Sri Lanka ETA: Complete Guide

Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online permit required by most foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. Since October 15, 2025, travelers need to apply for an ETA to Sri Lanka at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA allows a 30-day stay (or 2 days in the case of transit) with single, double, or multiple entries (depending on the type), and is valid for 6 months from issue.
Current status (March 2026): The eta.gov.lk system experienced technical outages in February 2026 and was restored on March 2, 2026. Online pre-application is strongly recommended. Always verify current rules at immigration.gov.lk before travel.

What Is Sri Lanka ETA?

Sri Lanka ETA is a digital pre-travel authorization issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka — not a physical visa stamp, but an electronic authorization linked directly to your passport number. The ETA allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for short stays, usually of up to 30 days. It was introduced to streamline border control and reduce queues at the airports. You need to apply online at eta.gov.lk before the trip.

Sri Lanka ETA Quick Reference

Feature Details
Full name Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Issued by Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka
Processing time Few hours to 1–3 days
Validity 6 months from date of issue
Authorized stay up to 30 days per entry
Entry type Single, double, or multiple
Official website eta.gov.lk

Is Sri Lanka ETA Required? (2026 Status)

Most foreign nationals need a Sri Lanka ETA. The official Department of Immigration and Emigration confirms the information.

Current Status (March 2026)

  • Apply online at eta.gov.lk before travel at least 72 hours before departure to allow processing time.
  • If the eta.gov.lk website is unavailable, keep proof of your application attempt.

Who Needs Sri Lanka ETA?

Most foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit need a Sri Lanka ETA. Certain travelers do not need to apply for an ETA for short trips to Sri Lanka. Those holding diplomatic or special passports from Bahrain can stay for up to 90 days, while all passport holders from Singapore and the Maldives may visit for up to 30 days. Even without an ETA, these visitors must still satisfy standard entry requirements, including possessing a valid passport.

Children and Minors

Each child, regardless of age, requires their own separate Sri Lanka ETA. Children cannot be included on a parent’s ETA. The parent or guardian completes the application on behalf of the child. Children under 12 years old are eligible for a free Sri Lanka ETA when traveling for short-term tourist or transit purposes.

Required Documents for Sri Lanka ETA

To apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, visitors need to provide a valid passport, travel details, accommodation information, and a digital payment method. Although children under 12 are exempt from the fee, they must still obtain a separate ETA. Upon arrival, visitors are required to present a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, along with a confirmed return or onward ticket. Visitors may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA

Apply for Sri Lanka ETA online at eta.gov.lk — the process takes 10–15 minutes and basically requires only your passport and basic travel details. Step 1. Visit the official website: Go to eta.gov.lk. Step 2. Select your type: Choose from:
  • Tourism— for leisure travel, visiting friends/relatives, medical treatment, sports events (most common)
  • Business  — for business meetings, conferences, and commercial activities
  • Transit — for passing through Sri Lanka (max 48 hours)
Step 3. Fill in your personal details: You will need:
  • Full name (exactly as on passport)
  • Passport number, issue date, expiry date
  • Nationality and country of birth
  • Date of birth
  • Travel dates and port of entry
  • Accommodation details in Sri Lanka
  • Return/onward flight details (round-trip ticket required)
Step 4. Cover the ETA fee: Pay online using a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard). Step 5. Submit and receive acknowledgement: After submission, you receive an acknowledgement email with a reference number. Step 6. Receive your ETA Approval Notice: Most applications are approved within a few hours. The ETA Approval Notice arrives by email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox. Step 7. Download and carry your ETA: Save the Approval Notice as a PDF. You may be asked to show it at check-in or upon arrival. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable.

Sri Lanka ETA Cost

The cost of a Sri Lanka ETA varies depending on the type of permit requested and the applicant’s nationality. Citizens of certain countries holding regular or special passports may be eligible for a free ETA under the gratis scheme, and children under 12 are not charged. Payment Methods:
  • Visa credit/debit card
  • Mastercard credit/debit card
  • Other major international cards
Once an ETA has been processed, the fee cannot be refunded, even if travel plans change. If an application is denied, a new one may be submitted.

