Who Can Apply for Sri Lanka e-Visa

Updated on Oct 01, 2024 | Sri Lanka e-Visa

The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka started an online visa service for travelers visiting Sri Lanka for a period of 30 days or less, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) on October 1, 2011. It was tested until January 1, 2012, when it became fully operational.

It was a step to make the travel for foreign countries coming to Sri Lanka easier. The old way of getting visas at embassies or on arrival was replaced by applying for a Sri Lankan e-Visa online, making travel planning much simpler for many people around the world.

Before you start packing your bags for a Sri Lankan adventure, it's a good idea to check if your country is on the list of eligible countries for an e-Visa.

ETA for Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka e-Visa or also called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka is a kind of digital permission document to enter Sri Lanka. When you apply for an ETA, you need to fill out an online Sri Lanka e-Visa application form as a request from the Sri Lankan government for permission to visit their country.

There are 3 types of e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka visit:

Who Can Apply for It?

The Sri Lanka e-Visa system is open to citizens of most countries. In fact, people from nearly 180 nations can use this easy online process. However, few exceptions are there:

  • Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles don't need to apply for an ETA. Citizens of these countries can request for a visa on arrival for free in Sri Lanka.
  • People from some countries, like Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Syria, need to apply for a visa through a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
  • You can check in the eligibility checker tool if your country is eligible for Sri Lanka e-Visa.

Sri Lanka e-Visa Requirements

To get your Sri Lanka e-Visa, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements:

  • A passport that's valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
  • A recent digital passport-style photo
  • A working email address (this is where they'll send your ETA)
  • A credit or debit card is needed so you can pay Sri Lanka e-Visa application fee
  • Evidence of continued travel (such as a return ticket)
  • Enough amount in your bank to demonstrate that you can stay without financial problems in Sri Lanka
  • No criminal record

Getting a Sri Lanka e-Visa is pretty straightforward for all travelers. Make sure you keep yourself up-to-date with all the current Sri Lankan travel rules and guidelines for a hassle-free Sri Lankan trip.

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When traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit, Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a great way to get an e-visa. You can apply for ETA for Sri Lanka from your home, as the entire process is online. It is a fast, easy, and highly efficient process. While most of these ETA applications get approved within 2 days, some of them can be denied. Learn more at Why Sri Lanka ETA Get Denied.


Apply for Sri Lanka e-Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. Citizens from many countries including Brazilian citizens, Omani citizens, German citizens, Greek citizens and Chinese citizens can apply online for Sri Lanka e-Visa. Travelers from eligible countries can enjoy a smooth and convenient entry into the country for Tourist and Business purposes.