Sri Lanka visa policy

The visa policy of Sri Lanka is a set of travel rules and entry requirements that apply to all foreign travelers that would like to visit Sri Lanka. It differentiates what nationalities are eligible for an online visa, a visa on arrival, or a regular visa.

Keep in mind that according to the Sri Lankan Government, no country is exempt from the visa requirement. Nevertheless, three nations (Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore) are allowed to apply for their Sri Lanka visa on arrival free of charge.

The Sri Lankan ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization mandatory for all travelers who wish to visit Sri Lanka. To apply for the Sri Lankan visa online, fill in the application form, submit the required documents, and make the fee payment. It may be issued for tourism, business, and transit. Approved ETA allows for two trips to Sri Lanka, lasting 30 days.

The Sri Lanka visa on arrival should be collected by every traveler entering the country. You can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA prior to the journey or complete the application process on arrival at the selected entry port. It allows for two visits to Sri Lanka, remaining valid for up to 30 days. It is possible to request a visa extension.

There are 6 countries whose citizens need to apply for a regular visa to enter Sri Lanka. It is essential to submit the application form in person at the Embassy. Then, cover the processing fee payment. The consular visa may also be issued for travelers eligible for a VOA but wishing for their journey to last longer than 30 days.

Apart from applying for a visa, remember to prepare all the documentation required for the border check while entering Sri Lanka.

Who can enter Sri Lanka?

Every foreign traveler that has a valid visa is allowed to travel to Sri Lanka. There are a few ways to obtain the required visa – apply online for a Sri Lanka ETA and collect your visa at a selected entry port, obtain a visa on arrival while crossing the Sri Lankan border, or schedule an appointment at the Embassy to request a regular visa.

Sri Lanka entry requirements

It is essential to comply with the entry requirements to Sri Lanka. Without a valid visa, you will not be allowed entry to the country. Remember about other documents as well.

Documents checklist for entering Sri Lanka

Before leaving for your journey to Sri Lanka, do not forget about the following documents:

• passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the planned date of travel
• approved Sri Lankan visa
• ticket for return or onward travel (if applicable)

Although the pandemic has not officially ended, COVID-related entry requirements do not apply to foreign visitors traveling to Sri Lanka. It is not essential to prove your health status.

Please remember that all the information provided above serves for illustrative purposes only. All the data is regularly updated, but it is recommended to always double-check the current entry requirements at the official site of the Sri Lankan Government.

Methods of getting a visa to Sri Lanka

There are a few different methods of applying for a Sri Lankan visa. Depending on your country of origin, you should either participate in an application procedure online or in person.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The ETA Sri Lanka is an Electronic Travel Authorization that allows eligible foreigners to complete the visa application prior to the journey and collect the approved visa on arrival to Sri Lanka. Currently, it is available to nationals of over 200 countries. It is issued for purposes including tourism, business, and transit.

The authorized Sri Lankan ETA is valid for 30 days, granting two entries to the country.

Visa on arrival (VOA)

Sri Lanka visa on arrival application is the primary method of obtaining the required visa. To proceed with the process, ask the immigration officers for the registration form and complete it with the relevant information. Soon, you will receive the decision regarding your visa inquiry.

The Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka allows for tourism and business-related travel. It remains valid for 30 days. You may ask for a visa extension.

Regular visa

A regular Tourist Visa for Sri Lanka may be obtained at the Embassy. Currently, nationals of 6 selected countries must apply for a regular visa. They need to complete the application form, submit the required documents, and cover the visa fee. The entire procedure should be conducted in person.

The Sri Lanka regular visa may be issued for every foreign traveler in case of long-term travel.

