Applying for a sri lanka visa online is the fastest and most reliable way to secure entry clearance before flying to Colombo. Through the official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system managed by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, eligible travelers can obtain pre-arrival approval digitally without visiting an embassy.
Whether you are planning a beach holiday, cultural circuit, or family visit among the top affordable international destinations from Nepal, understanding current entry rules is essential. This guide—verified as of November 2026 against official government notices—walks Nepali and international travelers through the eta sri lanka requirements, nationality-based fee waivers, and the exact online submission process.
What Is Sri Lanka ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official digital entry permit required for short-term visits to Sri Lanka.Administered exclusively via the official government portal at eta.gov.lk (commonly searched by travelers as the official visa lk portal), the system links your approval electronically to your passport number.
For tourists, an approved sri lanka travel visa issued under the ETA scheme grants:
- Permitted Stay: Up to 30 days from the date of first arrival.
- Entry Facility: Double-entry permission within the initial 30-day period.
- Initial Validity: Three months from the date of issue to enter Sri Lanka.
- Extension Eligibility: Extendable inside Sri Lanka for up to six months (and up to 270 days under tiered extensions) via the Online Visa Extension Portal.
Do Nepali Citizens Need a Sri Lanka Visa?
Yes, Nepali passport holders must obtain an approved sri lanka tourist visa (ETA) to enter the country. However, an important policy update directly benefits Nepali travelers in 2026:
- 2026 Fee-Free ETA Scheme (Includes Nepal): Under official Alert 01 issued by the Sri Lankan government (effective May 25, 2026), nationals of 40 designated countries—including Nepal, India, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia—are eligible to obtain a 30-day Tourist ETA free of charge (USD 0).
- Mandatory Online Application: A fee waiver does not mean visa-free walk-in entry. Nepali citizens and all other fee-exempt nationals must still submit an online ETA application prior to travel.
- Standard SAARC Rate (When Not Fee-Exempt): Outside the 40-country tourist fee waiver (or for SAARC nationals not on the waiver list, such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives/SAARC business categories), the standard SAARC Tourist ETA rate is USD 20 online (or USD 25 on arrival), while Business ETAs for SAARC citizens cost USD 30.
If you prefer expert document verification before applying, working with a trusted visit visa consultancy in Nepal ensures your passport and itinerary details meet all immigration criteria.
Types of Sri Lanka Tourist Visas and Entry Options
When researching sri lanka visas, short-stay visitors generally choose from three ETA categories:
| ETA Category | Purpose and Permitted Stay |
|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends or relatives, and short medical/yoga treatments; valid for 30 days (double entry). |
| Business ETA | Business meetings, conferences, and short training programs; valid for 30 days (multiple/double entry; not covered by the tourist fee waiver). |
| Transit ETA | Transiting through Sri Lanka to an onward destination; free of charge for stays up to 2 days (48 hours). |
Although a proposal in October 2025 temporarily sought to eliminate on-arrival visas, the Department of Immigration and Emigration officially revoked that suspension on October 30, 2025, keeping limited on-arrival ETA counters open at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Nevertheless, applying online in advance remains strongly advised to avoid airport queues and higher on-arrival fees.
Requirements for Applying for a Sri Lanka ETA Online
The online ETA portal does not require you to upload physical document scans during standard tourist submissions (except for specific sponsor-required nationalities like Afghanistan). However, you must have the following ready for the form and for border inspection upon arrival:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Sri Lanka.
- Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket: Required by airline check-in desks and Sri Lankan immigration officers. Need help with routes? Check our international flight booking from Nepal options.
- Accommodation Address: The physical address of your hotel or host in Sri Lanka.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank card, cash, or statements demonstrating the ability to cover your stay.
- Active Email Address: Where your acknowledgment and ETA approval notice will be delivered.
- Payment Card (If Applicable): A Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card enabled for international e-commerce if your nationality or visa category requires a fee.
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these eight steps to complete your sri lanka visa online application safely and accurately:
1. Visit the Official ETA Website
Go directly to https://eta.gov.lk/. Select your preferred language and click the Apply button. Read and accept the official terms and conditions to proceed.
2. Select the Appropriate Application Category
Under the Tourist section, select Apply for an Individual (or Apply for a Group if traveling with family or companions). Business and transit travelers must select their respective sections from the left-hand menu.
3. Enter Passport and Personal Information
Type your given name, surname, title, date of birth, gender, nationality, country of birth, occupation, passport number, issue date, and expiry date exactly as printed on your passport’s bio-data page.
4. Provide Travel Details
Enter your intended arrival date, purpose of visit (such as sightseeing or holidaying), port of departure, airline and flight number (if booked), and the full address of your hotel or accommodation in Sri Lanka, along with your email address and phone number.
5. Answer Mandatory Declarations and Review Details
Answer the security declarations regarding whether you currently hold a valid Sri Lankan residence or multiple-entry visa. Carefully verify every character on the confirmation screen—once submitted, passport numbers and names cannot be edited.
6. Pay the Applicable Fee (If Required)
If your nationality is on the 40-country free Tourist ETA list (which includes Nepal), the system processes the tourist application at USD 0. If a fee applies to your nationality or business category, pay using an international Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card.
