Destination

ASIA
BEIJING
CHANGSHA
CHENGDU
China
China
Guangzhou
HONGKONG
NANNING
SHANGHAI
Shaoxing
SHENZHEN
TIANJIN
Wenzhou

๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Eligible Nationalities, Documents & ETA

Application form

๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Eligible Nationalities, Documents & ETA

Last Updated: 1 September 2026

Sri Lanka has an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for short-term visitors. Travellers can apply online before travelling, and the official ETA system also lists on-arrival submission as an alternative option. However, Sri Lanka’s current rules strongly emphasise obtaining the ETA before arrival, so travellers should not assume that every nationality can simply arrive and receive a visa at the airport.

A major change took effect on 25 May 2026: nationals of 40 selected countries can obtain a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

Quick Facts About Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival

RequirementDetails
CountrySri Lanka ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ
Visa/ETA on Arrivalโœ… On-arrival option exists
Recommended methodApply for ETA before travel
Online ETAโœ… Available
Tourist ETA30 days, double entry
Free ETA countries40 selected countries
Maldives90-day tourist ETA
Other nationalitiesETA fees generally apply
Passport validityAt least 6 months from arrival
Return ticketRequired
Sufficient fundsRequired
Final entry decisionSri Lankan immigration authorities

Sri Lanka’s official ETA website states that an ETA holder receives a 30-day short-visit visa at the port of entry.

Does Sri Lanka Have Visa on Arrival?

Yes, but the system is primarily based around the ETA.

The official Sri Lankan ETA website lists several ways to submit an ETA application, including:

  • Online by the applicant
  • Through a third party
  • Through a Sri Lankan overseas mission
  • Through the Department of Immigration and Emigration
  • On arrival at a port of entry in Sri Lanka

However, the official system also advises intended short-term visitors to apply for and obtain ETA prior to arrival. Therefore, applying online before travel is the safer option, particularly for travellers whose nationality or circumstances may require additional processing.

Sri Lanka Free Tourist ETA โ€“ 40 Countries

From 25 May 2026, nationals of the following 40 countries are eligible for a free tourist ETA for 30 days:

  1. ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia
  2. ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria
  3. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ญ Bahrain
  4. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡พ Belarus
  5. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium
  6. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada
  7. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China
  8. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Czech Republic
  9. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Denmark
  10. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Finland
  11. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France
  12. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany
  13. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India
  14. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia
  15. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท Iran
  16. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Israel
  17. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy
  18. ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan
  19. ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Kazakhstan
  20. ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ผ Kuwait
  21. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia
  22. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต Nepal
  23. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Netherlands
  24. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand
  25. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด Norway
  26. ๐Ÿ‡ด๐Ÿ‡ฒ Oman
  27. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ Pakistan
  28. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ Poland
  29. ๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatar
  30. ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ Russia
  31. ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Saudi Arabia
  32. ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea
  33. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain
  34. ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ช Sweden
  35. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland
  36. ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Thailand
  37. ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Tรผrkiye
  38. ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช UAE
  39. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom
  40. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States

The official notice confirms that ordinary, diplomatic, official and service passport holders from these countries are eligible under the free tourist ETA scheme.

How Long Is the Free Sri Lanka ETA Valid?

For nationals of the 40 selected countries:

30 days

The tourist ETA provides:

  • 30-day validity
  • Double entry
  • Free ETA processing

The second entry must take place within the original 30-day validity period, and only the remaining balance of the 30 days is available for the second stay.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ป Special Rule for Maldives

Maldivian citizens have a special arrangement with Sri Lanka.

Maldivian nationals can receive a:

90-day tourist visa through the ETA system

The ETA is processed free of charge under the current arrangement.

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡จ Seychelles and ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore

Citizens of Seychelles and Singapore also benefit from special bilateral arrangements.

The current Sri Lankan ETA information states that tourist visas for nationals of:

  • ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡จ Seychelles
  • ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore

are processed free of charge for 30 days.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Sri Lanka Visa for UAE Citizens

UAE citizens are included in the 40-country free tourist ETA programme.

UAE passport holders can obtain a:

30-day tourist ETA free of charge. However, the ETA is still required before arrival under the current system.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Sri Lanka Visa for UAE Residents

UAE residency itself is not the basis for the free ETA.

The free 30-day ETA applies because the traveller holds a passport from one of the 40 eligible countries.

