We’ve all wanted to travel to unique destinations before – and Sri Lanka is no exception, with its fascinating culture and beautiful landscapes to explore! But before you are able to explore this exciting country, you need a Sri Lankan tourist visa.
For tourists from selected countries, you need to get a visa to come to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka does not require visas for only a few countries, including three visa-free countries such as the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore. For other countries, you can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.
To make the travel process easier, we have answered the frequently asked questions of tourists to get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.

Frequently asked questions about getting a tourist visa to Sri Lanka
Here’s what you need to know about applying for a Sri Lankan Tourist Visa on Arrival or ETA.
Can I get an entry visa to Sri Lanka?
If you are from one of the 230 countries, you can apply for a visa to come to Sri Lanka. However, getting an ETA (Electronic Travel Approval) can be quick. This document is a digital visa, which means you don’t have to go to any embassy or stand in line once you arrive in the country.
Sri Lanka’s Visa on Arrival system allows tourists to travel, do business or transit and allow short stays of 30 to 60 days.
How much is the visa for arrival in Sri Lanka?
Citizens of Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore can get free visa to come to Sri Lanka due to a mutual policy with these countries.
Most other countries have to pay a fee – which can be done online or on arrival. The cost of this visa depends on a number of factors and prices may vary depending on the length of your trip, the type of visa or third party application.
Assuming you come from the country without a contract and pay online, you can expect to pay $ 35 for a 30-day visa for tourists and $ 40 for business visitors. These costs include 2 days free transit for both types of visas.
Keep in mind that if you pay on arrival and wait in line, this price will increase to $ 40 for a tourist visa and $ 50 for a business visitor.
There are also occasional visa fee waiver schemes for residents of selected countries, the last of which expires in 2020, so double-check the rules before applying for your arrival visa.

Which countries still require pre-approved visas for Sri Lanka?
There are only 21 countries that require pre-visa to visit Sri Lanka: Nigeria, Afghanistan, Cameroon, both Congolese Republics, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Sierra Lyon, Syria, Uganda and Sudan.
All other citizens can get an entry visa or ETA to visit Sri Lanka.
How can I get an ETA for Sri Lanka?
Tourists wishing to get an ETA for Sri Lanka need to fill out an online application before traveling. This is a general form for which applicants must enter some basic information, including:
- Name and surname
- Personal email address
- Date of birth
- Place of birth, precisely, country
- Nationality of the applicant
- Personal mobile phone number
- Passport or travel document number
- Issue and expiration date of passport or travel document
- The purpose of your visit (tourism, business or transit).
It is important to double check that all the data in your ETA form is correct to avoid rejection or re-application due to error.
Sri Lankan ETA applications usually take about 24 hours to process, so it is best to apply a few days before your departure date to ensure you receive the ETA on time. Once completed, your ETA for Sri Lanka will be sent to your specified email address and will be valid for 30 days within the country.

What are the requirements to get an entry visa to Sri Lanka?
While this may seem easy, there are some basic things you need to know before you travel. Some requirements that emerging tourists must meet for ETA:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entering Sri Lanka
- A good, current email address
- A scanned copy of each applicant’s passport information page
- A credit or debit card for payment of Sri Lanka ETA or Visa on Arrival Fee
Further requirements upon receipt of your ETA include: a complete landing card, a printed copy of your authorized Sri Lankan ETA, proof of funding for your stay in Sri Lanka, your guaranteed return ticket after your vacation, a visa to another country (if applicable) ) And a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable).
Sri Lanka tour
We hope you enjoy your next trip to Sri Lanka. Here are some great places to visit and things to visit: