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Apply for the Sri Lanka visa online now

Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle. It's fast and secure. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit, our simplified Sri Lanka visa application process and expert support make it easier from start to finish.

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Our Sri Lanka visa application process

How to apply for your Sri Lanka ETA with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions to find out whether you need a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA, Business ETA, Transit ETA, or another Sri Lankan document. Then, upload your documents and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

We review your application

The Sri Lanka visa system is known for being a bit picky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays. One of our experts checks everything for errors or missing information to make sure it’s ready to go. This review is quick but thorough.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

Get your Sri Lanka visa

We’ll email your approved ETA and let you know how to use it for your trip.

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Visa types needed for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA
Sri Lanka Business ETA
Digital Nomad Visa*
Employment and Investor Visas*
Student and Religious Visas*
Family and Retirement Visas*

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

Purpose: The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA is for travelers visiting for tourism (sightseeing, medical treatment, visiting family) or transit.

When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least 3 to 5 days in advance.

Duration and extensions: The initial stay is 30 days. It can be extended online or at the Immigration Department for a total stay of up to 270 days (granted in stages of 60, 90, and 90 days).

Entries: The Tourist ETA allows double entry within the 30-day stay period.

Ports of entry: Holders can enter through all international airports, primarily Bandaranaike (CMB), and major seaports including Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee.

Delivery format: An approved ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You’ll receive an email notification, and you must carry a printed copy of the approval or reference notice for verification by the airline and immigration.

Sri Lanka Business ETA

Purpose: The Sri Lanka Business ETA is for travelers visiting for business (meetings, conferences, short training).

When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least 3 to 5 days in advance.

Duration and extensions: The initial stay is 30 days. It can be extended online or at the Immigration Department for a total stay of up to 270 days (granted in stages of 60, 90, and 90 days).

Entries: The Business ETA is issued for single, double, or multiple entries.

Ports of entry: Holders can enter through all international airports, primarily Bandaranaike (CMB), and major seaports including Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee.

Digital Nomad Visa*

This permit allows remote workers employed by companies outside Sri Lanka to live in the country. It's for individuals earning a minimum monthly income of $2,000 and is valid for 1 year, renewable annually.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

Employment and Investor Visas*

The Employment Visa is for specialists or workers with a local contract and government approval. The Investor Visa (including the Golden Paradise Visa) is for those investing significant capital in Sri Lankan businesses or real estate. Validity ranges from 1 to 10 years depending on the investment amount.

*We currently don’t offer these visas.

Student and Religious Visas*

The Student Visa is for those enrolled in recognized educational institutions or universities. The Religious Visa is for clergy or members of religious organizations performing spiritual work. Both are typically valid for 1 year and are renewable with institutional support.

*We currently don’t offer these visas.

Family and Retirement Visas*

Family Visas are for spouses or children of Sri Lankan citizens. Retirement Visas are for individuals over 55 with a stable monthly income of at least $1,500 deposited in a local bank. These are generally valid for 2 years and are renewable.

*We currently don’t offer these visas.

Sri Lanka visa policy

Most foreign nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. Sri Lanka offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) service for most nationalities, though it's generally faster to apply online. Citizens of Singapore, the Maldives, and Seychelles don't require a visa, and as of 2026, travelers from 40 countries (including the US, UK, and Australia) are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

General Sri Lanka visa requirements are:

Passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
Recent digital photo
Travel details (such as a confirmed return or onward flight ticket and hotel address)
Additional supporting documents depending on visa type (e.g., business invitation letter for Business ETA)

Sri Lanka visa prices

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

Prices starting from $88.99

Valid for 6 months after issued

Double entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Sri Lanka Business ETA

Prices starting from $54.99

Valid for 1 month after issued

Multiple entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Fast facts

iVisa approval rate:

99%

Main reason for denials:

Unclear photo scans

Average time it takes to apply:

10 mins

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind

Benefit	Applying by yourself	iVisa
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

1.4M happy customers

24/7customer support

69,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to Sri Lanka rated this product a 4.9 out of 5 based on 56 reviews.

4.9 out of 5

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Salim L.

May 25, 2025

"The entire process was fast and effortless"

Emil R.

May 22, 2025

"Great app works perfectly."

Esther Q.

May 21, 2025

"Very user friendly experience."

Esther Q.

May 21, 2025

"Very user friendly experience."

Sebastian B.

May 14, 2025

"The whole process was clear and uncomplicated."

Naomi E.

May 5, 2025

"The steps were simple and easy to understand."

Martin A.

May 2, 2025

"Everything went smoothly and quickly"

Livia G.

April 29, 2025

"Got a quick response, which I really appreciated"

Elina N.

April 22, 2025

"Amazing service and overall experience! The steps were clear, making it very convenient to apply for a visa. I got approval in just a few days such a relief since my flight was near and I was worried. Thank you so much!"

Juliette J.

April 8, 2025

"Professional service with efficient processing"

FAQs

What is the Sri Lanka ETA for tourists?

The Sri Lanka ETA for tourists is an online travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, or short-term medical treatment. It is valid for short stays and must be obtained before arrival.

What is the validity period of the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA?

The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA is valid for 6 months, with the possibility of extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

What is the Sri Lanka Business ETA?

The Sri Lanka Business ETA is an electronic travel authorization that allows travelers to enter Sri Lanka for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, workshops, or short-term training. It must be obtained before traveling to Sri Lanka.

Can the Sri Lanka Business ETA be extended?

Yes, the Sri Lanka Business ETA can be extended after arrival by applying at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, subject to approval.

Do I need a visa to transit through Sri Lanka?

Travelers transiting through Sri Lanka for less than 48 hours may apply for a Transit ETA. If you remain in the transit area of the airport and your layover is less than eight hours, a visa may not be required.

Can I extend my stay in Sri Lanka beyond the ETA validity period?

Yes, visitors can apply to extend their stay by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are subject to approval and the purpose of your stay.

Where can I check the status of my Sri Lanka ETA application?

When you apply through the iVisa platform, you can check the status of your application on our website or through the iVisa app. We’’ll keep you updated regularly as your application goes through the review process.

What are the requirements for a Sri Lanka Residence Visa?

A Sri Lanka Residence Visa is required for long-term stays for purposes such as employment, investment, studies, or family reunification. Applicants must obtain prior approvals from relevant government bodies and submit supporting documentation to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Can diplomatic and official passport holders travel to Sri Lanka without a visa?

Diplomatic and official passport holders from countries with reciprocal agreements may be eligible for visa exemptions or gratis visas. These travelers should consult their local Sri Lankan mission for specific entry requirements.