🇫🇷 Sri Lanka Visa for French citizens
French citizens receive a free 30-day double-entry ETA under the scheme in force since 25 May 2026. The fee is gone - the application is not.
France is on the 40-country free list effective 25 May 2026, granting a 30-day double-entry tourist ETA at no cost. You must still apply and be approved before you fly - airlines can deny boarding without one.
Tourist ETA
No government fee for this nationality since 25 May 2026.
Days of stay
From the date you arrive, with double entry, extendable once you are in the country.
Hours to approve
Most approvals land by email within 24–72 hours. Apply roughly a week ahead.
What French citizens should know
- French passport holders qualify for the free 30-day double-entry ETA.
- France-Diplomatie advises against travelling on a passport with under six months validity.
- Carry your ETA approval printed - airline check-in staff in Paris routinely ask to see it.
Paris to Colombo connects via Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Abu Dhabi in about 13–16 hours.
Documents required
Passport valid 6+ months
Validity must run at least six months past your intended departure, with blank pages for stamps.
Return or onward ticket
A confirmed ticket out of Sri Lanka. Both the airline and immigration officers check for this.
Accommodation address
Your first hotel booking or a host's address - the application form asks where you will stay.
Working email address
Approval arrives by email. Check your spam folder if nothing appears within 72 hours.
Proof of funds
Around USD 50 per day of stay is the commonly cited benchmark if an officer asks on arrival.
How French citizens apply, step by step
- Open the official portal
Apply at eta.gov.lk. Lookalike sites rank well in search and add a markup to the same government service.
- Select Individual and Tourist
Choose Individual (or Group/Family if you are travelling together) and Tourist as the purpose of visit.
- Enter your passport details exactly
Every field must match your passport character for character. A mismatched name or number is the most common cause of trouble at check-in.
- Skip the payment step
French citizens are not charged for the tourist ETA. If a site asks you for money, you are not on the government portal.
- Wait for the approval email
Usually 24–72 hours. You can also check status on the portal using your reference number.
- Carry the approval to the airport
Keep a printout and a copy on your phone. Present it at check-in and again at immigration on arrival.
The only official portal is eta.gov.lk. This site is an independent guide - we do not process applications, take payments, or act as an agent.
Frequently asked questions
Do French citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. French citizens must hold an approved ETA before boarding. Since 25 May 2026 the fee has been waived for this nationality, but the application itself is still mandatory - airlines check for it at check-in.
How much does the Sri Lanka ETA cost for French citizens?
Nothing. France is one of the 40 countries on the free list, which grants a 30-day double-entry tourist ETA at no charge. Third-party agent sites still advertise a fee - that charge is their own service markup, not a government fee.
How long does approval take?
Most ETAs are approved by email within 24 to 72 hours. Apply about a week before departure so there is time to correct anything that needs fixing.
How long can I stay?
Thirty days from your arrival date, with double entry. The approval itself is generally valid for six months from issue.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes. The Department of Immigration & Emigration grants extensions in stages - typically 60 days first, then 90 days, up to roughly 270 days in total. Apply before your current permission expires.
What documents do I need?
A passport valid at least six months beyond departure, a confirmed return or onward ticket, your first accommodation address, and a working email address.