Updated 2026-08-22
🇿🇦 Sri Lanka Visa from South Africa
South Africa is not on the free-ETA list, so South African passport holders pay the standard tourist fee — cheaper online than on arrival.
Fee status for South African citizens
South Africa is not on the free-ETA list. The published tourist fee is USD 50 online, or USD 60 on arrival.
$50
Tourist ETA
Online rate. On arrival is USD 60.
30
Days of stay
From arrival, double entry, extendable in country.
72
Hours to approve
Most approvals arrive by email within 24–72 hours.
What South African citizens should know
- The standard tourist ETA fee applies: USD 50 online, or USD 60 on arrival.
- Apply online well ahead — it is both cheaper and avoids queueing after a long connection.
- Passport validity of at least six months beyond departure is required, with blank pages for stamps.
- Transit ETAs remain free for South African nationals, as for every nationality.
Getting there
- No direct flights. Johannesburg and Cape Town connect to Colombo via Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
- Total journey time is typically 14 to 20 hours depending on the connection.
- Colombo is 3.5 hours ahead of South African Standard Time.
How to apply
- Open the official portal
Apply at eta.gov.lk — not an agent site.
- Select Individual and Tourist
Or Group/Family if you are travelling together.
- Enter passport details exactly
Every field must match your passport character for character.
- Pay USD 50 by card
Payment is taken by card on the official portal.
- Wait for the approval email
Usually 24–72 hours. Apply about a week before departure.
Sources & verification. Fees per the official ETA fee schedule. Last reviewed 2026-08-22. See the full visa guide and FAQ.