Sri Lanka is a fascinating destination in the Indian Ocean, known for its diverse landscapes and for bringing together, on a single island, tropical beaches, mountain areas, and national parks. You can find everything from coastlines perfect for relaxing to natural routes ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying incredible viewpoints.
Beyond its nature, Sri Lanka stands out for its cultural and spiritual heritage. Buddhist temples, Buddha statues and sculptures, and historic complexes are part of the travel experience and help you understand the country’s identity. If you want to plan your itinerary, check our guide on what to do in Sri Lanka to discover the main activities, areas, and practical recommendations.
Among Sri Lanka’s most visited places are its cities and former cultural capitals, where tradition, markets, architecture, and local life come together. Kandy is one of the most iconic inland destinations for its atmosphere and temples, while Colombo serves as a gateway for many travelers and a great base for exploring the island. In our guide you’ll find what to see in Kandy and what to see in Colombo, with clear ideas to make the most of each stop.
Do you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes. For short stays in Sri Lanka, most travelers need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (Sri Lanka ETA) before arrival. Since October 15, 2025, Sri Lanka requires the ETA for tourism and business visits, and it is processed online—you can apply through the government or with us at Visagov.
This requirement applies to most nationalities. Some are exempt from fees or have special conditions under bilateral agreements, but if you travel with a Spanish passport, you will typically need to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA before your trip (you are not exempt from the procedure). You can check whether your nationality is eligible using our eligibility checker.
If your trip does not fall under a “short stay” (for example, long-term studies, employment, residency, or other purposes), you must apply for the appropriate Sri Lanka visa through consular channels or as indicated by the Department of Immigration, since it is not the same process as the tourist ETA.
Types of visa/ETA
For most travelers, the key is to distinguish between the Sri Lanka ETA (for short stays) and consular visas (for longer stays or specific purposes). The ETA is the standard permit for short trips for tourism, business, and transit, and it is requested online.
Tourist ETA
The Tourist ETA for Sri Lanka is the standard option for holidays, visits, and short trips. In the official scheme, it is handled as authorization for up to 30 days, and it is usually issued with double entry, allowing you to enter and re-enter within the authorized period. It is the most suitable if you travel for tourism, to visit family or friends, and for activities compatible with a temporary visit. If you need more time, Sri Lanka allows you to request an extension of the short-visit permit: the authority indicates it can be extended up to a maximum of 270 days from arrival, through consecutive extensions subject to conditions and approval.
Business ETA
The Business ETA for Sri Lanka is intended for short business trips for meetings, conferences, and professional activities permitted under this category. Official information describes it as a 30-day authorization and it may be issued as single, double, or multiple entry depending on the case/decision and the issuing channel. It is the right option if you are traveling for corporate reasons and need to justify the purpose of the trip with an invitation, agenda, or similar documentation.
Transit ETA / transit visa
If your layover is only a connection and you do not leave the airport, you generally do not need a transit visa.
However, if you need to enter the country during the layover (for example, due to a change of plans or an overnight stay), there is a 2-day (48-hour) transit option: the Department of Immigration defines it as a permit for two days and it cannot be extended. In the official fee table, the 2-day transit appears as free of charge (in certain cases/conditions of the application).
Long-stay visas (consulate / Immigration)
For long stays or purposes not covered by the ETA (for example, employment, residency, long-term studies, volunteering, or other specific activities), the correct approach is to apply for a different Sri Lanka visa through the appropriate official route. Requirements vary significantly depending on the purpose of travel.
How to apply for a Sri Lanka visa
To enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or in some cases transit, the usual option is to request the Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling. The ETA is processed online and, once approved, you will receive it by email to present at boarding and upon arrival (if applicable). If you apply with Visagov, you can manage everything 100% online and in the applicant’s language, with data review and support throughout the process.
To apply for the Sri Lanka ETA online, you will normally need to complete a form with your personal and passport details, indicate the purpose of travel, provide the required documentation depending on the category (tourism/business/transit), and pay the corresponding fees. Once submitted, you will receive confirmation and the result by email.
If you travel with a diplomatic passport or for official reasons, the procedure may be different. In these cases, it is recommended to apply through the corresponding official channels (for example, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Department of Immigration and Emigration, as instructed), since requirements and documentation vary.
