Which nationalities need an ETA for Sri Lanka?

Nearly all foreign nationals are required to obtain an ETA before traveling to Sri Lanka. Only citizens of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic of Maldives, and The Republic of Seychelles are exempt from this requirement.

What documents are needed for the Sri Lanka ETA?

To apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, you need a valid passport with at least six months of validity from your date of arrival, a recent digital photograph, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the processing fee.

Sri Lanka ETA Requirements | Documents & Eligible Countries

Important Entry Requirements!!!

From October 15, 2025, visa on arrival at the airport will be completely canceled. All tourists to Sri Lanka must apply for an electronic ETA in advance.
No ETA: Boarding Denied, Entry Refused.

Official notice of visa on arrival cancellation.

Do I Need a Sri Lanka ETA?

Your Nationality

Length of Stay

Who Needs an ETA for Sri Lanka?

An approved ETA is mandatory for almost all foreign nationals wishing to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This system streamlines the entry process, allowing travelers to secure their authorization before their trip.

ETA Exemptions

On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of the following countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an ETA to visit Sri Lanka:

The Republic of Singapore
The Republic of Maldives
The Republic of Seychelles

ETA Eligible Countries

Citizens of all other countries are required to obtain an ETA. The list below includes all nationalities eligible to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA online.

Required Documents for Sri Lanka ETA

To successfully apply for a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), applicants must prepare the following documents. The entire process is completed online, so all documents should be in a digital format.

I. Passport Requirements

Valid Passport: You must possess a passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months from your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
Digital Scan: A clear, color scan of your passport's biographical page (the page with your photo and details) is required.
Consistency: You must travel with the same passport used for the ETA application.

II. Photograph Specifications

Recent Photo: A recent, color, passport-style digital photograph.
Background: The photo must have a plain white or off-white background.
Format: The photo should be in JPEG or PNG format.

Arrival & ETA Validity

I. ETA Validity Period

The Sri Lanka ETA is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival. It permits double entry, meaning you can enter Sri Lanka twice within that 30-day period.

II. Extending Your Stay

For travelers wishing to stay longer, the ETA may be extended for up to six (06) months. Extensions must be applied for at the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo after your arrival in Sri Lanka.

III. Upon Arrival in Sri Lanka

When you arrive at the port of entry in Sri Lanka, you will need to present the following to the immigration officer:

Your passport (the same one used for the ETA application).
A printed or digital copy of your ETA approval notice.
A completed Arrival/Departure Card.
Proof of sufficient funds and a return/onward ticket may also be requested.