Countries and regions which require a visa for Sri Lanka

If you plan on visiting Sri Lanka, you need to apply for a suitable visa. Below, you will find detailed lists of all the nationals that are eligible for particular visas.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

• Andorra
• United Arab Emirates
• Afghanistan
• Anguilla
• Albania
• Armenia
• Angola
• Argentina
• American Samoa
• Austria
• Australia
• Aruba
• Azerbaijan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Barbados
• Bangladesh
• Belgium
• Burkina Faso
• Bulgaria
• Bahrain
• Burundi
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Brunei
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Bahamas
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Belarus
• Belize
• Canada
• Cocos Islands
• Congo
• Central African Republic
• Switzerland
• Cook Islands
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Serbia
• Cuba
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Djibouti
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Algeria
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Spain
• Ethiopia
• Finland
• Fiji
• Falkland Islands
• Micronesia
• Faroe Islands
• France
• Gabon
• United Kingdom
• Grenada
• Georgia
• French Guiana
• Gibraltar
• Greenland
• Gambia
• Guinea Bissau
• Guinea
• Guadeloupe
• Equatorial Guinea
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Guam
• Guyana
• Hong Kong
• Honduras
• Croatia
• Haiti
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel
• India
• Iraq
• Iran
• Iceland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Japan
• Kenya
• Kyrgyzstan
• Cambodia
• Kiribati
• Comoros
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• North Korea
• South Korea
• Kuwait
• Cayman Islands
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Saint Lucia
• Liechtenstein
• Liberia
• Lesotho
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Latvia
• Libya
• Morocco
• Monaco
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Madagascar
• Marshall Islands
• Macedonia
• Mali
• Myanmar
• Mongolia
• Macau
• Martinique
• Mauritania
• Montserrat
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Malawi
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• New Caledonia
• Niger
• Norfolk Island
• Nicaragua
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Nepal
• Nauru
• Niue
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Panama
• Peru
• French Polynesia
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Pakistan
• Poland
• Sierra Leone
• San Marino
• Senegal
• Somalia
• Suriname
• El Salvador
• Swaziland
• Caicos Islands
• Chad
• Togo
• Thailand
• Tajikistan
• Tokelau
• Timor Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Tunisia
• Tonga
• Turkey
• Tuvalu
• Taiwan
• Tanzania
• Ukraine
• Uganda
• United States
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vatican City
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Venezuela
• British Virgin Islands
• Vietnam
• Vanuatu
• Samoa
• Yemen
• Mayotte
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Qatar
• Seychelles
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Romania
• Paraguay
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Palestine
• United States Virgin Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Isle of Man
• Guernsey
• Solomon Islands
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saint Martin
• Saint Helena
• Reunion
• Puerto Rico
• Jersey
• Curacao
• Cape Verde
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Barthelemy
• Sint Maarten
• Bonaire

Visa on arrival (VOA)

• Maldives
• Singapore
• Seychelles

The Sri Lanka visa on arrival is also available for all nationals eligible for the Sri Lankan ETA.

Regular visa

• Ivory Coast
• Cameroon
• Ghana
• North Korea
• Nigeria
• Syria

Entry requirements for children

The Sri Lankan ETA is obligatory for every foreign visitor. Children, as well as adults, must comply with the Sri Lankan entry requirements and travel rules. The visa application should be completed by their parents or legal guardians.

Transit information

A suitable Sri Lankan Transit Visa or Transit ETA is required while passing through the country on your way to another destination. Once approved, it will remain effective for 2 days. Moreover, remember about a valid passport.

Important information

• The visa policy of Sri Lanka provides information on visa application rules and Sri Lankan entry requirements. Now, foreign visitors that wish to cross the borders of Sri Lanka may apply for an online visa (ETA), visa on arrival (VOA), or a regular visa.
• The Sri Lankan ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is issued for travelers entering Sri Lanka for tourism, business, and transit. Complete the online registration. Then, collect your electronic visa on arrival to Sri Lanka. It allows you for 30-day-long travel.
• A visa on arrival is a type of visa that may be obtained at the immigration office at selected Sri Lankan entry ports. The authorized visa remains effective for 30 days, allowing you to enjoy tourism and business in Sri Lanka.
• In order to apply for a regular visa to Sri Lanka, you should visit the nearest Embassy. Then, participate in person in the visa application procedure. A regular visa may be issued both for short-term trips and long-term travel.
• Keep in mind that apart from a valid visa, additional documents are required for entry to Sri Lanka. It is essential that you have a passport with an extended validity period. Depending on your nationality, travel tickets may also be required.