Sri Lanka Visa for US Citizens in 2026
US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Sri Lanka. You can stay up to 30 days, with two entries allowed. For a longer trip, extend the visa in Sri Lanka for a fee, up to 6 months in total.
Data checked on September 29, 2026 and may have changed. Confirm on the official site before you travel.
Checked September 29, 2026 against Sri Lanka Department of Immigration · How we check
Sri Lanka ETA for US citizens
The tourist ETA is issued online before arrival. Since 25 May 2026 it is free for US citizens: 30 days, two entries.
| Entry type | Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) |
|---|---|
| Length of stay | up to 30 days |
| Extension | possible: paid, up to 6 months in total, online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk or at the Department of Immigration head office in Battaramulla (Colombo); apply before your visa expires |
| Cost | free; since 25 May 2026 for citizens of 40 countries including the US; extensions are paid |
| Processing time | no confirmed data |
| Where to apply | eta.gov.lk (opens in a new tab) |
Checked September 29, 2026 against Sri Lanka Department of Immigration.
How to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA
- Go to the official portal eta.gov.lk (not agent sites).
- Choose 'Apply for a visa' → Tourist ETA (Short Visit).
- Fill in the form: passport data (valid 6+ months from arrival), dates, address.
- For US citizens the fee is 0 — no payment needed.
- Receive the ETA approval or a referral notice by email.
- Print/save the ETA approval.
- Enter within 3 months of ETA issue; carry a return ticket and proof of funds.
We don't process applications or charge a service fee. You can apply yourself on the official site eta.gov.lk (opens in a new tab); the official fee is free; since 25 May 2026 for citizens of 40 countries including the US; extensions are paid. Paid filing services are intermediaries, not the official portal.
Sri Lanka entry requirements
- Passport validityRequired
Passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival (US State Dept: 6 months beyond expected departure). Sri Lanka official ETA portal
- Return or onward ticketRequired
A confirmed return ticket must be produced at the port of entry. Sri Lanka official ETA portal
- Proof of fundsRequired
Sufficient funds to meet expenses during the stay (no amount specified). Sri Lanka official ETA portal
- Travel medical insuranceNo confirmed data
- Digital arrival cardNo confirmed data
- Accommodation bookingMay be asked
Accommodation address and phone are required for a visa extension; not separately listed for entry. Sri Lanka Department of Immigration
“Required” means an official source says so; “May be asked” means the source allows a check or it is an airline requirement; “No confirmed data” means we found no official answer, which does not mean there is no requirement.
What's changed
- Free 30-day tourist ETA for nationals of 40 countries including the USA; ETA still mandatory. source
Add Sri Lanka entry to your trip checklist
- Get the ETA on eta.gov.lk
- Passport valid for at least 6 months on entry
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of funds (card, bank statement, cash)
- Accommodation booking for the first nights
The checklist keeps only the text of each item, never passport numbers or other personal data. Sign-in required to save.
Sri Lanka visa for US citizens: FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Sri Lanka. You can stay up to 30 days, with two entries allowed. For a longer trip, extend the visa in Sri Lanka for a fee, up to 6 months in total.
Can US citizens visit Sri Lanka without a visa?
No. You need a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It allows a stay of up to 30 days.
How do I apply for a Sri Lanka ETA?
Apply yourself on the official site eta.gov.lk: fill in the form, upload a photo and passport scan, pay the fee by card and wait for the result by email. Step-by-step instructions are above. Paid filing services are intermediaries, not the official portal.
How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost?
The official fee is free; since 25 May 2026 for citizens of 40 countries including the US; extensions are paid. Processing time: no confirmed data.
What documents do I need at the Sri Lanka border?
According to official sources: passport validity: required; return or onward ticket: required; proof of funds: required; accommodation booking: may be asked. Details and sources are in the entry requirements section.
What is the Sri Lanka ETA?
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is Sri Lanka's online pre-arrival entry permit. Apply on the official site eta.gov.lk.
Sources and last checked
Every field is backed by its own source: first the official portal of the destination country (immigration service, e-visa portal), then travel.state.gov and the country's embassy. We recheck every 30 days. If more than 60 days have passed since the last check, the page shows a warning. When a source is silent, we say “no confirmed data” rather than guess.
| Field | Source | Source date | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry type | Sri Lanka Department of Immigration | May 25, 2026 | September 29, 2026 |
| Length of stay | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | May 25, 2026 | September 29, 2026 |
| Extension | Sri Lanka Department of Immigration | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Cost | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | May 25, 2026 | September 29, 2026 |
| Official portal | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Passport validity | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Return or onward ticket | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Proof of funds | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Digital arrival card | Sri Lanka official ETA portal | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Accommodation booking | Sri Lanka Department of Immigration | — | September 29, 2026 |
This page is for reference only. Entry rules can change without notice, and the border officer has final discretion. Always confirm current requirements on the official government site before you travel.
