Sri Lanka ETA: required for all foreign visitors before arrival, with a 30-day tourist scheme for 40 countries

Every foreign national travelling to Sri Lanka needs an Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival, according to the country's official ETA portal. The rule applies even to nationals of the 40 countries covered by a tourist ETA scheme that, according to the portal's first alert, took effect on 25 May 2026.

The 40 countries listed include Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. For these travellers, and for nationals of Seychelles and Singapore under reciprocal agreements, the tourist ETA is valid for 30 days and allows two entries within that period, counted from the first arrival. Maldivian nationals receive 90 days under their own reciprocal agreement. Visitors who want to stay longer than 30 days must apply for an extension.

The portal also stresses that the scheme does not change the general rules for other nationalities, who remain under the standard ETA conditions. Travellers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Afghanistan must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the Department of Immigration and Emigration's head office in Battaramulla, with documents including a sponsor's affidavit and a police clearance report.

Before booking, check your nationality against the current list on eta.gov.lk, apply only through the official portal and keep the approval with your travel documents.