UK and US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. For tourists it is currently free and allows stays of up to 30 days. Apply only on the official government website.
UK citizens
British passport holders apply online for a tourist ETA before departure. It is checked on arrival and converted into a tourist visa for up to 30 days.
US citizens
US citizens also need an ETA for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Business trips require a Business ETA; work or volunteering requires a visa from an embassy.
Step by step
The process takes about ten minutes.
What the ETA is
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is Sri Lanka’s online entry permission for short visits. It is linked to your passport and checked on arrival, when the immigration officer converts it into a tourist visa. For tourist visits by UK and US citizens it is currently issued free of charge and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Apply only via the official government portal. Several private websites look very similar and charge a fee for submitting the same form on your behalf.
Documents you need
A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with a blank page for the entry stamp. Your ETA approval, printed or on your phone. A return or onward ticket, and, if asked, the address of your first hotel – we send you this with your travel documents. Travellers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever may need to show a vaccination certificate.
Staying longer than 30 days
If you want to combine a tour with a long beach stay and exceed 30 days, you can apply to extend your visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Plan this in advance – we can advise on timing and help you fit the appointment into your route.
Frequently asked questions
You need an ETA, applied for online before travel.
For UK, US and many other nationalities, the tourist ETA is currently free of charge – check the official site for the latest rules.
Extensions are possible through the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