Who needs a visa for Sri Lanka?
In general, most foreign travelers need a Sri Lanka ETA when traveling for tourism or business. For transit, it depends on whether you will enter the country during the layover: if you stay in the international transit area of the airport, it is usually not processed; if you need to pass immigration (for example, to collect luggage, change plans, or stay overnight), a transit authorization may apply.
There are common exceptions, such as Sri Lankan citizens (including some dual nationality situations) and other specific cases established by local regulations. In addition, some nationalities have particular conditions (exemptions, different channels, or additional requirements), so the most practical step is to confirm it before applying using an eligibility checker based on your passport.
What are the requirements to apply for a Sri Lanka visa?
Travel requirements for Sri Lanka depend on the type of permit you need. For most travelers on short stays, the usual step is to request the Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for tourism or business. If your trip is a long stay (for example, studies, work, or residency), requirements change and are typically handled through consular channels or as instructed by Immigration.
Even with an approved ETA, entry to Sri Lanka is not guaranteed: the final decision is made by immigration upon arrival. For that reason, it is important that the information is truthful and matches your documentation (passport, itinerary, and purpose of travel), as omissions or false information may result in refusal of entry.
Be sure to read our guide on requirements to travel to Sri Lanka to have everything you need before you go.
General requirements
To apply for the Sri Lanka ETA online, you generally need:
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A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
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Contact details and an email address to receive confirmation.
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A bank card to pay the fees.
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Trip details (arrival/departure date and purpose of travel).
Specific requirements for business visas
If you apply for the Business ETA for Sri Lanka, in addition to the above, it is common to be asked for documents supporting the trip, for example:
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An invitation letter from the company or organization in Sri Lanka (or equivalent).
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Event/meeting details (agenda, registration, or confirmation).
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Accommodation and itinerary details (as applicable).
Requirements to meet upon arrival in Sri Lanka
Although they are not always requested, it’s a good idea to carry (printed or on your phone):
For tourism
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Approved Tourist ETA.
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Accommodation booking or proof of where you will stay.
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Onward ticket (return or onward travel).
For business
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Approved Business ETA.
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Supporting documents (e.g., invitation, event registration/confirmation, agenda).
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Itinerary and accommodation (if applicable).
Can the Sri Lanka visa be modified once processed?
Once the Sri Lanka ETA application has been submitted and payment made, the transaction cannot be canceled and the processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. That is why it is essential to carefully review the form (name, passport number, nationality, and dates) before confirming the application. If you notice an error after submitting, you will typically need to submit a new application. In addition, if you already have a valid residence visa or a valid multiple-entry visa, the system may prevent a new ETA until that permit expires or is canceled.
How much does the Sri Lanka visa cost?
Official fees depend on whether your nationality belongs to SAARC countries or the “rest of countries,” and also on the channel (online vs. on arrival). As a reference from the official ETA portal, for online applications: Tourism (double entry, 30 days) USD 50 for “rest of countries” and USD 20 for SAARC; Business (multiple entry, 30 days) USD 55 for “rest of countries” and USD 30 for SAARC; and Transit (single entry, 2 days) free.
If you pay on arrival, fees can be higher (for example, tourism 30 days for “rest of countries” is listed as USD 60 on arrival). That is why, in practice, it is often better to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA online before traveling.
How far in advance should you apply?
Although many applications are processed quickly, the system indicates that, for mission processing with Immigration clearance, issuance can take up to 3 business days. To avoid problems due to demand peaks, reviews, or issues with data/payment, it is recommended to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA with some buffer time (ideally 1–2 weeks before travel).
Important: do not travel until you receive the “ETA Approval Notice” (the approval confirmation), as the acknowledgment receipt is not valid as an entry authorization.
What are the entry points to Sri Lanka?
The ETA is a permit to be presented at a Sri Lanka port of entry (border control). In practice, the most common entry points for international travelers are the main airports, such as Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo/CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), and it may also apply at international seaports (for example, the Port of Colombo on certain routes).
In any case, upon arrival you may be asked for supporting documentation (for example, an return/onward ticket if traveling by air, and sufficient funds), and the final entry decision is always made by immigration.
