Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean south of India, requires most foreign nationals to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. From October 15, 2025, the ETA became mandatory for all nationalities except a small number of fully exempt countries. A few countries must obtain a full visa in advance from a Sri Lankan embassy. Sri Lanka uses a multi-tier system: full exemption, free ETA, paid ETA, and advance visa required.

2. Full Visa-Free Access (No ETA Required)

The following countries are fully exempt from all visa/ETA requirements:

Full Visa Exemption (No ETA Required) • Maldives: Up to 90 days visa-free • Seychelles: Up to 60 days visa-free • Singapore: Up to 30 days visa-free

3. Free ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Citizens of 7 countries receive a free ETA for stays of up to 30 days. These countries were granted free ETA access as part of Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion initiatives:

Free ETA — 30 Days (7 Countries) • China • India • Indonesia • Japan • Malaysia • Russia • Thailand

4. Paid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

All other nationalities (except those requiring advance visa — see Section 5) must obtain a paid ETA before arrival. The ETA became mandatory from October 15, 2025, replacing the previous system where ETAs were optional for some nationalities.

Paid ETA Details • Mandatory from: October 15, 2025 • Available at: eta.gov.lk (official portal) • Fee: Varies by nationality and purpose of visit • Standard tourist ETA validity: 30 days (extendable in Sri Lanka) • Processing time: Usually within 24-72 hours • Must be obtained before departure

5. Advance Visa Required (Embassy Visa)

Citizens of 6 countries cannot use the ETA system and must obtain a full visa from a Sri Lankan embassy or high commission before traveling. This applies to both ordinary and non-ordinary passport holders of these nationalities.

6 Countries Requiring Advance Embassy Visa • Cameroon • Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) • Ghana • Nigeria • North Korea (DPRK) • Syria

6. Documents Required for Advance Visa (Restricted Nationalities)

Applicants from the 6 restricted countries must submit the following documents to obtain a Sri Lanka visa:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Completed visa application form
• Police clearance certificate from home country
• Guarantor certificate from a recognized guarantor in Sri Lanka
• Affidavit of undertaking
• Confirmed accommodation details (hotel booking or host’s invitation)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements)
• Return or onward travel ticket

7. UN/Interpol Passport Holders

Holders of United Nations laissez-passer or Interpol travel documents receive 90 days visa-free access to Sri Lanka.

8. Health Requirements

8.1 Yellow Fever Vaccination

Sri Lanka requires travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP / yellow card). This applies to travelers arriving directly from or having transited through approximately 40 endemic countries in Africa and South America.

Yellow Fever Requirement • Required for travelers from countries with yellow fever risk (approximately 40 countries) • Applies to both direct arrivals and transit through endemic countries • Infants under 9 months may be exempt (verify with health authorities) • Failure to present valid ICVP may result in quarantine or refusal of entry

9. General Entry Requirements

All visitors to Sri Lanka must satisfy the following:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
• Valid ETA confirmation (or embassy visa for restricted nationalities)
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately USD 50 per day recommended)
• Accommodation details or hotel booking confirmation
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country)

10. Extending Stay in Sri Lanka

Tourists who enter on ETA can extend their stay at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are typically granted in increments and require a fee. The total permitted stay for tourists is generally up to 6 months in a 12-month period.

11. Important Notes

Important Reminders • ETA must be obtained online before travel — do not arrive without it • Airlines may check for ETA at check-in before boarding • Free ETA countries (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand) still need to apply • Overstaying the ETA/visa is a serious offense with fines and potential deportation • Always verify fees and processing times at eta.gov.lk before applying