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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇱🇰Sri LankaSA-LK

Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders need a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, but as of 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is FREE for Saudi nationals (one of 40 designated countries). It grants a 30-day stay with double entry. The ETA is mandatory even though there is no fee. A Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before boarding. This is not a visa-free entry channel: the ETA approval is mandatory for all foreign nationals. However, following a Sri Lankan Cabinet/Parliament decision, effective 25 May 2026 nationals of 40 countries (including Saudi Arabia) receive the tourist ETA free of charge. The free ETA permits a 30-day stay with double-entry from the date of first arrival, and is valid for entry within the authorization window. Because the fee is waived but the authorization is not, the correct verdict for a Saudi passport is "eta". Travelers should apply only via the official portal eta.gov.lk, ensure their passport is valid for at least six months, and carry proof of onward travel and accommodation. Stays beyond 30 days require an in-country extension at the Department of Immigration with applicable fees.
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, free for Saudi nationals
Maximum stay
30 days
per entry
Entries
Double entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 0 (free for Saudi Arabia nationals from 25 May 2026)
consular fee only
Processing time
Usually within 24-72 hours; often minutes to a day
standard track
Validity
Valid for entry within the ETA approval window; 30-day stay from first arrival
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your Saudi ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Sri Lanka and has a blank page.
· 6 months validity
/02
Open the official ETA portal
Go to the official Department of Immigration & Emigration ETA site at eta.gov.lk. Avoid third-party agent sites that add service charges.
· eta.gov.lk only
/03
Complete the tourist ETA application
Select Tourist ETA, enter your passport details, travel dates, accommodation address in Sri Lanka, and contact information exactly as in your passport.
· Tourist category
/04
Confirm zero fee and submit
As a Saudi national you qualify for the free tourist ETA effective 25 May 2026; the system should show no charge. Submit the application.
· Fee: USD 0
/05
Receive ETA approval
Wait for the approval notice by email (commonly within 24-72 hours). Print or save the ETA approval confirmation.
· 24-72 hours
/06
Travel and present documents on arrival
Carry the ETA approval, passport, return/onward ticket and accommodation proof. Immigration grants a 30-day stay with double entry on arrival.
· 30-day stay· Double entry
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

11 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Sri Lanka · Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - tourist, free for Saudi nationals
0 / 11 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSaudi ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond entry 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 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 air ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation / hotel booking in Sri Lanka
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedSufficient funds for the duration of 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
RecommendedContact address and itinerary details for the application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
recommended
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.
Official sourcesSri Lanka Official ETA Portal (eta.gov.lk)Sri Lanka ETA - Tourist Visa Fees (Department of Immigration & Emigration)Time Out - Sri Lanka waives tourist ETA charges for certain visitors
Application link included: Sri Lanka Official ETA Portal (eta.gov.lk)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist ETA (Saudi nationals)USD 0Free of charge for Saudi Arabia nationals effective 25 May 2026 (40-country list)
Standard tourist ETA (non-eligible nationalities)USD 50For reference only; does not apply to Saudi passport holders
Visa extension (beyond 30 days)From ~USD 60+Paid in-country at the Department of Immigration if you stay longer than 30 days
Total estimate0 — 0incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Online ETA via official portal
24-72 hours (often faster)
Apply at eta.gov.lk before travel; recommended channel and free for Saudi nationals.
Visa on arrival at airport
At the counter on arrival
Possible but not advised; airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved ETA and on-arrival processing can incur higher fees and delays.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
ETA approval is mandatory for all foreign nationals
Sri Lanka requires every visitor, including fee-exempt nationalities, to hold an approved ETA before arrival.
High
/02
Free ETA for Saudi nationals (40-country list)
Effective 25 May 2026, Saudi Arabia is among 40 countries whose tourist ETA fee is waived.
High
/03
30-day stay with double entry
The free tourist ETA permits a 30-day stay and allows two entries within the validity period from first arrival.
Medium
/04
Use only the official portal
Third-party sites charge service fees even though the official ETA is free; always apply at eta.gov.lk.
Medium
/05
Extensions require payment
Staying beyond 30 days requires an in-country extension with applicable fees at the Immigration Department.
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
Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka route verified
Confirmed via official eta.gov.lk that Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders need an ETA, which became free of charge from 25 May 2026 under the 40-country waiver; 30-day stay, double entry, ETA still mandatory.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?—
They need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, but as of 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free of charge for Saudi nationals. It is not a no-document visa-free entry.
How much does the Sri Lanka ETA cost for Saudi passport holders?+
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on the free ETA?+
How long does ETA approval take?+
Where should I apply for the ETA?+
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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