Get the Sri Lanka visa for US citizens

Q: Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, US citizens need a visa or travel authorization to enter Sri Lanka . Most short-term travelers apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA or Sri Lanka Business ETA before departure.

Q: What is the processing time for Sri Lanka for US citizens?

This depends on the document you're applying for. Sri Lanka ETA (tourist or business): With iVisa, you can get the Sri Lanka ETA in as little as 30 minutes , depending on your application details and documentation.

Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for American citizens traveling to Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka visa requirements for American citizens

US citizens need a visa or travel authorization to enter Sri Lanka. Most travelers apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, which allows short-term visits for tourism or business purposes.

iVisa offers the following Sri Lanka entry documents for US travelers:

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA: An electronic travel authorization that allows US citizens to enter Sri Lanka for tourism and short-term stays, with validity and maximum stay set by Sri Lankan authorities.
Sri Lanka Business ETA: An electronic travel authorization that allows US citizens to enter Sri Lanka for business-related activities, with conditions and length of stay determined by Sri Lankan authorities.

General Sri Lanka entry requirements for US travelers are:
US passport valid for at least six months
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
Accommodation details in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka visa cost for American citizens

Sri Lanka Business ETA

Prices starting from $71.99

Valid for 1 month after issued

Double entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Get it as fast as 15 minutes

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

Prices starting from $99.99

Valid for 6 months after issued

Double entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Get it as fast as 2 hours

Fast facts

Interview needed?

On a case-by-case basis (only for embassy visa)

When to apply?

At least 30 minutes before departure

Documents required upon arrival?

Valid US passport (6+ months validity), confirmed return or onward ticket, approved visa or travel authorization

How to apply for a Sri Lanka visa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, determine whether you need the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA, Sri Lanka Business ETA, or another Sri Lanka visa or document, pay securely, and upload your documents. You can save your progress and come back anytime.

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

We review your application

The Sri Lanka visa system can be complicated for American citizens, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the Sri Lankan government, but we review your application for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we’re here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.

Get your Sri Lanka visa

We’ll email your approved Sri Lanka document and let you know how to use it for your trip from the United States to Sri Lanka.

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Why American citizens choose iVisa

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

71,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Verified Sri Lanka visa reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 by travelers to Sri Lanka.

4.9 out of 5

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!"
Livia G.

April 29, 2025

"Got a quick response, which I really appreciated"
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."
Salim L.

May 25, 2025

"The entire process was fast and effortless"
Martin A.

May 2, 2025

"Everything went smoothly and quickly"
Esther Q.

May 21, 2025

"Very user friendly experience."
Esther Q.

May 21, 2025

"Very user friendly experience."
Emil R.

May 22, 2025

"Great app works perfectly."
Ellen MC Mubanga

July 2, 2026

"Excellent"

See all 54 reviews

Sri Lanka visa FAQs

What American travelers commonly ask about Sri Lanka visas

Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, US citizens need a visa or travel authorization to enter Sri Lanka. Most short-term travelers apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA or Sri Lanka Business ETA before departure.

What is the processing time for Sri Lanka for US citizens?

This depends on the document you're applying for.

Sri Lanka ETA (tourist or business): With iVisa, you can get the Sri Lanka ETA in as little as 30 minutes, depending on your application details and documentation.

How long can US citizens stay in Sri Lanka?

The length of stay depends on the ETA issued. Short-term stays are permitted for tourism or business purposes, with the exact duration determined by Sri Lankan authorities upon entry.

Do US citizens need a visa when transiting through Sri Lanka?

US passport holders do not need a visa when transiting through a Sri Lankan airport without leaving the transit area. Passing immigration control or exiting the airport requires a valid Sri Lanka visa or travel authorization.

Can US citizens extend their stay in Sri Lanka?

Some short-term stays may be eligible for extension through Sri Lankan immigration authorities, subject to approval and compliance with current regulations.