For those in the UK planning a trip to Sri Lanka, remember that an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is needed for entry, even for brief visits. This is a must if you hold a UK passport and intend to travel for tourism, business, or even just to transit through the country, and it helps speed up immigration.
The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) serves as an official travel permit, enabling foreign citizens, such as those residing in the UK, to visit Sri Lanka for brief periods. This authorization is a must for individuals traveling for leisure, brief business engagements, or those who are simply passing through the country. In contrast to conventional visas, the ETA system offers a more streamlined approach since the application and approval phases are conducted online. This digital pathway makes the process faster and simpler for travellers.
Specifically, for individuals holding UK passports, the ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days. The authorization remains valid for a period of six months from the date it is issued. One important point to note is that this travel document must be secured before the traveler arrives in Sri Lanka. The ETA system is designed to make entry procedures at border checkpoints more efficient. It removes the necessity for travelers to visit an embassy to get a visa, saving them time and effort.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is the most common entry permit for short-term visitors to Sri Lanka. It is available in two main categories: Tourist ETA and Transit ETA, each with specific validity and conditions as per the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration.
| Detail | Tourist ETA | Transit ETA |
| Duration | 30 days from date of arrival | 2 days from date of arrival |
| Entries | Double entry | Single entry |
| Who Qualifies | Most foreign nationals visiting for tourism, short business, or family visits | All travellers transiting through Sri Lanka without entering for tourism or business |
| Fee & Processing Time | USD 50 standard / USD 55–60 expedited (processed in minutes to hours online) | Free if transiting with proof of onward ticket |
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for most short-term visitors to Sri Lanka, as set by the Department of Immigration & Emigration. UK residents traveling to Sri Lanka need an ETA because Sri Lanka asks most foreign citizens, including those from Britain, to get permission before entering.
It serves as prior approval for entry, allowing immigration officers to pre-screen travellers before arrival. Having an ETA helps ensure passport pre-clearance, which can speed up airport processing and reduce delays compared to arranging permission on arrival. It also ensures compliance with Sri Lanka’s entry and immigration regulations, enabling authorities to better monitor the flow of short-term visitors while maintaining secure and efficient border control.
The Sri Lanka ETA offers the benefits given below.
The primary types of Sri Lanka ETA visas are given below.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Stay Duration |
| Tourist ETA | Leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting family/friends | 6 months | Up to 30 days (extendable once) |
| Business ETA | Attending meetings, conferences, short-term professional visits | 6 months | Up to 30 days (extendable once) |
| Transit ETA | Transit through Sri Lanka to another country | 6 months | Up to 2 days (non-extendable) |
Most foreign nationals, including UK residents, who plan to visit Sri Lanka need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Regardless of the purpose of your visit—tourism, business, or transit, you need to get an ETA before you arrive.
The following individuals need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka:
Only a few nationalities are exempt from the ETA requirement, but UK citizens must apply for an ETA.
Under Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration & Emigration regulations, most foreign nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. This requirement applies to both tourism and short business visits, with only a few nationalities exempt under visa-free agreements.
| Nationality | ETA Required? |
| Maldives, Singapore, Seychelles | No |
| EU Member States, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia | Yes |
| All other nationalities | Yes |
The eligibility criteria for Sri Lanka ETA are given below:
Applicants should have no past immigration offenses or criminal history.
The documents required to apply for Sri Lanka ETA are given below:
The detailed procedure to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA is given below:
Step 1: Determine the ETA category you need – Tourist, Business, or Transit.
Step 2: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Step 3: Apply for the ETA online before travel or through a Sri Lankan mission/authorized agent.
Step 4: Pay the applicable ETA fee during application.
Step 5: Receive ETA approval electronically, linked to your passport.
Step 6: Present your passport and ETA approval at Sri Lankan immigration upon arrival.
Detailed information about the fees for Sri Lanka ETA is given below.
| Visa Type | Approx. Fee (GBP) |
| Tourist ETA | £31 |
| Business ETA | £39 |
| Transit ETA | £16 |
| Urgent Processing | £66 |
Detailed information about the processing time for Sri Lankan ETA is given below.
| Processing Type | Estimated Timeframe |
| Standard Processing | 24 to 48 hours |
| Urgent Processing | Within 12 to 24 hours |
| Recommended Application Time | At least 72 hours before travel |
Step 1: Confirm that your ETA is still valid and that your total stay will not exceed six months from your initial arrival date.
Step 2: Gather the required documents:
Valid passport
Proof of sufficient funds
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Accommodation details
Step 3: Submit your extension request either:
Online through the official ETA system, or
In person at the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo
Step 4: Pay the extension fee as instructed during the application process.
Step 5: Receive confirmation of approval, and check that your new validity dates are recorded correctly.
Detailed information about the validity and duration of stay offered by the Sri Lankan ETA are given below:
| Visa Type | ETA Validity | Allowed Stay Duration | Extension Possibility |
| Tourist ETA | 6 months from issue date | Up to 30 days (single or double entry) | Yes – extendable once up to 60 days |
| Business ETA | 6 months from issue date | Up to 30 days per visit | Yes – based on business need |
| Transit ETA | 6 months from issue date | Up to 2 days | No – non-extendable |
Yes, the Sri Lanka ETA visa can be extended under special cases. In some situations, you can extend your Sri Lanka ETA visa. If you have a Tourist ETA, you can ask for an extension to stay up to 60 more days, for a total of 90 days from when you arrived. You need to apply for this extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before your first 30 days are up.
