Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows tourists, business visitors and private visitors to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. The ETA is applied for online through the official portal. The tourist ETA is issued free of charge. Entry requires a valid passport, proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for the period of stay. Employment and any income-generating activities are not permitted. *For travellers who plan to enter Sri Lanka without a pre-approved ETA, it may be possible to obtain an authorization on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for an additional fee. However, this option is not guaranteed and may be unavailable in practice, so travelers are recommended to obtain ETA before departure.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
6 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The ETA validity period is typically 6 months from the date of issue. Entry into Sri Lanka must occur within these 6 months. If entry does not take place, the authorization becomes invalid, even if the stay days remain unused.
to 1 month
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The maximum initial stay under ETA is 30 days. The actual permitted length of stay is determined by border services upon entry and may be shorter than the maximum duration stated in the authorization.
to 6 months
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
A foreign national wishing to stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days can apply for an authorization extension through the Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (Head Office) or via the online e‑Visa Extension portal. The initial extension is typically up to 90 days. In some cases, further extension up to a total of 180 days is possible. However, extension is not guaranteed — the decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
Double-entry
The ability to enter the country only twice during the visa's validity period. This is typically used for transit visas and when multiple entries are required within a short timeframe, such as during travel to multiple countries.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Tourist ETA is typically issued for double entry within the authorization validity period. Business ETA is issued as multiple entry, allowing unlimited entries into Sri Lanka during the authorization validity period.
to 3 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Electronic travel authorization for Sri Lanka is usually processed from a few minutes up to 1–3 business days. Processing may take longer if additional checks are required, there are discrepancies in the data, a business ETA with a sponsor is submitted, or the applicant is a citizen of a country subject to enhanced immigration screening.
- business ETA
Free of charge - tourist ETA
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Tourist ETA is free. Business ETA: Payment is made online via the official ETA portal upon application. Additional technical fees may apply: bank/gateway fees (depending on card and bank) and service fees if submitted through an intermediary. Children under 12 are typically exempt from the ETA visa fee.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka and must contain blank pages for the entry stamp.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Return or onward ticket
Paid in full or flight booking confirmation. Must be issued by airline or travel company and must contain the applicant's name, flight number and date.
Proof of financial means
There is no officially fixed amount, but border officers may request proof of sufficient funds to cover accommodation and daily expenses. Travel guides and tourist sources recommend having approximately 30–80 USD per day of stay.
Invitation letter - for business visit
Invitation from the hosting party in Sri Lanka (company/organization on official letterhead): full name/address, contacts (phone/email), applicant's details (full name/passport), purpose (meetings/conferences), intended stay dates, confirmation of no employment in Sri Lanka.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Health insurance
Health insurance is not formally required for short-term tourist visits to Sri Lanka, but it is strongly recommended. The insurance should cover emergency medical treatment and hospitalization, be valid in Sri Lanka, and cover the entire duration of the stay.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purpose of the visit and documents confirming it, in accordance with the visa-free entry conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Electronic travel authorization
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
ETA
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, businessman, visitor
Last updated 2026-02-16