Sri Lanka ETA Processing Time

Most Sri Lanka ETAs are processed within a few hours. Allow up to 1–3 business days and apply at least 72 hours before departure.

Processing Timeline

Scenario Processing Time
Standard online application Few hours to 1 day
Complex cases 1–3 business days
Recommended lead time At least 72 hours before departure

How to Check Your ETA Status

  1. Go to eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jsp.
  2. Enter your reference number from your acknowledgement email.
  3. View the current status of your application.
If you haven’t received your ETA approval notice:
  • Check your spam/junk folder first.
  • Confirm you entered the correct email address during the application.
  • Wait the full 1–3 business days before contacting support.
  • Contact the Department of Immigration after 3 days.
Important: Your acknowledgement notice is NOT your ETA approval. You are not permitted to travel to Sri Lanka until you receive the official ETA Approval Notice. Airlines may deny boarding without it.

Sri Lanka ETA Validity & Stay Rules

The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 30 days per entry (or 2 days in the case of transit) with single, double, or multiple entries permitted. The ETA itself can be extended.

Can I Stay Longer Than 30 Days?

To stay longer than 30 days, apply for a visa extension through the Department of Immigration’s online portal at eservices.immigration.gov.lk. Key extension rules (source: immigration.gov.lk):
  • Extensions are granted up to 6 months total from your date of arrival.
  • The extension is a single entry — it is cancelled once you leave Sri Lanka.
  • Apply for an extension before your current authorized stay expires.

Overstaying Sri Lankan ETA

If you overstay the 30-day authorized period without an approved extension, you risk (source: gov.uk):
  • Temporary detention
  • A fine
  • Deportation at your own expense
  • A travel ban
  • Refusal of future entry to Sri Lanka
Always apply for a visa extension before your authorized stay expires.

Sri Lanka ETA vs Visa — What’s the Difference?

The Sri Lanka ETA is a digital authorization with no passport stamp. A regular visa is a physical option. The ETA is technically an Electronic Travel Authorization, not a visa. It is linked digitally to your passport number — there is no physical stamp or sticker. However, for practical purposes, it serves the same function as a tourist visa for short stays of up to 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ETA to go to Sri Lanka?

Most foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit need an ETA. You can apply online at eta.gov.lk before travel.

How far in advance should I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?

Complete the process at least 72 hours before your departure. Most forms are processed within a few hours, but some take up to 1–3 business days. Applying early gives you time to resolve any issues, including potential website outages.

How much is the ETA visa fee for Sri Lanka?

The ETA to Sri Lanka cost depends on the type of permit. Children below 12 may get it for free.

How long is the Sri Lanka ETA valid?

The ETA is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You can stay up to 30 days per entry.

Is an ETA the same as a visa for Sri Lanka?

No. The ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization — a digital pre-approval linked to your passport number. It is not a physical visa stamp. However, it serves the same purpose.

What documents do I need for the Sri Lanka ETA?

You need: a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, a round-trip or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, and accommodation details in Sri Lanka.

What happens if my Sri Lanka ETA is rejected?

If your ETA is rejected, you will receive a notification. Common reasons include incorrect passport details, insufficient passport validity, or incomplete application. Reapply after correcting the issue.

Which countries need a Sri Lanka ETA?

Most countries require an ETA. Some citizens and dual nationals may be exempt. Air transit passengers with connecting flights within 24 hours do not need an ETA.

Do children need a Sri Lanka ETA?

Yes. Each child requires their own separate ETA, regardless of age. Children cannot be included on a parent’s ETA. Apply using the child’s passport details — the parent or guardian completes the form.

Can I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA twice?

If your first ETA expires or you need to re-enter Sri Lanka after the 6-month validity period, you can apply for a new ETA. There is no restriction on the number of times.

What is the penalty for overstaying the Sri Lanka ETA?

Overstaying your authorized 30-day stay without an approved extension can result in temporary detention, a fine, deportation at your own expense, a travel ban, and refusal of future entry to Sri Lanka.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Sri Lanka?

If you are arriving from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you must carry a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination.