South Africa to Sri Lanka visa requirements

South African ordinary passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism. South Africa is NOT among the 40 nationalities granted a free ETA from 25 May 2026, so the standard US$50 tourist ETA fee applies. A South African (ZA) ordinary passport holder cannot enter Sri Lanka visa-free. As a non-SAARC nationality, they must obtain a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure. The tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay with double entry and costs US$50 (the official government fee). On 25 May 2026 Sri Lanka introduced a fee waiver granting a free 30-day ETA to nationals of 40 countries (plus Singapore, Seychelles, Maldives); South Africa is NOT on that list, so the US$50 fee continues to apply to South African travelers. Although a visa-on-arrival channel exists for tourists (at a higher US$60 fee), the ETA is now mandatory to obtain before travel and is the recommended route. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and travelers should hold proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds. Applications are typically processed quickly online but travelers are advised to apply at least a few days in advance, as some cases take up to 10 days.