents do I need for a Sri Lanka ETA?
For a tourist ETA, you need: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay and two blank pages; a recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background); confirmed return or onward flight details; and accommodation information (hotel booking or invitation letter). Business ETAs require additional documentation including company invitation letters.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka ETA?
Yes, ETA extensions are available. The initial 30-day ETA can be extended up to 90 days by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extension fees are approximately $25 USD for an additional 30 days or $50 USD for up to 90 days. Apply for extensions before your current ETA expires to avoid overstay penalties.
What is the difference between ETA and a regular visa?
The ETA is an electronic authorization processed online, typically within 24-48 hours, allowing stays up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days). A regular visa requires visiting a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in person, takes longer to process, but may be required for extended stays beyond 90 days, work permits, or residence purposes. For most tourists and short-term business visitors, the ETA is sufficient.
Can I work in Sri Lanka with an ETA?
No, the ETA does not permit any form of employment or paid work in Sri Lanka. Tourist ETAs are strictly for holiday and leisure activities. Business ETAs allow attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations but not employment. To work legally in Sri Lanka, you need a residence visa and work permit obtained through a Sri Lankan employer.
What happens if my Sri Lanka ETA is rejected?
ETA rejections are rare (under 2% of applications) but can occur due to incomplete information, document issues, or security concerns. If rejected, you can reapply immediately with corrected documentation. DoVisa's pre-submission review catches most issues before they cause rejections. If your ETA is rejected due to our processing error, we provide a full refund of service fees.
Do I need travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
While travel insurance is not mandatory for Sri Lanka entry, it is highly recommended. Medical care for tourists can be expensive, and evacuation costs in emergencies are substantial. We recommend coverage of at least $50,000 USD including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. Some credit cards provide basic travel insurance, but standalone policies typically offer better coverage.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different coasts. The west and south coasts are best from December to March when they're dry and sunny. The east coast is ideal from May to September. The hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya) is pleasant year-round with cooler temperatures. The cultural triangle in the north-central region is best visited during the drier months of January to September.
Can I enter Sri Lanka by land?
Sri Lanka is an island nation with no land borders. All international arrivals are by air (Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo or Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in the south) or by sea through the Port of Colombo. Your ETA is valid for entry through any official port of entry.
What vaccinations do I need for Sri Lanka?
No vaccinations are mandatory for Sri Lanka unless you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and ensuring your routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio) are current. Malaria risk exists in some rural areas; consult a travel health clinic for prophylaxis advice if visiting remote regions.
How much money should I bring to Sri Lanka?
While there's no official minimum, immigration may ask about funds. Budget travelers typically spend $30-50 USD per day, mid-range travelers $80-150, and luxury travelers $200+. Carrying proof of at least $50 per day of your stay (via cash, cards, or bank statements) is advisable. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, accepting international cards.
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival?
Sri Lanka does offer visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, but this involves longer queues and on-the-spot processing. The ETA (applied online before travel) is strongly recommended as it guarantees entry, reduces airport wait times, and is processed at the same cost. Applying for your ETA in advance through DoVisa ensures a smoother arrival experience.
What if I overstay my Sri Lanka visa?
Overstaying your ETA in Sri Lanka results in fines of approximately $25 USD per day of overstay, detention, and potential deportation. Extended overstays can result in entry bans for future visits. Always extend your visa before expiration or depart on time. If you realize you've overstayed, report to the Immigration Department immediately to regularize your status.
Is my Sri Lanka ETA valid for multiple entries?
The standard tourist ETA is a double-entry visa, allowing two entries within the 30-day validity period. This is useful if you plan to visit the Maldives or India during your Sri Lanka trip and return. Business ETAs can be single or multiple entry depending on your application. The ETA validity starts from your first entry date, not the approval date.
Can I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA for my children?
Yes, all travelers including children need their own ETA. Each child must have their own passport and individual ETA application. Children under 12 typically receive a reduced ETA fee. DoVisa offers family applications where you can submit multiple ETAs together, often with group discounts, making it convenient to process the whole family at once.
Still have questions?
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