Sri Lanka Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka as a British citizen? You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel, costing USD $50 for a 30-day tourist visa with double entry. Most applications are approved within 24-72 hours. With over 178,000 UK visitors in 2024, Sri Lanka remains one of the most accessible destinations in South Asia for British travelers.

Visa Application process

Step 1: Go to the official ETA website Visit eta.gov.lk to access the official application portal.2 Avoid third-party websites that may charge higher fees. Step 2: Select “Apply as Individual” Choose whether you are applying for yourself, as a third party for someone else, or as a group. For most tourists, select “Apply as Individual” and then “Tourist ETA.” Step 3: Complete the application form Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport: • Full name (first, middle, last) • Passport number and expiry date • Date of birth and nationality • Travel dates and flight details • Accommodation address in Sri Lanka • Contact email address Step 4: Pay the fee The fee is USD $50 for online applications.3 Payment is accepted via Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions. The fee is non-refundable. Step 5: Receive your ETA After payment, you will receive a reference number. Check your email (including spam folder) for the ETA approval. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. Print the approval notice or save it to your phone. Step 6: Present on arrival Show your passport and ETA approval at immigration upon arrival in Sri Lanka. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Go to the official ETA website
Step 2: Select “Apply as Individual”
Step 3: Complete the application form
Step 4: Pay the fee
Step 5: Receive your ETA
Step 6: Present on arrival
1. Identity verification
2. Travel purpose
3. Means of support
1. Check the refusal notice: You will receive a “Referral Notice” explaining that your application requires further review or has been denied.
2. Contact the Sri Lanka High Commission: The High Commission in London can provide guidance on your specific situation. Email: [email protected]
3. Correct and reapply: If the refusal was due to application errors (typos, incorrect details), you can submit a new application with corrected information.
4. Apply through the Embassy: For complex cases, you may need to apply for a visa directly through the Sri Lanka High Commission rather than the online ETA system.

Visa Fees breakdown

Application Method: Fee	Online (recommended): USD $50	On arrival at airport: USD $60	Children under 12: Free	Transit visa (up to 2 days): Free	The processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.3 Payment at the airport can be made in major currencies equivalent to USD, with change given in Sri Lankan Rupees.

What you need to prove

Sri Lanka’s ETA system focuses on three main areas:

Required documents

Valid Passport
ETA Application
ETA Fee Payment
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of Accommodation

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date • Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry; • At least one blank page for entry stamp; • Must not be damaged or reported lost/stolen] (Tip: Check your passport expiry before booking flightsRenew if expiring within 7 months of travel)

ETA Application

Complete online ETA application with accurate personal and travel details • Full name exactly as shown in passport; • Passport number and expiry date; • Travel dates and accommodation address in Sri Lanka; • Contact email for receiving ETA approval] (Tip: Double-check all details match your passport exactlySave your reference number after submitting)

ETA Fee Payment

Pay the ETA processing fee online using a valid credit or debit card • USD $50 for online applications; • Accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express; • Fee is non-refundable] (Tip: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactionsKeep payment confirmation as proof)

Return or Onward Ticket

Evidence of your departure from Sri Lanka within the visa validity period • Return flight to UK or onward travel ticket; • Must show departure within 30 days of arrival] (Tip: Have booking confirmation accessible on your phone or printed)

Proof of Accommodation

Address where you will stay in Sri Lanka • Hotel booking confirmation; • Vacation rental details (Airbnb, Booking.com); • Host address if staying with friends or family] (Tip: You need to provide an address on the ETA applicationFirst night accommodation is sufficient if traveling around)

Optional documents

Proof of Sufficient Funds | Yellow Fever Certificate

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can financially support yourself during your stay • Approximately $50-100 per day as a guideline; • Credit cards, bank cards, or cash; • Recent bank statement on phone if requested] (Tip: Carry a credit card with sufficient available balanceHaving some local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) is helpful)

