Most international travellers to Sri Lanka need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving. The ETA is not a visa stamped in your passport — it is an electronic record linked to your passport number that allows you to enter Sri Lanka as a tourist for up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days). Applying is straightforward, but the official website has a few known quirks that cause applications to fail. This guide walks through the full process for 2026 and how to avoid the most common errors.

In This Guide

Who Needs an ETA for Sri Lanka

Citizens of most countries require an ETA to enter Sri Lanka, including nationals of the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine, and most of the EU. Nationals of the following countries are exempt from ETA requirements and can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival: Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore (among a small number of others — always verify with the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration before travel as the list is subject to change).

Citizens of India are also exempt from the ETA and can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days.

The ETA may be requested at airline check-in — not just at the Sri Lanka border. Some airlines (particularly those flying through Middle Eastern hubs) require proof of ETA before allowing you to board your outbound flight. Apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.

ETA Cost in 2026

The standard tourist ETA costs $50 USD per person (this is the official government rate as of 2026 and is subject to change — always verify at eta.gov.lk before applying). Children under 12 months are exempt. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Be aware of third-party websites that offer to process your ETA for a higher fee ($60–$80+). These are middlemen — the official application at eta.gov.lk costs $50 and processes directly with the government. There is no advantage to using a third party.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA

Apply at the official website: eta.gov.lk

  1. Create an account or log in as a guest. Use a valid email address — your ETA approval will be sent here.
  2. Select "Tourist" as the purpose of visit.
  3. Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on the biographic page. Any mismatch between your application and your passport at the border will cause problems.
  4. Enter your arrival and departure dates. You do not need confirmed tickets at this stage — estimated dates are acceptable. You will be given 30 days from your actual arrival date regardless.
  5. Enter your accommodation details. Your first night's accommodation address is usually required. Your hotel booking confirmation works here.
  6. Pay the $50 USD fee by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). The payment step is the most common point of failure — see the troubleshooting section below.
  7. Download your ETA approval email and save it to your phone. Print a copy if you can.

Common ETA Application Errors and How to Fix Them

The eta.gov.lk website is functional but has several known issues that cause applications to fail at the payment step. Based on real traveller experiences:

Page Translation Error

If you are using a browser set to automatically translate web pages (Google Chrome with auto-translate, for example), the translation breaks the form submission and you will see a generic error when clicking Submit. Fix: Disable page translation entirely before filling out the form. Complete the application in English, not in a translated version of the page.

Form Submission Loops Back

Some users report that clicking "I agree" or "Submit" simply reloads the same page without progressing. This is often caused by browser extensions (ad blockers, VPNs, or cookie blockers) interfering with the form. Fix: Try a different browser (Firefox or Chrome with all extensions disabled) or switch to a mobile device.

Payment Page Errors

The payment gateway occasionally declines transactions from foreign-issued cards even when the card is valid. Fix: Try a different card, or use a card from a different issuing country if available. Some travellers have had success switching from Mastercard to Visa or vice versa.

Confirmation Email Not Received

Check spam/junk folders first. If the email is not there after 24 hours, log back into eta.gov.lk with your application reference number to check status and resend the confirmation.

Note: Do NOT use auto-translate on the ETA application page. This is the single most common reason for form submission failures. Keep the browser in English for the entire application.

ETA Processing Time

Most ETAs are approved within a few hours of a successful payment. Some applications are manually reviewed and can take up to 72 hours. A small percentage of applications are referred for additional checks, which can take up to 3 working days. Apply at least 3–4 days before your departure to give yourself a buffer.

On Arrival in Sri Lanka

Present your passport and ETA approval (digital or printed) at immigration. The officer will scan your passport, verify the ETA in the system and stamp your entry. You are typically granted 30 days. If you want to stay longer (up to 90 days total), you can apply for an extension at any Department of Immigration office in Sri Lanka — the extension fee is around $50 USD and requires a completed application form plus proof of onward travel.

Extending Your Sri Lanka ETA

You can extend your tourist ETA for up to 90 days total from your original arrival date. Apply for the extension at least two weeks before your current stamp expires. The Department of Immigration office in Colombo (Elvitigala Mawatha) handles extensions, as do regional offices in Kandy and Galle. Bring your passport, your original ETA approval email, proof of funds and your onward flight details.

Tip: Screenshot your ETA approval email and save it in your phone's gallery in addition to your email inbox. Airport and border WiFi can be unreliable, and having the document saved offline ensures you can show it to airline staff and immigration officers without needing an internet connection.

Sri Lanka ETA — Key Facts for 2026

  • Cost: $50 USD per person
  • Valid for: 30 days from arrival, extendable to 90 days
  • Processing time: Usually a few hours; allow up to 72 hours
  • Official site: eta.gov.lk
  • Required: Most nationalities except a small visa-exempt list
  • Not stamped in passport: ETA is electronic — keep your approval email
  • Requested at airline check-in: Some carriers require proof before boarding

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Sri Lanka ETA cost in 2026?

The official tourist ETA costs $50 USD per person as of 2026. Apply directly at eta.gov.lk. Third-party websites charge more for the same service. The fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.

How long does the Sri Lanka ETA take to process?

Most ETAs are approved within a few hours of a successful payment. Some applications take up to 72 hours for manual review. Apply at least 3–4 days before your departure date to avoid last-minute stress.

Why does the ETA application form keep failing?

The most common cause is browser auto-translate being active. Disable page translation and complete the form entirely in English. Other causes include browser extensions blocking the form or payment gateway issues — try a different browser or card if the problem persists.

Do I need to print the Sri Lanka ETA?

A printed copy is not strictly required — immigration officers look up your ETA electronically using your passport number. However, some airlines request proof at check-in. Save your approval email and screenshot it to your phone gallery so it is accessible without WiFi.

Can I extend my Sri Lanka ETA to stay longer than 30 days?

Yes. You can extend your tourist ETA to a maximum of 90 days from your original arrival date. Apply for the extension at a Department of Immigration office in Sri Lanka (Colombo, Kandy or Galle) at least two weeks before your current stamp expires. The extension costs approximately $50 USD.