Sri Lankan passport holders now have more freedom to explore the world – and Sri Lanka itself is welcoming more visitors than ever. You can travel without a visa or use simple visa-on-arrival and eVisa options to around 25 countries and territories, while Sri Lanka has opened its doors wider to short-term visitors from key markets like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, China, India and more.

For Sri Lankans thinking about a short-term city break in Hong Kong or a longer trip to the United States, visa rules are still stricter and you’ll usually need to focus on obtaining a visa in advance. But for many other destinations, the process is now far simpler than it used to be.

In this guide, you’ll find:

How Sri Lanka’s visa system works for visitors
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival options by region
What “short term” really means for stays (30–90 days)
Practical tips to keep your trip smooth and stress-free

Use it as a one-stop reference before you book flights or plan your next holiday.

Understanding Visa Regulations

Sri Lanka has different visa types and entry requirements for foreign visitors. It uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and offers several visa options for both short-term and long-term stays.

This section focuses on people visiting Sri Lanka. Later, the FAQs cover Sri Lankan passport holders travelling abroad.

Different Types of Visas

Sri Lanka offers several visa categories for travellers:

Tourist visas – for short-term holidays, family visits or leisure trips
Business visas – for meetings, conferences and short-term business activities
Transit visas – for travellers passing through Sri Lanka en route to another destination

Key points:

Tourist visas are designed for short-term visitors and usually allow stays of up to 30 days, with the option to extend.
Business visas often require extra documents like invitation letters or company details.
Transit visas are for very short stays, usually up to 48 hours, when you’re just connecting onward.

In many countries, short-term tourist visas can allow stays of 30, 60 or even 90 days. Always check the specific rules for your nationality and purpose of travel.

Visa fees vary based on type and length of stay. Tourist visa fees are typically lower than business visa fees, and sometimes Sri Lanka introduces special promotions or limited-time free visa schemes to boost tourism.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The ETA is Sri Lanka’s online pre-approval system. It’s the main way most visitors obtain permission to enter before they travel.

To apply for an ETA, travellers typically:

Fill out a simple online form
Pay the processing fee
Receive ETA approval by email

Processing is usually quick, and the ETA is normally valid for 30 days from arrival, with double entry allowed for eligible travellers.

Some nationalities—such as citizens of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles—don’t need an ETA for short-term visits and can get a visa or entry stamp on arrival without paying a fee.

Tourist Visa Policies

Sri Lanka regularly updates its tourist visa policies to attract more visitors and stay competitive with other regional hubs.

In recent years, the country has introduced visa-free or fee-waived entry for short-term stays for selected countries. These programs typically:

Cover around 35 countries, including major tourism markets like:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- China
- India
Allow stays of up to 30 days for tourism
Run for a limited trial period (for example, six months)

Even when special programs end, regular tourist visas and ETAs remain available for other nationalities. These are normally valid for 30 days, with possible extensions for travellers who wish to stay longer.

Travellers should always:

Check the latest information before booking
Make sure their passport is valid for at least six months
Carry proof of funds and return or onward tickets

Eligible Countries for Sri Lanka’s Visa on Arrival

Sri Lanka offers visa on arrival or easy ETA options to citizens of many countries. This makes it easier for tourists and business travellers to plan short-term trips without complicated paperwork.

Asian Countries

In Asia, nationals of countries such as India, China, Japan and Thailand benefit from streamlined entry options, including ETA and visa on arrival in some cases.

Indian tourists form one of the largest visitor groups using simplified visa processes.
Chinese travellers also take advantage of online ETA and visa-on-arrival systems.
Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and Nepali passport holders may enjoy simplified entry, especially during promotional periods.

Always confirm the latest rules, as eligibility can change.

European Countries: Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

Many European passport holders can access Sri Lanka through easy ETA or visa-on-arrival facilities, including travellers from:

Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain

The visa-on-arrival or ETA system makes travel without a visa in advance possible for many European tourists. Instead of visiting an embassy, they only complete a quick online form or receive the visa upon arrival.

