The Sri Lanka Tourist e-Visa
The tourist ETA is the route almost every visitor takes. Since 25 May 2026 it is free for 40 nationalities - and still mandatory for all of them.
What the tourist e-visa actually is
An Electronic Travel Authorization is an online pre-approval tied to your passport number. There is no sticker and nothing to collect - approval arrives by email, and the physical endorsement goes into your passport when you land. Airlines check it at check-in, so you need it before you board, not on arrival.
Days of stay
From your arrival date, extendable in stages once you are in the country.
Entries
Double entry - leave for a side trip and return on the same authorization.
Months validity
The approval is generally valid for six months from issue; the 30 days start on arrival.
What it costs
| Applicant | Online | On arrival |
|---|---|---|
| The 40 free-list nationalities | Free | Free |
| South Asian (SAARC) nationals | USD 20 | USD 25 |
| All other nationalities | USD 50 | USD 60 |
| Children under 12 | Free | Free |
Applying online is always cheaper than paying on arrival, and avoids the airport queue. Full list of free countries on the visa guide.
e-Visa versus visa on arrival
✅ Apply online in advance
Cheaper, approved before you fly, no airport queue, and you find out about any problem while you can still fix it.
⚠️ Visa on arrival
Costs USD 60 for most nationalities, means queueing after a long flight, and leaves you exposed if anything goes wrong at the counter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sri Lanka tourist e-visa?
It is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - an online pre-approval linked to your passport that you obtain before flying. It is not a sticker or stamp; the physical endorsement is applied when you arrive.
Is the tourist e-visa free?
For citizens of 40 countries, yes - a free 30-day double-entry tourist ETA since 25 May 2026. Everyone else pays the published fee.
How long does the tourist e-visa last?
It permits a 30-day stay from your arrival date with double entry. The approval itself is generally valid for six months from issue.
What does double entry mean?
You can leave Sri Lanka and return once on the same authorization - useful if you are pairing the trip with the Maldives or southern India.
Is the e-visa the same as visa on arrival?
No. The e-visa is applied for online in advance; visa on arrival is issued at the airport and costs more - USD 60 versus USD 50 for most nationalities.
Can I work on a tourist e-visa?
No. Tourism, visiting family and friends, sightseeing and short courses are permitted. Business activity needs the business ETA, and paid employment needs an employer-sponsored residence visa.