Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to visit LK?
Hong Kong SAR passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Apply online at the official portal before you fly; the ETA grants a tourist stay of up to 30 days (double entry). Since April 2026, HK holders with a pre-approved ETA can also collect the entry visa on arrival at Colombo airport, but the ETA must still be approved before boarding or you will be denied departure. A HK ordinary passport holder visiting Sri Lanka for tourism is NOT visa-free: an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) must be obtained in advance through the official Department of Immigration & Emigration portal (eta.gov.lk). The ETA gives a 30-day stay with double entry. The standard processing fee for non-SAARC nationalities is US$50. Because Hong Kong/Macau is not selectable as a nationality on the ETA form, applicants select "China" as nationality while using their HKSAR passport details. From April 2026, HK SAR passport holders who hold a pre-approved ETA can be issued the entry visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) — but the ETA approval is still mandatory before boarding, so this is best classified as an ETA regime rather than a true visa-on-arrival. Sri Lanka's Parliament approved a free-ETA (fee-waiver) facility for 40 nationalities on 7 May 2026 and Hong Kong is recognized as eligible for a free ETA; however, as the broad waiver had no confirmed implementation date as of late May 2026, travelers should budget for the US$50 fee and verify the live fee on the official portal at the time of application. Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond entry. Sri Lanka is in South Asia and is not part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 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.
Hong Kong (PR)Living in Hong Kong as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→