North American Countries: Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

From North America, key markets include:

United States
Canada

Citizens of these countries often enjoy simplified entry via ETA or visa-on-arrival schemes. This makes Sri Lanka a strong option for short-term vacations, surf trips, wildlife holidays and cultural tours.

Oceania Countries: Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

From Oceania, Australia and New Zealand play a major role in Sri Lankan tourism.

Australian travellers frequently use ETA and visa-on-arrival options for short stays.
New Zealanders also benefit from streamlined entry processes.

With an easy application and clear rules, Oceania visitors can plan a trip without worrying too much about complicated visa procedures.

African Countries: Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is gradually strengthening connections with African markets as well.

South Africa is one of the better-known African countries whose citizens enjoy simplified visa access.
Some other African nations may also be included in visa-on-arrival or ETA programs.

As policies evolve, more African travellers are expected to choose Sri Lanka for short-term holidays and stopovers.

Benefits of Visa-Free Access

Visa-free access and simplified visa rules bring clear advantages to both visitors and Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

For Tourists

For travellers, visa-free or visa-on-arrival access means:

Less hassle – no embassy visits, fewer forms, no long approvals
Lower costs – savings on visa fees during promotional periods
More flexibility – easier to plan spontaneous trips, especially short-term stays

A free or simplified 30-day tourist visa lets visitors focus on beaches, culture and wildlife instead of paperwork. In some destinations, short-term visas may even allow stays up to 60 or 90 days, depending on the policy.

For the Tourism Industry: Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, visa-free and simplified entry:

Brings more tourists, which boosts hotels, restaurants and local attractions
Encourages new airlines and routes as demand rises
Helps the country compete with other visa free countries in Asia
Supports cultural exchange and improves Sri Lanka’s global image

With fewer barriers, visitor flows become more predictable. This helps the industry plan staffing, marketing and infrastructure better.

Traveling to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has updated its visa policies to make visiting the island smoother and more attractive for short-term visitors.

Essential Travel Formalities: Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

If your country is on the visa-free or fee-waived list:

You can usually enter without paying a visa fee for a stay of up to 30 days.
You may still need to complete a simple ETA or arrival form, depending on the rules at the time.

If your country is not on the list:

You can normally apply for an ETA online before departure.
The process for obtaining a visa is fast and user-friendly.

In all cases, you should:

Have a passport valid for at least six months
Carry proof of return or onward travel
Be able to show sufficient funds for your stay

Understanding Travel Regulations

Sri Lanka’s visa rules can change as the government runs trial programs to boost tourism and adjusts policies based on demand and security.

To avoid surprises:

Check the latest immigration guidelines before you book flights
Confirm whether your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry, ETA or visa on arrival
If you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days—or to work, study or volunteer—look into the correct long-stay or non-tourist visa

The goal of recent policy changes is to make short-term leisure and business travel easier while still protecting borders.

eVisa System and ETA Portal

Sri Lanka uses an electronic system to handle most short-term visa applications. The ETA Portal is the official online platform where travellers can submit their details.

Navigating the ETA Portal

The ETA Portal is designed to be straightforward:

Available 24/7 and accessible from anywhere
Supports multiple languages
Provides help text and FAQs for common questions

You’ll typically be asked to:

Choose your visa type (tourist, business, transit)
Enter passport and personal details
Add travel dates and contact information

Double-check all fields before submitting to avoid delays.

The eVisa Application Process

For most travellers, obtaining a visa or ETA involves three main steps:

Complete the online form with accurate passport and travel details
Pay the processing fee securely by card
Receive approval (often within hours) by email

Once approved:

The ETA is usually valid for 30 days from arrival
It typically allows double entry for short-term visits
You can carry a printout or keep the approval on your phone

Remember that an ETA is pre-approval, not a guarantee of entry. Immigration officers at the border make the final decision.

Updates in Visa Policies

Sri Lanka has been actively using visa policy as a tool to increase tourism and improve international relations.

