Do Australia passport holders need a visa to visit LK?
Australian passport holders need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before arrival, but as of 25 May 2026 it is FREE for tourists. It grants a 30-day stay with double entry. Apply online at the official portal eta.gov.lk before you fly - visa on arrival was discontinued in October 2025. Australia is one of 40 countries whose nationals qualify for Sri Lanka's free 30-day tourist ETA, which took effect on 25 May 2026. Holders of an ordinary Australian passport must still apply online for the ETA before departure - it is no longer available on arrival (the on-arrival option was withdrawn on 15 October 2025). The free tourist ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days from first arrival and includes a double-entry facility within the validity period (on the second entry, only the balance of the 30 days remains). The processing fee that previously applied (around USD 50) has been waived for eligible nationals, though any fee paid before 25 May 2026 is not refunded. Passport must be valid for at least six months, and travellers should hold proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds. Applications go through the official government portal at eta.gov.lk; third-party sites charge service mark-ups. Stays beyond 30 days require a paid visa extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMDOUBLE ENTRY (SECOND ENTRY USES BALANCE OF THE 30 DAYS)Last 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.
Australia (PR)Living in Australia as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→