Electronic travel authorization · Asia
Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
U.S. citizens need an approved Sri Lanka ETA before boarding; it converts to a 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
Short answer
Who needs the Sri Lanka ETA?
Every U.S. traveler visiting Sri Lanka for tourism or business, including children on their own passports.
Key takeaways
- Government fee: about $50. $50 for the standard 30-day tourist ETA; business ETAs cost more.
- Typical processing: Most approvals arrive the same day by email.
- Maximum stay: 30 days per entry, extendable in Colombo.
- Passport validity: At least six months beyond arrival.
- When to apply: Any time before travel.
Forms and official links
ETA
Apply on the official ETA portal
Open the official form
Step by step
- 1
Apply on eta.gov.lk
The government portal is the only site charging the base fee.
- 2
Print the approval notice
Immigration officers still ask for a printed or saved copy at Bandaranaike airport.
- 3
Extend in Colombo if you stay longer
The Department of Immigration extends tourist stays up to six months.
What to have ready
- A valid U.S. passport
- Return ticket
- First night's hotel address
- A payment card
Watch out for
- Third-party 'eta-srilanka' style sites charge double. Only eta.gov.lk is official.