For example:

PassportUAE ResidentCurrent ETA treatment
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช UAEYesFree ETA โ€“ 30 days
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ IndiaYesFree ETA โ€“ 30 days
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ PakistanYesFree ETA โ€“ 30 days
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต NepalYesFree ETA โ€“ 30 days
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ BangladeshYesGeneral ETA rules
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Sri LankaYesSri Lankan citizen
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ PhilippinesYesGeneral ETA rules

Therefore, UAE residence does not automatically provide free Sri Lanka entry.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Sri Lanka Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens are included in the 40-country free ETA scheme.

From 25 May 2026, Indian passport holders can obtain a:

30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

The traveller should still obtain the ETA through the official system before travelling.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ Sri Lanka Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistan is also included in the 40-country free ETA programme.

Pakistani citizens are therefore eligible for:

30-day free tourist ETA

subject to the standard Sri Lankan entry requirements.

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต Sri Lanka Visa for Nepalese Citizens

Nepal is included in the 40-country free ETA programme.

Nepalese passport holders can therefore obtain a:

30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Sri Lanka Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladesh is not included in the current 40-country free ETA list.

Bangladeshi citizens therefore remain subject to the general Sri Lankan ETA rules and applicable fees.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Sri Lanka Visa for Filipino Citizens

The Philippines is not included in the current 40-country free ETA list.

Filipino citizens therefore remain subject to Sri Lanka’s general ETA requirements and applicable fees.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Sri Lanka Visa for Indonesian Citizens

Indonesia is included in the 40-country free ETA programme.

Indonesian citizens can obtain a:

30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Sri Lanka Visa for Malaysian Citizens

Malaysia is included in the free ETA programme.

Malaysian citizens can obtain a: 30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Sri Lanka Visa for Thai Citizens

Thailand is included in the 40-country free ETA programme.

Thai citizens can obtain a: 30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Sri Lanka Visa for Saudi Citizens

Saudi Arabia is included in the free ETA programme.

Saudi citizens can obtain a:

30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Sri Lanka Visa for Qatar Citizens

Qatar is included in the 40-country free ETA programme.

Qatari citizens can obtain a:

30-day tourist ETA free of charge

๐Ÿ‡ด๐Ÿ‡ฒ Sri Lanka Visa for Oman Citizens

Oman is included in the free ETA programme.

Omani citizens can obtain a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ผ Sri Lanka Visa for Kuwait Citizens

Kuwait is included in the 40-country free ETA programme.

Kuwaiti citizens can obtain a: 30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ญ Sri Lanka Visa for Bahrain Citizens

Bahrain is included in the free ETA programme.

Bahraini citizens can obtain a: 30-day tourist ETA free of charge.

Sri Lanka ETA Requirements

Travellers should generally have the following:

1. Valid Passport

The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

2. Return Ticket

A confirmed return ticket is required for air travellers.

3. Sufficient Funds

Travellers must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay.

4. ETA Approval

It is advisable to carry a copy of the ETA approval notice when travelling.

5. Same Passport

The passport used for the ETA application must be the same travel document used to enter Sri Lanka. Incorrect passport information can result in additional visa requirements or payment at arrival.

Documents Required for Sri Lanka ETA

For the online ETA application, the official ETA website states that passport copies, documents and photographs are not required for the ETA application itself.

However, travellers should carry:

  • Original passport
  • ETA approval
  • Return/onward ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Accommodation details, if applicable
  • Other supporting documents relevant to the purpose of travel

How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA Online

Step 1 โ€“ Visit the Official ETA Website

Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.

Step 2 โ€“ Select Tourist ETA

Choose the appropriate short-visit/tourist category.

Step 3 โ€“ Enter Passport Details

Provide:

  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Personal details

Make sure these details exactly match the passport.

Step 4 โ€“ Submit the Application

Submit the ETA application online.

Step 5 โ€“ Receive Acknowledgement

An acknowledgement/reference number is issued after successful submission.

Step 6 โ€“ Receive ETA Approval

The applicant receives the ETA approval or a referral notice.

Step 7 โ€“ Travel to Sri Lanka

Carry the passport and ETA approval while travelling.

Can I Get Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival?

The official ETA system provides an on-arrival application option.

However, Sri Lanka’s official guidance says travellers intending to visit for a short stay should apply for and obtain ETA prior to arrival.

Therefore, for your website, the safest wording is:

Sri Lanka offers an ETA-based visa system with an on-arrival application facility, but travellers are strongly advised to obtain ETA approval before travelling.

This is more accurate than simply advertising Sri Lanka as a standard “Visa on Arrival” country.