7. Submit the Application and Save Reference Details
Upon submission, you will immediately receive an online confirmation and an email acknowledgment containing your unique ETA Reference Number. Save or screenshot this number right away.
8. Receive the ETA Approval Notice
Once approved, your official ETA approval notice will be sent via email. Print a physical copy and keep a digital PDF on your phone to present alongside your passport at the airport.
Sri Lanka ETA Fees and Processing Time
According to the official Sri Lanka ETA fee schedule (verified November 2026), processing fees depend on nationality and submission channel:
| Category / Nationality Group | Official Government Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tourist ETA – 40 Fee-Exempt Countries (Includes Nepal, India, UK, USA, etc.) | Free (USD 0) online (30 days, double entry; effective May 25, 2026) |
| Tourist ETA – Other SAARC Countries (Not on 40-Country Waiver List) | USD 20 online / USD 25 on arrival |
| Tourist ETA – All Other Non-SAARC Nationalities | USD 50 online / USD 60 on arrival |
| Business ETA (SAARC / Non-SAARC) | USD 30 (SAARC, including Nepal) / USD 55 (All other countries) |
| Transit ETA (Up to 48 Hours) & Children Under 12 | Free (USD 0) for all nationalities |
Processing Time: Most online ETA applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours, though many are processed within a few hours. To avoid delays from bank payment holds or public holidays, submit your application at least 5 to 7 days before departure. For complex multi-country trips, our international tourist visa service can coordinate all your travel permits seamlessly.
How to Check Sri Lanka ETA Application Status
If you have not received your approval email within 24 hours, you can track your application directly:
- Visit eta.gov.lk and click Check Status in the top navigation bar.
- Enter your Confirmation/Reference Number, Passport Number, and Nationality.
- Click Check Status to view whether your ETA is Approved, Pending, or Referred. You can also call the 24/7 ETA hotline at
+94 71 996 7888.
Common Sri Lanka ETA Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Unauthorized Third-Party Websites: Dozens of commercial websites mimic the government portal and charge USD 50 to USD 100 in unnecessary service fees. Always verify you are on
eta.gov.lk.visitsrilanka. - Swapping Zero (0) and the Letter “O” in Passport Numbers: Any mismatch between the passport number on your ETA and your physical passport invalidates the authorization at airline check-in.
- Omitting Middle Names: Enter your full name exactly as shown on your passport’s machine-readable zone.
- Applying for a Tourist ETA for Business Purposes: Attending corporate conferences or commercial negotiations requires a Business ETA.
Important Things to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka
- No Refund or Edit Policy: Government ETA fees (where applicable) are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable once submitted, even if you make a typo.Online Visa Application
- Arrival Card: Travelers can complete the free online Sri Lanka Disembarkation/Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival via eservices.immigration.gov.lk, or fill out a paper arrival card at the airport.visitsrilanka.asia
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Only required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-endemic country in Africa or South America.Hike On Trek & Travel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for a Sri Lanka visa online?
Yes. Eligible travelers worldwide can apply for a sri lanka visa online through the official government Electronic Travel Authorization portal at eta.gov.lk.
2. Do Nepali citizens need an ETA to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes. Nepali citizens must apply for an eta sri lanka online before traveling. Under the Sri Lankan government policy effective May 25, 2026, Nepal is among the 40 countries eligible for a free (USD 0) 30-day Tourist ETA, though completing the online application remains mandatory.
3. How much does a Sri Lanka tourist visa cost in 2026?
As of May 25, 2026, the 30-day sri lanka tourist visa (ETA) is free (USD 0) for citizens of 40 countries, including Nepal and India. Other SAARC nationals pay USD 20 online (USD 25 on arrival), while non-exempt international travelers pay USD 50 online (USD 60 on arrival). Children under 12 are exempt from tourist ETA fees.
4. How long does Sri Lanka ETA approval take?
Most online ETA applications are processed and approved within 24 to 48 hours. However, travelers should apply at least 5 to 7 days before departure to account for peak travel periods or weekends.
5. Can I check my Sri Lanka ETA application status online?
Yes. You can check your status anytime by visiting the official eta.gov.lk website, clicking “Check Status,” and entering your ETA Reference Number, passport number, and nationality.
6. Can I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA on arrival?
Yes, limited ETA-on-arrival counters remain open at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for most nationalities after the government revoked its planned ban in late October 2025. However, applying on arrival involves long queues and higher fees for fee-paying nationalities, so pre-arrival online application is strongly recommended.
7. What should I do if my Sri Lanka ETA application is rejected or referred?
If your application receives a “Referral Notice” instead of instant approval, you must contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration or the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy/High Commission with supporting documents to obtain manual clearance.
Conclusion
Securing your sri lanka visa online through the official ETA portal is a straightforward process when your passport details and itinerary are prepared in advance. With Nepal included in Sri Lanka’s 2026 free Tourist ETA list, visiting the island nation has never been more accessible for Nepali travelers. If you need personalized help with your ETA submission, flight bookings, or custom holiday packages, contact JPR Travel Agency today for reliable support from Kathmandu.