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Malaysia to Sri Lanka visa requirements

Malaysian ordinary passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Sri Lanka, but as of 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free of charge for Malaysians, granting a 30-day, double-entry stay. A Malaysia ordinary passport holder cannot simply turn up at a Sri Lankan airport without prior authorization. Sri Lanka requires every foreign tourist to hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding. The important 2026 change is that, effective 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka added Malaysia to a list of 40 countries whose nationals receive the tourist ETA free of charge. This means the application step and online registration are still mandatory, but the standard tourist visa fee (historically around USD 50 for most nationalities) is waived for Malaysians. The free ETA grants a stay of up to 30 days with a double-entry facility, letting the traveler exit and re-enter Sri Lanka within the 30-day window measured from first arrival. The application is filed online at the official portal eta.gov.lk, is normally approved within 24-72 hours, and applies to holders of Diplomatic, Official, Service, and Ordinary Malaysian passports. Travelers should carry a passport valid at least six months, proof of onward/return travel, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds. Anyone wishing to stay beyond 30 days must apply for a paid extension from inside Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is not part of the Schengen area, so the 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply here.
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) - free tourist visa
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days
per entry
Entries
Double entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Free (USD 0) for Malaysian nationals
consular fee only
Processing time
24-72 hours (often within 24h)
standard track
Validity
Enter within validity window; 30-day stay from first arrival
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport and document readiness
Ensure your Malaysian ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has a blank page. Prepare your travel dates, accommodation address in Sri Lanka, and a return/onward ticket.
· Passport valid 6+ months· Onward ticket
/02
Open the official ETA portal
Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website at eta.gov.lk. Avoid third-party agent sites that add service charges; the government portal is the only official channel and is free for Malaysians.
· eta.gov.lk· Official only
/03
Select the tourist ETA and enter your details
Choose the Tourist ETA category and complete the application with your personal, passport, and travel information exactly as they appear in your passport.
· Tourist category
/04
Confirm the fee is waived
As a Malaysian national under the free-visa scheme effective 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA fee should show as zero. Review and submit the application.
· Fee USD 0
/05
Receive ETA approval by email
Wait for the approval notice, usually delivered within 24-72 hours. Check your inbox and spam folder for the ETA confirmation.
· 24-72h· Check email
/06
Travel and present documents on arrival
Carry a printed or digital copy of the approved ETA. At immigration, be ready to show your return/onward ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds.
· Print ETA· Proof of funds
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Malaysia -> Sri Lanka · Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - free tourist visa
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredMalaysian ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival
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 Sri Lanka ETA (printed or digital copy)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation / hotel booking
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedEvidence of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RequiredValid email address to receive ETA approval
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedOnward travel within the 30-day window
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
OptionalLocal contact / itinerary details
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
optional
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 & Emigration - Free Visa for 40 Nations
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist ETA fee (Malaysian nationals)USD 0Waived under the free-visa scheme effective 25 May 2026
Standard tourist ETA fee (non-eligible nationalities, for reference)~USD 50Not charged to Malaysians; shown for context only
Visa extension (if staying beyond 30 days)VariableApplied for inside Sri Lanka at the Department of Immigration; fees apply
Total estimateUSD 0USD 0incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA on arrival (fallback)
At airport
On-arrival processing may be available but is slower and not guaranteed; pre-approval online is strongly advised.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
ETA mandatory before boarding
All foreign tourists, including Malaysians, must hold an approved ETA prior to travel; airlines check this at check-in.
High
/02
Applied to wrong (non-official) website
Third-party agent sites charge service fees and can cause delays; only eta.gov.lk is official and free for Malaysians.
Medium
/03
Passport validity under 6 months
Entry can be refused if the passport is not valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
Medium
/04
No proof of onward travel or funds
Immigration may request a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds at the border.
Low
/05
Overstaying the 30-day limit
Staying beyond 30 days without an extension leads to penalties; extensions must be arranged inside Sri Lanka.
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
Malaysia to Sri Lanka route verified
Confirmed via Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration that, effective 25 May 2026, Malaysian ordinary passport holders receive a free tourist ETA (30 days, double entry). ETA registration remains mandatory before travel.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Malaysians need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Malaysians do not pay a visa fee, but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. The tourist ETA is free for Malaysian nationals as of 25 May 2026.
How long can a Malaysian stay in Sri Lanka on the free ETA?+
How much does the Sri Lanka ETA cost for Malaysians?+
Where do I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?+
How long does ETA approval take?+
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Malaysia passport

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