Sri Lanka

Flag of Sri Lanka

Phone Code

+94

Capital

Colombo

Population

22 Million

Native Name

śrī laṃkāva

Region

Asia

Southern Asia

Timezone

Indian Standard Time

UTC+05:30

On This Page

Visa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesTravel GuideMoney & CurrencyAccredited missions

Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island nation off India's southeastern coast, a little smaller than Scotland, holding eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites across ancient Buddhist cities, tea-country highlands and two distinct coastlines. Entry is straightforward for most visitors: the tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), free for nationals of the countries on the current list and fee-based otherwise, is applied for online at eta.gov.lk before travel, for stays of up to 30 days; visa on arrival has been discontinued.

Sri Lanka Visa & ETA System

Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for short-term visitors. The tourist ETA is free for nationals of the countries on the current list — around 40 in its latest iteration, changed periodically — and fee-based for other nationalities; check eta.gov.lk for the current list before applying. It is applied for online at eta.gov.lk and processed within a few days. It grants 30 days with two entries, or 180 days with one entry. Visa on arrival has been discontinued — all visitors must obtain the ETA online before travelling. Use only the official government website to avoid third-party intermediary fees. Ensure all information including passport numbers is accurate — minor errors require a new application. Extensions are available online via the Immigration portal for stays exceeding 30 days, though the process is time-consuming. Business visas are required for meetings, conferences and commercial activities and must be obtained from a Sri Lankan embassy before arrival — not available through the ETA system. Employment and volunteer visas must also be arranged in advance through diplomatic channels. Passport must be valid at least 6 months with one blank page. Onward/return ticket and proof of funds required. Yellow fever certificate mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Overstaying triggers detention, fines, deportation at the traveller's expense and possible future entry bans.

Common Visa Types

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Tourist

30 days (two entries) or 180 days (one entry); extendable online

For tourism, beach holidays, cultural visits, wildlife safaris, family visits and short-term recreation. Apply online at eta.gov.lk — free for nationals of the countries on the current list, fee-based otherwise — processed within a few days. Valid at all entry points. Requires passport with 6 months validity, onward ticket and proof of funds. Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries.

Business Visa

Varies by approval; aligned with business purpose

For business meetings, conferences, negotiations and commercial activities. Must be obtained from a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before arrival — not available through the online ETA system or at the airport. Requires invitation from a Sri Lankan company, employer letter, and standard documentation.

Employment & Volunteer Visa

Typically 1 year; renewable

For employment, volunteer work, NGO positions, teaching and religious work. Must be secured from a Sri Lankan embassy in advance — not available at entry or online. Requires employment contract or placement letter, qualifications, police clearance and medical examination.

Transit (under 24 hours)

Under 24 hours, airside only

Air transit passengers with connecting flights within 24 hours who remain airside in the international transit area do not require an ETA. If exiting immigration or staying longer, ETA is mandatory.

Essential Information for Sri Lanka Travellers

ETA Required Before Travel: visa on arrival has been discontinued. Apply online at eta.gov.lk — free for nationals of the countries on the current list, fee-based for others. Use only the official website to avoid third-party fees. Ensure passport details are accurate — errors require a new application.

Passport: minimum 6 months validity beyond arrival, at least 1 blank page. Carry your passport at all times — random checks occur.

Overstaying: carries detention, fines, deportation at your expense, and possible future entry bans. Extensions available online but are time-consuming — apply before your ETA expires.

Travel Overview

Sri Lanka packs a remarkable range of experience into a small island. The Cultural Triangle holds three of its UNESCO sites — Anuradhapura's ancient stupas, Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins and Sigiriya's rock fortress — while Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic anchors the island's Buddhist heart. The train from Kandy to Ella, climbing through tea plantations and over the Nine Arch Bridge, is one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, and Ella itself has become a hub for hiking and hill-country views. Two coastlines give the island a beach season for most of the year: the south and west for swimming and whale watching, the east for surf and quieter bays. Wildlife matches the scenery — Yala's leopard density is the highest on earth, Udawalawe all but guarantees elephant sightings, and Sinharaja protects one of Asia's last stretches of lowland rainforest. Galle Fort's Dutch-Portuguese ramparts and Colombo's colonial-era streets round out four centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence still visible today, and Sri Lankan hospitality — warm and food-forward — runs through all of it.

