🇱🇰 Sri Lanka visa requirements

Most passports need an ETA before you arrive. US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia get 30 days visa-free; everyone else can get the ETA or visa on arrival.

Who Needs What to Get In

Sri Lanka's visa system is mostly straightforward now, thanks to the eVisa. If you're from the US, EU, UK, Canada, or Australia, you get 30 days entry without applying beforehand. Just show up. Other nationalities can apply for an ETA online before flying or get a visa on arrival. The eVisa is generally faster and recommended. It costs $50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa, with options to extend.

Staying Longer & Avoiding Trouble

That initial 30-day visa-free entry or 30-day eVisa is usually extendable for up to six months. You'll need to visit an immigration office, typically in Colombo, and pay a fee. The first extension is usually for 3 months, then another 3 months. A key point: make sure your passport has at least six months validity and two blank pages for stamps. Skipping this check means you might be denied boarding. If you plan to leave and re-enter, understand that many tourist visas are single-entry. You'll need a double-entry visa if you plan multiple trips into the country within your visa period. Overstaying is where things get expensive. Fines start around $500 LKR (about $1.50 USD) per day, but this can add up fast. More importantly, it can cause future visa denials.

What's New in Sri Lanka Visa Land

The biggest recent change was the official rollout of the eVisa system in late 2023, replacing most on-arrival visa processing for most nationalities. This is a good thing - it streamlines the process and reduces queues. The fees are standard for the tourist eVisa: $50 USD for 30 days. They also introduced a $100 USD visa for multiple entries and longer stays, though details on this are still a bit fluid. There was also a period where visa fees were fluctuating wildly, but the $50 for 30 days seems to be the current standard. Keep an eye on the official Department of Immigration and Emigration website for the absolute latest updates, as policies can shift.