Recent Changes

Recent updates have included visa-free or fee-waived access for around 35 countries—a strong signal that Sri Lanka wants to welcome more visitors from:

United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Germany
Australia
Saudi Arabia
China
India
Russia
South Korea
Japan

These programs typically focus on short-term stays of up to 30 days, making it easy for first-time visitors to try Sri Lanka as a holiday destination.

Future Prospects

If these programs prove successful in boosting arrivals, Sri Lanka may:

Extend the duration of the schemes
Add more countries to the visa-free or fee-waived list
Introduce new categories for repeat visitors or long-stay digital nomads

Authorities will use real data—arrivals, spending and length of stay—to fine-tune future visa decisions.

Visiting Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is compact but incredibly diverse. With relaxed visa rules, it’s easier than ever to fly in for a short-term break and experience a lot in just a few days.

Cultural Attractions

Highlights include:

Ancient cities like Anuradhapura with centuries-old stupas and temples
Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site
Colourful festivals such as Esala Perahera, filled with dancers, drummers and decorated elephants
Colombo’s mix of modern skyscrapers, markets and colonial architecture

Natural Wonders

Nature lovers can enjoy:

Tea-covered hills and scenic train journeys in the central highlands
Wildlife encounters in parks like Yala and Minneriya
Whale watching in Mirissa and snorkelling in Unawatuna
Endless beaches along the south and east coasts

Practical Information for Travelers

Best time to visit

West & south coasts: generally December to March
East coast: often April to September

Getting around

Trains and buses are budget-friendly
Tuk-tuks are ideal for short hops
Hiring a car with driver is comfortable and time-efficient

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and learning a few words of Sinhala or Tamil is always appreciated.

The Impact of Visa-Free Travel

Easier entry rules affect not only tourism but also wider economic and diplomatic relationships.

On International Relations

Visa-free access for selected countries:

Signals openness and trust
Encourages more business, education and cultural exchanges
Supports face-to-face meetings that can deepen partnerships

Improved access for travellers from the United States, Europe, Asia and beyond strengthens Sri Lanka’s ties across multiple regions, from trade to tourism.

On Sri Lanka’s Economy

For the economy, visa-free and simplified visa rules can:

Increase tourist arrivals and overall spending
Support small businesses—guesthouses, tour guides, restaurants and shops
Encourage foreign investment and business travel
Create more jobs in hospitality, transport and services

As more travellers choose Sri Lanka over destinations with stricter rules, the country gains a clear competitive edge.

FAQs – Visa Free Countries to Sri Lanka

How many countries currently offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lankan passport holders?

Sri Lankan passport holders can travel without a visa in advance—or obtain visas on arrival—to around 25 countries and territories. The exact number can change, so always check the latest list before booking.

What are the usual visa-on-arrival requirements for Sri Lankan citizens?

Most countries that offer visa on arrival expect:

A valid passport with enough remaining validity
A return or onward ticket
Proof of sufficient funds
Sometimes hotel bookings or contact details at your destination

Do Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter the Maldives?

Sri Lankan citizens do not need to arrange a visa in advance for the Maldives. They typically receive a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost, provided they meet basic entry requirements.

What is the cost of obtaining a visa on arrival for Sri Lankan travellers?

Costs vary by country. Some destinations waive the fee, while others may charge up to around 50 USD or more, depending on the type and duration—especially if the stay can be extended up to 60 or 90 days. Always confirm up-to-date fees with the destination’s immigration authority.

Are there countries that Sri Lankan passport holders can enter without a visa for short stays?

Yes. A number of countries and territories allow Sri Lankan passport holders to enter without a visa for short-term stays. These often include select destinations in Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean. Check each country’s rules, as permitted stay lengths vary.

What is the process for Sri Lankan citizens to apply for a visa or eVisa online before travelling?

For many destinations:

Visit the official eVisa or ETA website
Fill in the online form with passport and travel details
Upload any required documents (photo, hotel booking, tickets)
Pay the fee online
Wait for approval, then download or print your eVisa

For trips to places like Hong Kong, the United States and other countries with stricter entry rules, obtaining a visa may involve additional steps such as interviews or supporting documents—so start early and plan ahead. Contact us the learn more.