Sri Lanka ETA on Arrival

The official ETA system states that an application can be submitted on arrival at a port of entry in Sri Lanka.

After arrival, the traveller must present the passport to the immigration officer for clearance.

ETA holders should carry their ETA approval notice with them

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA Duration

The standard tourist ETA is: 30 days. It provides double entry during the validity period.

The ETA can be extended under Sri Lankan immigration rules, with the official system stating that the initial 30-day period can be extended for up to six months.

Sri Lanka Visa Extension

Travellers who wish to stay beyond the initial period can apply for an extension.

For nationals receiving the free 30-day tourist ETA, the official notice confirms that an extension beyond 30 days can be requested by paying the applicable visa extension fee.

Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival vs ETA

FeatureETA Before TravelOn Arrival
Apply onlineโœ…Optional
Recommendedโœ… YesโŒ Not preferred
Passport requiredโœ…โœ…
Return ticketโœ…โœ…
Sufficient fundsโœ…โœ…
30-day tourist stayโœ…Generally applicable
Free for 40 countriesโœ…Subject to current system
Immigration clearanceYesYes

Important Points Before Travelling

1. Apply Before Travel

Although an on-arrival application option exists, the official ETA system advises travellers to obtain ETA before arrival.

2. Check Your Nationality

The 40-country free ETA programme applies only to the nationalities listed by the Sri Lankan government.

3. Passport Must Match

Use the same passport for the ETA application and travel.

4. Carry a Return Ticket

A confirmed return ticket may be required at immigration.

5. Carry Proof of Funds

Travellers should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay.

6. ETA Does Not Guarantee Entry

Possessing an ETA does not automatically guarantee admission to Sri Lanka. Immigration authorities can refuse entry if a traveller is found inadmissible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sri Lanka have Visa on Arrival?

Yes. Sri Lanka’s official ETA system provides an option to submit an ETA application on arrival, but travellers are advised to obtain ETA approval before travelling.

Is Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival free?

It depends on nationality. Since 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 selected countries receive a free 30-day tourist ETA. Other nationalities are generally subject to the applicable ETA fees.

Which countries get free Sri Lanka ETA?

Citizens of 40 countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, China, Japan, Australia, the UK, the USA and several European countries, qualify for the free 30-day tourist ETA.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Indian citizens need an ETA, but they are currently eligible for the free 30-day tourist ETA.

Do UAE citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

UAE citizens need an ETA, but the tourist ETA is currently free for 30 days under the 40-country scheme.

Do UAE residents get free Sri Lanka entry?

Not necessarily. The free ETA is based on passport nationality, not UAE residency.

Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Pakistani citizens need an ETA, but Pakistan is currently included in the free 30-day tourist ETA programme.

Do Bangladeshi citizens get free Sri Lanka ETA?

Bangladesh is not included in the current 40-country free ETA list, so the general ETA rules and applicable fees apply.

Do Nepalese citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Nepalese citizens need an ETA, but Nepal is currently included in the free 30-day tourist ETA programme.

How long is Sri Lanka tourist ETA valid?

The standard tourist ETA is initially valid for 30 days and allows double entry.

How long should my passport be valid?

The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Do I need a return ticket?

Yes. The official ETA requirements state that travellers should have a confirmed return ticket.

Official Sri Lanka Visa Information

For the most accurate and current information, travellers should use the official Sri Lankan immigration websites.

Department of Immigration & Emigration โ€“ Sri Lanka:
Official Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration



Official Sri Lanka ETA Portal:
Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)



Official ETA Application:
Sri Lanka ETA Online Application



The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration & Emigration is the official authority for current visa and entry requirements. Travellers should verify their passport nationality, ETA eligibility and current requirements immediately before travelling.

footer-vactor

Adsonz Go specializes in business tours to China, offering complete support for exhibitions, sourcing trips, and corporate travel. We help professionals plan, execute, and succeed in their international business journeys with confidence.

Working Day : Monday - Friday (9AM - 5PM)

Follow Us On :

Quick Links

Tour Type

Contact Us

+91 62 38 57 8880 +971 54 349 5990

ๅนฟๅทžๅธ‚่ถŠ็ง€ๅŒบไธœ้ฃŽ่ฅฟ่ทฏ207-213ๅท๏ผˆๅ•๏ผ‰1401ไน‹B167ๆˆฟๅท Room B167 of 1401, No. 207-213 (Odd Number), Dongfeng West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City

Copyright ยฉ 2026 ADSONZ