Almost every visitor to Sri Lanka needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, but exactly how much it costs depends on your nationality and how you apply. As of May 2026, Sri Lanka introduced a major change that makes entry free for a large group of countries. Here's a full breakdown of what you'll actually pay.
Free ETA for 40 Countries
Since 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries can obtain a Tourist ETA completely free of charge for a 30-day stay with double entry. This includes most of Sri Lanka's largest tourism source markets: the United States, United Kingdom, most of the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and several Gulf and Central Asian nations.
The full free list covers: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Singapore and Seychelles nationals also travel free for 30 days under bilateral arrangements, and Maldivian nationals receive a free 90-day ETA.
Standard ETA Fees for All Other Nationalities
If your country isn't on the free list, standard charges apply based on whether you're from a South Asian country or elsewhere:
| Application Method | South Asian Countries | All Other Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa — applied in advance | US$ 20 | US$ 50 |
| Tourist visa — on arrival | US$ 25 | US$ 60 |
| Business visa — applied in advance | US$ 30 | US$ 55 |
| Transit visa (2 days) | Free | Free |
As the table shows, applying in advance online is always cheaper than paying on arrival — worth doing before you fly regardless of your nationality.
Children Under 12
Children of any nationality under 12 years old receive a free 30-day tourist ETA, regardless of which country they're travelling from.
Staying Longer Than 30 Days
The initial ETA covers up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, Sri Lanka allows extensions in stages — up to 90 days, then a further 90 days, for a maximum total stay of around 270 days. Extension fees vary by nationality and are handled through the Department of Immigration and Emigration's online portal after you've arrived in the country, not through the ETA site itself.
Applying Through the Official Portal Only
The only official channel for an ETA is eta.gov.lk. A number of third-party sites replicate the application process and charge significantly more — sometimes double the government fee — for the same service. There's no benefit to using them; go directly to the official portal to avoid overpaying.
What You'll Need to Apply
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival
- A valid email address to receive your approval notice
- A debit or credit card for payment (where a fee applies)
- Proof of onward travel, which immigration may request on arrival
Most applications are approved within 24–72 hours, though it's best to apply several days ahead of travel rather than at the last minute.
Planning Your Trip Once You Land
With your ETA sorted, the next practical step for most visitors is transport. A self-drive rental gives you the flexibility to move between Colombo, the hill country, and the coast on your own schedule — see our guide to popular destinations around Sri Lanka for route ideas, and our breakdown of whether tourists can drive in Sri Lanka for the license requirements.
Ready to explore Sri Lanka once you land?
Book Your Self-Drive Rental with iWay →Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka's 2026 fee waiver has made entry free for travelers from 40 major countries, while everyone else still pays a modest, clearly published government fee. Either way, the ETA remains mandatory — apply early, use the official portal, and you'll be set to explore the island from the moment you land.
