Sri Lanka visa - apply online for an ETA

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Make sure you get the right travel document for entry to the country. Some nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival, but must still obtain a Sri Lanka ETA, also known as the electronic travel authorization. Read more in this article.

There are different visas and travel documents available for Sri Lanka. Through iVisa, it is possible to apply for the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA or the Sri Lanka Business ETA.

Travelers submit their application according to their intended travel purpose. We also recommend using our handy Visa Checker to check if you’re eligible for these or other travel documents. Check all the information about entry visas to travel to Sri Lanka below.

Types of Sri Lanka visas

The Sri Lanka Department of Immigration offers different visas to travelers. You can get visas for work, study, or other long-term visas in Sri Lanka with an appointment at the embassy or consulate. For tourism and business travelers, the government has recently developed the online Sri Lanka ETA to ease entry into the country.

It is recommended that incoming visitors submit their applications at least 20 business days prior to their intended entry date to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourist e-Visa/ETA

The Electronic Travel Authorization for Sri Lanka is by far the most common travel document. It permits applicants to obtain authorization to enter the country by applying online, without a visit to the Sri Lanka embassy or consulate.

Submitting the information for the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA is pretty simple. In just a few clicks, travelers can fill out the application form on iVisa and receive the Sri Lanka ETA in their email inbox.

This document must be used within 180 days after issued. It’s a Double entry visa and allows a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.

Apply for the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA!

Sri Lanka Business e-Visa/ETA

Like the Tourist ETA, the Sri Lanka Business ETA also allows applicants to submit the application online. This option has been available by the Department of Immigration since January 2012 for most nationalities. This business authorization is for people entering Sri Lanka for negotiations, conferences, business meetings, short-term training programs, and business trips.

With the online application for the Sri Lanka Business ETA through iVisa, there’s no need to go to an embassy and apply in person anymore. The applicants must submit all the required information and documentation and pay the fee online.

This ETA is also a Multiple entry document. It must be used within 30 days after issued, and you can use the valid ETA to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days per entry.

Apply for Sri Lanka Business ETA

Sri Lanka Transit e-Visa/ETA

The Sri Lanka ETA for Transit is an online electronic travel authorization also introduced in 2012. It allows eligible citizens to transit in Sri Lanka, and allows you to leave the airport to stay for up to two days.

Most foreign passport holders can apply for a Sri Lanka Transit ETA at the nearest embassy or consulate. iVisa currently does not offer the application service for the Transit Visa.

Who is eligible for the online Sri Lanka ETA application?

There are three visa-exempt countries: The Seychelles, Maldives, and Singapore. Nationals from these countries can enter Sri Lanka with just a valid passport.

Currently, 21 countries are not eligible for the tourist, business, and transit ETA, and are still required to get a visa from a Sri Lanka diplomatic mission in their home country before traveling.

To check if that is the case for you, we recommend using our convenient Visa Checker. Simply fill out your nationality to find out if the ETA is available to you.

Required documents and information for the Sri Lanka ETA

The requirements to apply for an ETA are quite straightforward. The application process through iVisa is similar for the tourist ETA and business ETA. Here is a list of what you must provide:

• Proof of accommodation (if applicable) – Unvaccinated travelers must book accommodation before they apply. The hotel will issue a reference number which you need to include in your visa form.

• Valid passport – All applicants must provide a passport number from a document that remains valid for at least another six months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

• Digital photo – Ensure that the picture is as recent as possible and follows all the guidelines for a passport photo. Or simply use the iVisa Photo Service.

• Valid email address – iVisa will send you the ETA via email in PDF format, which is why you must provide an email address. Do not forget to print out a physical copy of your ETA confirmation.

• Means of payment – You are required to make the payment during the application process. iVisa accepts credit or debit cards.

• Proof of sufficient funds – You must prove you have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.

• A confirmed return ticket or ticket for onward travel.

How to apply for a Sri Lanka e-Visa/ETA

Filling out the application forms for both visas to visit Sri Lanka is pretty easy. iVisa has simplified the application form, and you’ll be ready to apply in just a few minutes.

Once the application is submitted, you can’t edit the information, so please double-check your info carefully.

• First, complete the Sri Lanka application form. Enter your personal information, such as your date of birth, passport number, and details about your trip. Choose a processing time for the application.
• Second, check the details before submitting to guarantee all the information is correct. Then, pay for the visa fees online with a debit or credit card.
• Third, upload the required documents.

Once all three steps are completed, submit your application form. You’ll receive the document via email. You must print it to present to official immigration officers on arrival.

Sri Lanka e-Visa fees and processing times

While completing the form, the applicant must choose a processing time. The fees and processing times vary according to nationality, visa type, and processing time. Your options are as follows:

• Standard processing – This is the cheapest option iVisa puts at your disposal (USD $120.49). Your application is processed within 3 days.
• Rush processing – This time, your ETA arrives in just 24 hours for a small extra fee (USD $151.49).
• Super Rush processing – It takes only 12 hours for your application to be processed for an additional fee (USD $209.49).

COVID-19 restrictions in Sri Lanka

Before departing, be sure to check Sri Lanka Tourism's website - Hello Again - for changes to COVID-19 entry regulations.

Proof of vaccination and testing requirements

Travelers who are fully vaccinated must provide proof of vaccination on arrival in Sri Lanka, and they are exempt from testing.

If the traveler has not been vaccinated, they must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test or a negative antigen test. Children under the age of 12 are exempt.

Where to find more information about Sri Lanka visas

Can’t find the information you’re looking for or have other concerns and questions about the Sri Lanka e-Visa or ETA? You can always contact our customer service team via online chat or email at [email protected].