To get an extension, you need a good reason, like wanting to continue your tourism activities. You'll also need to provide documents that support your reason, a current passport, proof that you have enough money, and payment for the extension. Note that Transit ETAs cannot be extended.
Sri Lanka offers several visa options for short-term and special-category visitors, but the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) remains the most widely used and recommended entry method for tourism and business travel. Below is a comparison based on official information from the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration:
| Visa Type | Key Features | Best For |
| Online ETA | Pre-approved prior to travel; valid for 30 days; allows double entry; extendable up to 6 months | Most tourists and business travellers |
| Visa on Arrival | Application at airport; validity similar to ETA | Travellers unable to apply online |
| Consular Visa | Issued by Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad; duration and conditions vary | Journalists, NGO workers, diplomatic/official travel |
Y-Axis, a leading visa and immigration consultancy, provides expert help to UK travellers seeking short-term visas such as the Sri Lanka ETA. We offer personalized and reliable service to ensure your application is accurate, timely, and stress-free.
Our services include:
Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future
Canada Work Permit Visa
Deepak Jain provided us with great Y-Axi
Read More...
Canada Work Permit Visa
Varun provided us with great Y-Axis Revi
Read More...
Job Search Services
Our client here has enjoyed all the adva
Read More...
An ETA is mandatory for most foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It allows you to enter the country without visiting an embassy. The ETA system was introduced to simplify entry for short stays of up to 30 days. It is electronically linked to your passport and must be obtained prior to travel, although limited on-arrival options exist. Applying online in advance is recommended for quicker processing and smoother entry through immigration.
Yes, Sri Lanka offers a visa on arrival option for eligible travellers, but it is advisable to apply for an ETA in advance. While on-arrival facilities exist at Colombo and other international airports, the process may involve longer wait times and requires the same documentation. To avoid delays and potential denial at the port of entry, travellers are encouraged to use the online ETA system before departure.
Note: Visa on arrival is subject to approval and not guaranteed.
Citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are currently exempt from requiring an ETA to enter Sri Lanka for short stays. Additionally, holders of official or diplomatic passports from select countries may also be exempt under reciprocal agreements. All other nationalities, including UK, US, Canada, India, and EU citizens, must obtain an ETA prior to travel or upon arrival. It’s essential to check the latest exemptions on the official ETA website.
Yes, you can apply for an extension of your ETA once you are in Sri Lanka. The initial 30-day period can be extended up to 180 days in two stages (30 → 90 → 180 days). To apply, you must visit the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo and submit the required documents, including proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. It's best to apply before your ETA expires.
ETA approvals for Sri Lanka are typically issued within 24 hours of submitting a complete online application. However, in some cases, additional verification may take longer. To ensure smooth processing, it is recommended to apply at least 48–72 hours before travel. You’ll receive confirmation via email, and the ETA will be linked electronically to your passport. Print a copy of the approval for presentation at immigration.
The Sri Lanka ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a digital visa that enables individuals to travel to Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes for brief durations. Instead of going to an embassy, applicants can complete the process online. The ETA remains valid for six months from the date it is issued, permitting stays of up to 30 days. Travelers need to apply for and secure approval before their arrival in Sri Lanka. Most foreign nationals, including those from the UK, must do this. The ETA speeds up immigration procedures at entry points.
Generally, most foreign individuals, such as UK citizens and residents, need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka for short trips. If you are traveling for tourism, business, or just passing through, you must get an ETA before you arrive. Even children need their own ETA. Only people from a few countries that don't need a visa are exempt. Applying early can help you avoid waiting or being turned away at the border, since UK passport holders need an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.
The processing time for the Sri Lanka ETA is given below.
| Processing Type | Estimated Timeframe |
| Standard Processing | 24 to 48 hours |
| Urgent Processing | Within 12 to 24 hours |
| Recommended Application Time | At least 72 hours before travel |
The Sri Lanka ETA offers the benefits given below.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka allows a stay of up to 30 days from the entry date, whether for tourism or business. If more time is needed, an extension of up to 60 days can be requested once through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Transit ETAs permit a maximum 2-day stay and cannot be extended. Overstaying may lead to penalties or limits on future travel.
Yes, you can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA on arrival. Sri Lanka provides an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) upon arrival at major entry points. Yet, it is better to apply online beforehand. The online application is quicker and safer, reducing the chance of delays or denial at immigration. Applying before traveling assures pre-approval, leading to a simpler entry. Those who apply on arrival should expect longer waits and have all needed documents ready, such as a return ticket and lodging details.
The documents required to apply for Sri Lanka ETA are given below:
The cost of the Sri Lanka ETA is given below.
| Visa Type | Approx. Fee (GBP) |
| Tourist ETA | £31 |
| Business ETA | £39 |
| Transit ETA | £16 |
| Urgent Processing | £66 |
Yes, you can extend your Tourist or Business ETA once after arrival in Sri Lanka. An extension of up to 60 days may be granted, for a total permitted stay of 90 days. To apply, submit your request with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. A successful application needs valid justification, documentation, and payment. Note that Transit ETAs cannot be extended. To avoid penalties, submit your application before your initial 30-day period expires.
No, the Sri Lanka ETA is not a multiple entry visa. The standard Sri Lanka ETA is usually a double-entry visa, not a multiple-entry one. This visa lets you enter the country twice within 30 days of your first arrival. If you need to enter more than twice, you’ll have to apply for a different type of visa through the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
