Sri Lanka ETA requirements, eligibility and validity
Review the available ETA types, passport and entry conditions, documents, permitted stays and important travel information.
What is the Sri Lanka ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization is an electronic authorization for eligible short visits to Sri Lanka for tourism, business or transit. It is issued electronically and is not endorsed in the passport.
Who can apply?
Foreign nationals travelling for an eligible short visit should obtain ETA approval before arrival unless a specific diplomatic, official, crew or other exemption applies. Travel outside the permitted tourism, short-business or transit categories requires the appropriate visa.
Current 2026 nationality rules
From 25 May 2026, the current Tourist ETA scheme specifically covers Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States. These travellers still need ETA before arrival and generally receive a 30-day tourist stay with double entry.
Rules for Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore
Nationals of Singapore and Seychelles must obtain ETA before arrival and are covered by a 30-day tourist arrangement. Maldivian nationals must also obtain ETA before arrival but receive a 90-day tourist stay under the bilateral arrangement.
Diplomatic, official and crew rules
Separate reciprocal rules can apply to Diplomatic, Official, Service, Special and equivalent passport holders. The qualifying passport type and permitted stay vary by nationality. Diplomatic or official travellers visiting for personal reasons may follow the normal ETA route unless an exemption applies. Flight and ship crew are listed separately among exempt categories.
Tourist ETA purposes
Tourist ETA covers sightseeing and holidays; visiting friends or relatives; medical treatment including Ayurvedic treatment and yoga; sporting events and competitions; and activities connected with cultural performances.
Business ETA purposes
Business ETA purposes include meetings and negotiations; conferences, workshops and seminars; training programmes under one month; art, music and dance events; religious events; and symposiums. Documentary evidence supporting the business purpose should be available.
Business ETA submission information
Current short-visit guidance states that Business ETA can be obtained through a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission or the visa section of the immigration department in Colombo. Those channels may issue single, double or multiple-entry business authorization depending on approval. The application captures the information required to prepare the business case without making an approval promise.
Transit ETA
Transit ETA is for travellers passing through Sri Lanka to another destination. It is limited to a maximum of two days and documentary evidence of the onward journey is required.
Activities requiring different authorization
The standard online ETA route is not available for media or journalist conferences, workshops or seminars; meetings, seminars or conferences involving political parties or groups; or activities carried out by NGOs or INGOs. These purposes require the applicable authorization and visa procedure.
Number of entries
Standard Tourist ETA provides double entry during the permitted 30-day stay. The second entry must occur within the original period and only the unused balance remains. Standard Business ETA may also provide double entry for 30 days, while designated authority routes may permit single, double or multiple entry. Transit is for the approved short transit journey.
Maximum stay
The standard initial stay for Tourist and Business ETA is up to 30 days. Maldivian nationals receive a 90-day initial tourist stay under the bilateral arrangement. Transit is limited to two days.
ETA validity
Each approval notice gives a specific date by which the ETA must be used. General guidance states that entry may be made within three months of issuance, but the individual “must be utilized before” date controls. A separate FAQ reference to six months concerns eligibility to obtain another ETA with the same passport while an existing authorization remains valid.
Passport requirements
The passport or travel document used for the application should remain valid for at least six months from arrival. Passport number and nationality must match the ETA application, and the same document must be presented for travel and entry. An ETA linked to a different travel document may not be usable.
Photo and document requirements
The standard electronic ETA application does not require a passport copy, supporting document or personal photograph to be uploaded. Business and transit travellers must still provide the requested purpose and journey information in the application. Further information may be requested when an application is referred.
Important application information
Application details must be accurate and match the passport, particularly passport number, nationality and date of birth. Submitted information cannot normally be amended. An error may require a new application, and an approved ETA may need to be cancelled before a corrected application is made.
Processing information
Applicants normally receive a response within 48 hours after the application is received, but this is not a guarantee. General enquiry guidance indicates waiting at least 24 hours after submission. Applications submitted through an overseas mission are described as taking three business days, subject to the required immigration concurrence.
When to apply
Obtain ETA approval before travelling. A ticket does not need to be booked before applying. Do not travel using only an application acknowledgement: entry is not permitted until the ETA Approval Notice has been issued.
Ways an ETA may be submitted
Guidance describes electronic submission by the traveller, submission by another person, an overseas mission, the immigration department in Colombo and a limited airport facility. The notice effective from 25 May 2026 requires ETA before arrival, so travellers should receive approval before beginning the journey rather than relying on an arrival facility.
Entry requirements
At entry, be prepared to show the same passport used for the application, valid for at least six months from arrival; confirmed return or onward travel; evidence of sufficient funds; and a copy of the ETA Approval Notice. Air travellers should have a round-trip ticket available for inspection.
Employment and activity restrictions
ETA holders must not undertake paid or unpaid employment or engage in trade or business outside the activity specifically permitted by the approved purpose. Tourist or Business ETA cannot be converted into a Residence Visa.
Extending a stay
A standard 30-day short visit may be extended, subject to approval, to a maximum total stay of up to 270 days: an additional 60 days, followed by two further periods of 90 days. An electronic procedure is also available for eligible extensions up to six months. Extension rules for the 90-day Maldivian arrangement are separate, and departure during an extended period can affect the extension.
Applying for another ETA
A new ETA normally cannot be obtained using the same passport while an existing ETA remains valid. A valid Residence Visa or Multiple Entry Visa generally prevents a new ETA until it expires or is cancelled. A traveller already in Sri Lanka cannot obtain a fresh ETA from within the country.
Application referral or refusal
An application may be referred for more examination when further information is needed, an existing Residence or Multiple Entry Visa exists, the applicant is already in Sri Lanka or a previous overstay must be resolved. If ETA is not approved, further consideration may follow through the appropriate Sri Lankan overseas channel. False or misleading information may cause permanent refusal or denial of entry.