Visa & ETA

Sri Lanka asks almost every nationality for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, even where the fee is waived. This page shows your requirement by nationality at a glance, the current fee, how long the ETA stays valid, and how to extend your stay. Confirm your requirement on the official ETA portal before booking.

ETA regime effective 2026-05-25 · checked 2026-05 Official source

All countries

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Free ETA 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Free ETA 🇮🇳 India Free ETA 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Free ETA 🇩🇪 Germany Free ETA 🇦🇺 Australia Free ETA 🇨🇳 China Free ETA 🇺🇸 United States Free ETA 🇷🇺 Russia Free ETA 🇫🇷 France Free ETA 🇨🇦 Canada Free ETA 🇯🇵 Japan Free ETA 🇶🇦 Qatar Free ETA 🇰🇼 Kuwait Free ETA 🇴🇲 Oman Free ETA 🇧🇭 Bahrain Free ETA 🇲🇻 Maldives Reciprocal free 🇸🇬 Singapore Reciprocal free

Extendable in stages up to ~270 days total via Dept. of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.

Policy changes periodically, always confirm your requirement on the official ETA portal before booking.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Sri Lanka?

A satisfying first loop, west + Cultural Triangle + hill country + south coast, takes about 10 to 14 days. With a week, pick two regions (e.g. Triangle + hills, or hills + south) rather than rushing everywhere.

Should I carry cash or card in Sri Lanka?

Both: cards work at hotels and bigger restaurants, but tuk-tuks, small eateries and guesthouses run on cash. Withdraw rupees from bank ATMs every few days.

Can I drink the tap water in Sri Lanka?

Not recommended for visitors. Bottled, filtered or boiled water is cheap and available everywhere; many hotels now offer filtered refills.

How long does Kandy to Ella take?

About 4 to 5 hours by car and 6 to 7 by train for just 130 km. The train is slower on purpose and worth it; take the earliest one.

When is the Kandy Esala Perahera?

It follows the lunar calendar, usually late July to early August, across ten nights ending on the Esala (Nikini) full moon. Book Kandy stays and grandstand tickets well in advance.