Do You Need a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?

All travellers will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, with the exemption of citizens of Singapore, the Maldives, and the Seychelles.

Luckily, you can easily apply online for a visa, also known as an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA. The application costs 20 USD for SAARC countries and 50 USD for all other countries. The double entry visa is valid for 30 days upon your arrival. 

The Sri Lanka ETA is typically processed quickly. You can expect to receive your visa within 3 to 20 working days after you submit your form online. However, we recommend applying in advance, so you can be certain that your visa will be granted on time.

Make sure you keep a copy of your ETA to show when you arrive at the airport. Along with your passport with at least 6 months' validity and a confirmed return ticket.

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Alternatively, there is a limited facility at Bandaranaike International Airport where you can get a visa upon arrival. You can also get a transit visa for free, which is valid for 2 days.

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Visa Extension

It is possible to extend your visa for another 30 days for up to 6 months. You just need to apply before your visa's expiry date. You can go to either the Immigration Service Center or the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Both are located in Colombo and are open on Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm. 

You will need your documents, which include your passport, a return ticket, and one passport-size colored photo. As well as a complete form for your extension and proof of financial resources for your extended time in Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration calculates the visa fee depending on your nationality.

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For more information, visit the government’s Department of Immigration and Emigration website.