Yellow Fever Certificate

Vaccination certificate if traveling from a country with yellow fever transmission risk • Required if arriving from or transiting through affected countries; • Must be an approved International Certificate of Vaccination] (Tip: Not required for direct flights from the UKCheck if your transit country is on the list)

Comparison

Application Method	Fee	Notes
Online (recommended)	USD $50	Applied before travel
On arrival at airport	USD $60	Additional queuing time
Children under 12	Free	All application methods
Transit visa (up to 2 days)	Free	For travelers passing through

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incorrect Passport Details
25%	Application Errors
20%	Payment Issues
12%	Passport Validity
8%	Security Concerns

35% - Incorrect Passport Details

How to avoid: Triple-check all details match your passport exactly before submitting. Even small typos can cause rejection.

25% - Application Errors

How to avoid: Fill out every required field carefully. Use a valid email you check regularly to receive your ETA approval.

20% - Payment Issues

How to avoid: Use a card enabled for international online payments. Contact your bank beforehand if unsure.

12% - Passport Validity

How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Renew before applying if needed.

8% - Security Concerns

How to avoid: If you have a complex travel history or previous visa issues, apply well in advance and be prepared for potential delays.

Frequently asked questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes. British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before travel for USD $50 or obtain one on arrival for USD $60. The ETA allows a 30-day stay with double entry.

How long does the Sri Lanka ETA take to process?

Most ETA applications are processed within 24 hours, though it can take up to 3 working days. Apply at least one week before travel to allow time for any unexpected delays.

How much does the Sri Lanka tourist visa cost for UK citizens?

The ETA costs USD $50 when applied online in advance. If you apply on arrival at the airport, the fee is USD $60. Children under 12 are free. The fee is non-refundable.

Can I extend my Sri Lanka tourist visa?

Yes. You can extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days through the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration. Extensions are granted in stages: 60 days for the first extension, then 90 days for subsequent extensions, up to a maximum total stay of 270 days.

What is the maximum stay allowed on a Sri Lanka tourist visa?

The initial ETA allows 30 days. With extensions, you can stay up to 270 days total (30 days initial + 60 days first extension + 90 days second extension + 90 days third extension). Extensions require additional fees and approval.

Is the Sri Lanka ETA a single or multiple entry visa?

The tourist ETA is a double entry visa valid for 30 days. This means you can enter Sri Lanka twice within the validity period. If you need multiple entries, you would need to apply for a new ETA or consider a business visa.

Can I apply for Sri Lanka ETA on arrival?

Yes, British citizens can apply for an ETA on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it costs USD $60 instead of $50. Applying online in advance is recommended to save money and avoid potential queues.

What documents do I need for the Sri Lanka ETA application?

You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), your travel dates, accommodation address in Sri Lanka, and a credit/debit card for payment. No additional documents like photos or bank statements are required for the online application.

How long is the Sri Lanka ETA valid for?

The ETA is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Sri Lanka within this 3-month window. Once you enter, you can stay for up to 30 days.

What if my Sri Lanka ETA is rejected?

If your ETA is rejected, you will receive a referral notice. Contact the nearest Sri Lanka High Commission or Embassy for guidance. Common rejection reasons include incorrect information or payment failures. You can reapply after correcting any errors.

Do I need travel insurance for Sri Lanka?

Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement for Sri Lanka. However, it is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, as healthcare costs for tourists are not subsidized.

Can I work in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa?

No. The tourist ETA does not permit any form of employment, paid or unpaid. If you want to work in Sri Lanka, you need to apply for a Business or Employment visa through the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration.

Apply for Sri Lanka tourist visa online

Sources

UK Government - Sri Lanka Entry Requirements

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements

Sri Lanka ETA Official Website

https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp

Sri Lanka ETA Fees

https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp

Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration

https://www.immigration.gov.lk/index_e.php

Sri Lanka High Commission UK

https://srilankahc.uk/visa/

At a glance