Discover Sri Lanka

Sigiriya rises 200 metres straight out of the surrounding jungle, a rock fortress whose summit ruins, frescoed rock face and lion-paw gateway have made it Sri Lanka's most photographed site — the climb is steep but manageable, and arriving at opening time avoids both the heat and the crowds. Anuradhapura, the island's first great capital, spreads its 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupas across a site so large it's best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk rather than on foot. Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital that succeeded it, packs its ruins — including the Gal Vihara's four rock-cut Buddha statues — into a much more compact, walkable core. Kandy, the last of the island's royal capitals, holds the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the spiritual centre of Sri Lankan Buddhism and the focus of the annual Esala Perahera procession.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Ancient Cities & UNESCO Sites

Sigiriya rock fortress (200 m, frescoes, lion gateway), Anuradhapura's 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupas, Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic, Dambulla cave temples, and Galle Fort's colonial ramparts. Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites on an island the size of Scotland.

Beaches & Surf

Unawatuna and Mirissa on the south coast (swimming, whale watching Dec-Apr), Tangalle for quiet luxury, Weligama for beginner surfing, Arugam Bay on the east coast (one of Asia's best surf breaks, May-Oct season), and Trincomalee's pristine bays. Two coastlines mean a beach season year-round.

Wildlife & Safari

Yala National Park (highest leopard density on earth), Udawalawe (guaranteed elephant sightings), Minneriya (the Gathering — hundreds of elephants Aug-Oct), Sinharaja rainforest (UNESCO biodiversity hotspot), and blue whale watching off Mirissa (December-April, the largest animals on earth).

Tea Country & Hill Trains

The Kandy-to-Ella train — 7 hours through tea plantations, mountain tunnels and the Nine Arch Bridge — is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys. Nuwara Eliya ('Little England'), Ella's hiking trails (Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock), and tea factory visits where you see the process from leaf to cup.

Food & Cuisine

Rice and curry with 10+ sambols and condiments, hoppers (crispy bowl-shaped pancakes with egg), string hoppers, kottu roti (chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables and meat), fresh seafood, and Sri Lankan crab at the legendary Ministry of Crab. Cinnamon, cardamom, clove — Sri Lanka was the Spice Island long before it was Ceylon.

Colonial Heritage

Galle Fort (Dutch-Portuguese walled city, now a boutique-hotel and gallery district), Colombo's colonial-era buildings, Nuwara Eliya's British hill-station architecture, and the plantation estates that shaped the island's tea, rubber and cinnamon economy. Four centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence visible in architecture, cuisine and place names.

Money & Currency

Money & Currency
Rs

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Currency code: LKR

Practical Money Tips

The Rupee Fluctuates — Check Before You Go

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. Exchange rates can shift meaningfully between booking and arriving. Check xe.com or your bank for the current rate before travel. Exchange money at official banks or licensed money changers in Colombo, Kandy or Galle — rates at Bandaranaike Airport are reasonable but city-centre banks are slightly better. Avoid unofficial street changers.

Cards Work in Tourist Areas — Cash Needed Everywhere Else

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, larger shops and supermarkets in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and tourist zones. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at modern terminals in Colombo's malls and international hotel chains. Outside tourist areas — tuk-tuks, local restaurants, markets, rural guesthouses, temple entry fees and smaller businesses — cash is the only option. Always carry enough Rupees for the day.

ATMs Are Widespread but Watch the Fees

ATMs from Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sampath Bank and Nations Trust Bank are found in cities, towns and tourist areas. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits vary (typically LKR 40,000-100,000 per transaction). Local ATM fees are usually modest, but your home bank may charge 1-3% plus a fixed fee. Always decline the ATM's dynamic currency conversion and withdraw in LKR. Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks.

Tipping Is Appreciated but Not Obligatory

Tipping is not a strong tradition in Sri Lanka but is increasingly expected from foreign visitors in tourist areas. Hotels often add a 10% service charge. Restaurants: round up or leave 10% if no service charge. Tuk-tuk drivers: not expected but appreciated for longer journeys. Safari guides and drivers: LKR 500-1,000 per person per day. Temple offerings: a small donation (LKR 100-500) is customary when visiting. Tips in cash and in Rupees.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but for most nationalities it's an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) rather than a traditional visa — free for nationals of the countries on the current list (around 40 in its latest iteration) and fee-based otherwise. Apply at the official eta.gov.lk site before travel, where the current list and fee are shown for each nationality — it's typically processed within a few days and grants 30 days with two entries, or 180 days with one entry.

No, visa on arrival has been discontinued. All visitors must obtain the ETA online before travelling — there is no option to apply at the airport on arrival.

Yes, extensions are available online through the Immigration portal, though the process is time-consuming, so it's worth starting well before the ETA expires. The ETA can also be issued for a single-entry 180-day stay from the outset for travellers who know they need longer.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Whether you need a tourist ETA, a business visa, or help navigating the application process — get step-by-step guidance for your visa application.

Get your travel authorisation

Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.