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United States to Sri Lanka visa requirements

US ordinary passport holders need a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, but as of May 25, 2026, the tourist ETA is now FREE for US citizens. It grants a 30-day stay with double entry. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before you fly. Sri Lanka does not grant US citizens fully visa-free entry; an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) must be obtained online before travel. However, under a Department of Immigration and Emigration circular (Cabinet-approved March 30, 2026; gazetted and effective May 25, 2026), the United States is one of 40 nationalities now eligible for a FREE tourist ETA. The tourist ETA permits a 30-day stay with double entry from the date of first arrival. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application, so a new passport requires a new ETA. Passports should be valid at least six months beyond the intended stay with a blank page. While the fee is now waived for Americans, the ETA application itself remains mandatory, which is why the correct classification is "eta" rather than "visa-free." Travelers needing more than 30 days can extend at the Department of Immigration in Colombo for a fee. Sri Lanka is not part of the Schengen area, so the 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply.
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, now free for US citizens
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days from first arrival
per entry
Entries
Double entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Free (US citizens, from 25 May 2026); previously USD 35
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically within 24-72 hours; often minutes to a day
standard track
Validity
ETA valid for travel within the period linked to the application; 30-day stay from date of first arrival
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your US passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Sri Lanka and has at least one blank page.
· 6 months validity· 1 blank page
/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 copycat sites that add service charges.
· eta.gov.lk· Tourist ETA
/03
Complete the online application
Enter your personal, passport, and travel details exactly as they appear in your passport. Provide arrival date, flight/accommodation details, and contact information.
· Match passport exactly
/04
Submit with no fee
As a US citizen you qualify for the free tourist ETA (effective 25 May 2026). No payment is required for the standard 30-day double-entry tourist ETA.
· Free for US· No card needed
/05
Receive ETA approval
Wait for the approval notice by email, usually within 24-72 hours (often much faster). The ETA is linked electronically to your passport number.
· Email confirmation· Linked to passport
/06
Carry confirmation and clear immigration
Print or save the ETA approval. Present it with your passport and onward/return ticket on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
· Print approval· Show onward ticket
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
United States -> Sri Lanka · Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Tourist, now free for US citizens
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredUS passport valid 6+ months beyond stay
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 tourist ETA (free for US citizens)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedPrinted or digital ETA approval notice
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredConfirmed onward or return air ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation booking
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedApply only on the official eta.gov.lk portal
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalNew ETA if passport is replaced after applying
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
OptionalTravel/medical insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
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.
Official sourcesSri Lanka Official ETA Portal (Department of Immigration and Emigration)Newswire.lk - Free tourist ETA for 40 countries from May 25Department of Immigration and Emigration - General Information on Visa
Application link included: Sri Lanka Official ETA Portal (Department of Immigration and Emigration)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist ETA (US citizens, from 25 May 2026)FreeWaived for 40 nationalities including the United States
Standard tourist ETA fee (non-eligible nationalities)USD 35Reference rate still charged to countries not on the free list
Visa extension beyond 30 daysFrom ~USD 100+Paid at Department of Immigration in Colombo; varies by length
Total estimate0 — 0incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Online ETA (official portal)
Usually 24-72 hours; often within minutes to a day
Apply directly at eta.gov.lk before departure; free for US citizens.
Visa on arrival counter
At airport on arrival
ETA can be obtained on arrival but lines and approval are not guaranteed; pre-applying online is strongly advised.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Electronic Travel Authorization is mandatory
Even though it is now free, US citizens must obtain an approved ETA online before arrival; entry is not granted without it.
High
/02
Applying on unofficial third-party sites
Many lookalike sites charge service fees for the free ETA; always use the official eta.gov.lk portal.
High
/03
Passport replaced after ETA approval
The ETA is linked to the passport number used; a new passport requires a fresh ETA application.
Medium
/04
Insufficient passport validity
Passports must be valid at least six months beyond the stay; airlines may deny boarding otherwise.
Medium
/05
Overstaying the 30-day limit
Staying beyond 30 days without an extension leads to fines; extend at Immigration in Colombo in advance.
Medium
/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
United States to Sri Lanka route verified
Confirmed via official eta.gov.lk and Department of Immigration circular that US citizens receive a free 30-day double-entry tourist ETA effective 25 May 2026; ETA application remains mandatory.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?—
You do not need a traditional visa, but you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival. As of 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for US citizens.
How much does the Sri Lanka ETA cost for Americans?+
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on the tourist ETA?+
Where should I apply for the ETA?+
How long does ETA approval take?+
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?+
/11 — Passport tools

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