Sri Lanka Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
To enter Sri Lanka, passports should have one blank page and be valid for no less than six months from the date of arrival.
Visas
Visas to Sri Lanka are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Tourists and business travellers should apply online through the Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA) (www.eta.gov.lk) and pay the requisite application fee. It's recommended that you apply before you travel; there is an ETA desk at the international airport where you can apply on arrival (credit cards or US Dollars only), but you could be subject to long delays.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the nearest embassy or high commission to check visa requirements for Sri Lanka.
Types and Cost
Transit visa: free; double-entry tourist visa (ETA): US$20 in advance; multiple-entry business visa (ETA): US$30 in advance.
Validity
Transit visas: two days; double-entry ETA tourist visa: 30 days; multiple-entry business visa (ETA): 30 days; tourist/business visa from embassy/high commission: 30 or 90 days.
Application to
In person at the nearest consulate (or consular section of high commission/embassy) or online (www.eta.gov.lk).
Working days
The ETA tourist visa generally takes two days to come through.
If you apply through the embassy/high commission, allow four working days for visa processing.
Extension of stay
Visitors can request to extend their ETA by applying to the Department of Immigration and Emigration (www.immigration.gov.lk). This is issued at the discretion of the authorities who must be satisfied that the applicant has sufficient funds and holds an onward or return ticket for travel.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7262 1841.
Website: http://www.srilankahighcommission.co.uk/
Address: , 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2 2LU,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1700; 0930-1300 (visa section).
Embassy of Sri Lanka in the USA
Telephone: (202) 483 402 528.
Website: http://www.slembassyusa.org
Address: , 2148 Wyoming Avenue, Washington, ,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
