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Do France passport holders need a visa to visit LK?

French passport holders still need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Sri Lanka, but as of 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is FREE for France and 39 other nationalities. Apply online at the official eta.gov.lk portal; it grants 30 days, double entry. France (FR) ordinary passport holders cannot enter Sri Lanka without prior authorization, but they do not need a traditional consular visa. Sri Lanka requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) obtained online before departure. Following a major policy change effective 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA is now issued FREE OF CHARGE to nationals of 40 countries, including France (previously the fee was around USD 50). The free tourist ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days with double entry, counted from the date of first arrival. Travelers must still complete the online application at the official government portal (eta.gov.lk) before traveling and carry the approval notice. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date, proof of onward/return travel, and sufficient funds are required. Sri Lanka is NOT in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Travelers wishing to stay longer than 30 days, or for non-tourism purposes, must apply for a visa extension or the appropriate visa category at the standard fees. Beware of unofficial third-party ETA websites that charge service fees; the official portal is free for eligible nationalities.
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.
France (PR)Living in France as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - tourist, free of charge for France
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days from first arrival
per entry
Entries
Double entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Free (USD 0) for France as of 25 May 2026; previously ~USD 50
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically within 24-72 hours (often instant)
standard track
Validity
Enter within validity window; 30-day stay counted from first arrival
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eligibility and passport validity
Verify your French ordinary passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Sri Lanka, with at least one blank page. France is on the free-ETA list as of 25 May 2026.
· 6-month validity· Ordinary passport
/02
Go to the official ETA portal
Apply only through the official Sri Lankan government site, eta.gov.lk. Avoid third-party agencies that add service charges; the tourist ETA is free for French nationals.
· eta.gov.lk· Official site only
/03
Complete the online application
Select the Tourist ETA category, enter your passport and travel details, contact information, and intended arrival date. Double-check all entries against your passport.
· Tourist category· Accurate data
/04
Submit and pay no fee
Submit the form. As a French citizen you pay USD 0 for the tourist ETA. You will receive an acknowledgement and, once processed, an approval notice by email.
· No fee for France
/05
Receive and print the ETA approval
Approval usually arrives within 24-72 hours (often within minutes). Print the approval notice or keep a digital copy on your phone.
· Print approval· Keep digital copy
/06
Travel and present documents on arrival
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), show your ETA approval, passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to the immigration officer.
· CMB airport· Show ETA + ticket
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 9 complete
French ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival date
required
At least one blank passport page
required
Approved Tourist ETA (free) obtained via eta.gov.lk before departure
required
Printed or digital copy of ETA approval notice
required
Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
required
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
required
Accommodation booking or host address
recommended
Travel/medical insurance for the trip
recommended
Avoid unofficial third-party ETA websites that charge fees
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist ETA (France, as of 25 May 2026)USD 0Free of charge for nationals of 40 eligible countries, including France
Tourist ETA (standard, non-eligible nationalities)USD 50For reference; applies to countries outside the free-ETA list
Visa extension (beyond 30 days)VariesApply separately to the Department of Immigration if staying longer
Total estimate00incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Third-party agency
Varies
Agencies process the same ETA but add a service fee; unnecessary since the ETA is free for France.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Pre-travel authorization mandatory
All travelers, even free-ETA nationalities, must obtain the ETA online before boarding; you cannot simply arrive without it.
High
/02
Confusion with paid third-party sites
Many lookalike sites charge fees; French travelers should use only eta.gov.lk where the tourist ETA is free.
High
/03
Insufficient passport validity
Passport must be valid at least six months from arrival or boarding/entry may be denied.
Medium
/04
Overstaying 30 days
The free ETA covers only 30 days; longer stays require a paid extension applied for in advance or in-country.
Medium
/05
Missing onward ticket or funds proof
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds on arrival.
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
France to Sri Lanka route verified
Confirmed via official Sri Lanka immigration/ETA portals and multiple reports that the tourist ETA became free of charge for France and 39 other nationalities effective 25 May 2026; 30-day stay, double entry. Verdict set to eta (authorization required but free).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do French citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Not a traditional visa, but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before traveling. As of 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for French nationals.
How much does the Sri Lanka ETA cost for French travelers?+
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka with the tourist ETA?+
How long does ETA approval take?+
Where is the official ETA website?+
What documents do I need on arrival?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the France passport

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