Tourist Visa and Transit Visa

Tourist Visa – Sri Lanka

With effect from 25.05.2026, British nationals are eligible to obtain tourist visa (ETA) free-of-charge for a period of 30 days.

Please check https://www.immigration.gov.lk/newsdetails_t.php?nid=155  for eligible countries to obtain tourist visa (ETA) free-of-charge for a period of 30 days.

You should apply for a Tourist Visa if you are travelling to Sri Lanka for any of the following purposes:

• Sightseeing or holiday travel
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Medical treatment, including Ayurvedic (herbal) treatment                                                                                                                                     
• Participation in sports or cultural events

Visa Application Process

For staying up to 30 days: Applicants (or a third party on their behalf) may apply online through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system via the official website: www.eta.gov.lk

For stay exceeding 30 days: Applicants must either:

• Apply for a visa through the High Commission of Sri Lanka, or
• Apply for a visa extension after arrival in Sri Lanka

Requirements for a Visa Application via the High Commission

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1.     Duly completed -ETA Tourist Visa application form

2.     Original passport with at least two blank visa pages (Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka)

3.     Copy of passport (data/photo page)

4.     One recent passport-sized photograph (taken within the last six months)

5.     Valid UK visa (applicable to non-British citizens)

6.     Applicable - visa fee

Additional Requirements for Children Under 16

1. Consent letter from parents
2. Copy of parent’s marriage certificate
3. Copy of child’s birth certificate
4. Copies of parent’s passports

Postal Applications

·        If submitting your application by post, please include a postal order payable to “Sri Lanka High Commission”, with the relevant visa fee and a self-addressed prepaid (special delivery)  envelope to return the passport.

·        The High Commission is not responsible for any lost or damaged documents sent by post.

Transit Visa

• A transit visa is not required if you remain within the airport transit area and do not enter Sri Lanka.
• A Transit Visa (ETA) is required if you intend to leave the airport during transit.
• If the transit period is less than 48 hours, no ETA processing fee is charged.
• Transit ETA applications can be submitted online via: www.eta.gov.lk