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🇪🇸Spain
🇱🇰Sri LankaES-LK

Spain to Sri Lanka visa requirements

Spanish ordinary passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Sri Lanka. Since 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA fee is waived for Spain (one of 40 eligible countries), so it is free, but the ETA itself remains mandatory and must be obtained online before departure. Sri Lanka is not part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply here. For tourism, Spanish citizens have used Sri Lanka's ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system since 2012. On 7 May 2026 Sri Lanka's Parliament approved a free-visa facility for nationals of 40 countries, including Spain, taking effect 25 May 2026. Under this scheme the ETA processing fee is reduced to zero for eligible tourists, but the ETA is still legally required and must be approved before boarding/arrival. The free tourist ETA grants a 30-day stay with double entry. Airlines now check for a valid ETA at check-in, so applying online in advance via the official eta.gov.lk portal is essential. Travelers should confirm the zero fee shows for the Spanish passport on the official portal at the time of application, since the standard non-SAARC tourist ETA fee was USD 50 before the waiver and extensions beyond 30 days still carry fees. Passports must be valid at least six months from arrival.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMDOUBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - tourist; fee waived for Spain
Maximum stay
30 days from first arrival
per entry
Entries
Double entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 0 for Spain (free tourist ETA since 25 May 2026; standard non-SAARC rate was USD 50)
consular fee only
Processing time
Usually within 24-72 hours; often minutes to a few hours
standard track
Validity
Enter within the period shown on the approval notice (typically valid for travel for several months); 30-day stay per visit
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Ensure your Spanish passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Sri Lanka and has a blank page for stamping.
· 6-month validity
/02
Open the official ETA portal
Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration ETA site at eta.gov.lk and select the Tourist ETA application. Avoid third-party sites that add service charges.
· eta.gov.lk· Official only
/03
Complete the application form
Enter your personal details, passport data, travel dates and Sri Lanka accommodation/contact information exactly as in your passport.
· Tourist category
/04
Confirm the zero fee
At the payment step verify the portal shows USD 0 for your Spanish passport under the free 40-country scheme. If a fee appears, it normally still applies until the system reflects the waiver.
· USD 0 expected
/05
Submit and await approval
Submit the application and watch for the ETA approval notice by email, usually within a few hours up to a few days.
· Email approval
/06
Carry the approval to the airport
Print or save the ETA approval notice and present it at airline check-in and to immigration on arrival in Colombo.
· Print/Save copy
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Spain -> Sri Lanka · Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - tourist; fee waived for Spain
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSpanish passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival date
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved ETA (printed or on phone)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed onward/return air ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation or address in Sri Lanka
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedSufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedDigital copy/JPG of passport data page for the application
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
recommended
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance covering Sri Lanka
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalYellow fever certificate (only if arriving from an endemic country)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
situational
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration - Visa Information
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist ETA (Spain, free-visa scheme)USD 0Fee waived for the 40 eligible countries including Spain since 25 May 2026
Standard non-SAARC tourist ETA (pre-waiver reference)USD 50Rate applied before the waiver; relevant if the portal still shows a charge
Visa extension beyond 30 daysFrom USD 60+ (varies)Extensions to 90/180 days handled by Immigration and still chargeable
Total estimate0USD 50incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA on arrival
At airport (queues, higher fee)
Possible but discouraged - airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved ETA, and on-arrival processing historically costs more.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
ETA approval before boarding
An approved ETA must be obtained online before departure; airlines verify it at check-in. The fee is now zero for Spain but the authorization is still mandatory.
High
/02
Applying through unofficial websites
Many copycat sites charge service fees for a service that is free for Spanish citizens. Always use eta.gov.lk.
High
/03
Passport validity under six months
Sri Lanka requires at least six months of passport validity from arrival; shorter validity leads to denied boarding or entry.
Medium
/04
Overstaying the 30-day limit
The free tourist ETA permits 30 days; staying longer without an extension incurs fines and complications.
Medium
/05
Assuming visa-free with no document
Despite the fee waiver, arriving with no ETA can cause check-in refusal; it is not unconditional visa-free entry.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Spain to Sri Lanka route verified
Confirmed Spain is among the 40 countries with a free tourist ETA effective 25 May 2026; ETA remains mandatory, 30-day double-entry stay. Verified against Sri Lanka Immigration and the official ETA portal.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Spanish citizens still need an ETA for Sri Lanka if it is now free?
Yes. The fee is waived for Spain since 25 May 2026, but an approved Electronic Travel Authorization is still legally required and must be obtained online before you travel.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on the free tourist ETA?+
Where should I apply for the ETA?+
How long does ETA approval take?+
Is Sri Lanka in the Schengen Area or covered by ETIAS?+
What passport validity does Sri Lanka require?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Spain passport

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