Entering Sri Lanka: visa, ETA and passport

Short answer: most European visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they fly. Since 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA is free for citizens of 40 countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia.

This page reflects the rules as of October 2026. Always check the official website before you travel.

The free ETA in brief

• Valid for: 30 days from arrival, with two entries allowed.
• Cost: free for the 40 listed countries. Other nationalities pay the standard fee.
• Apply: online, before you travel, on the official website eta.gov.lk.
• Longer stays: if you want to stay more than 30 days, you can extend in Sri Lanka by paying the visa fee. Extensions are handled by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Your passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the day you arrive in Sri Lanka. Have a printout or screenshot of your ETA approval ready at the airport.

How to apply

1. Go to the official website eta.gov.lk. Avoid other sites that look official and charge a fee.
2. Choose a tourist ETA and fill in your passport details, travel dates and an address in Sri Lanka (the first hotel of your trip is fine).
3. You will usually receive the approval by email.

If you travel with us, we send you the address of your first hotel for the form.

Other things to know

• Customs: the usual limits for alcohol and tobacco apply. Drones need a permit.
• Money: you can change money or use ATMs at the airport.
• Health: there is no compulsory vaccination for travellers arriving from Europe. Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations and mosquito protection.

Official links

• Sri Lanka ETA: eta.gov.lk
• German Foreign Office, travel advice for Sri Lanka: auswaertiges-amt.de
• UK travel advice: gov.uk