Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka from the UK: Entry guide

Sri Lanka draws in many travellers from the UK each year with its beautiful beaches, stunning wildlife and welcoming culture. Whatever your reason for visiting, this comprehensive guide breaks down the visa and entry requirements for the South Asian country.

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Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka from the UK?

Yes. British citizens must apply for a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling. This digital permit functions in place of a traditional visa.

The ETA — which typically allows a stay of up to 30 days — will need to be obtained online in advance. Sri Lanka no longer issues visas on arrival for British travellers.¹

Non-British passport holders flying in from the UK may be subject to different requirements.

Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka

Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

If you’d like to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa extension from Sri Lanka’s official immigration portal.²

If you have recently been in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you must show a valid Yellow Fever certificate. This does not apply to travellers flying directly from the UK.³

Sri Lanka is strict about what you can take in and out of the country. Familiarise yourself with banned or restricted items before you begin packing your bags.⁴

Types of visas available⁵

The following are the main types of short and long-stay visas needed for visiting Sri Lanka.

Tourist Visa

UK travellers normally enter using the ETA, which is electronically verified on arrival and converted into a Tourist Visit Visa. While some embassies can issue tourist visas directly, the ETA is the standard method for Britons.

Business Purpose Visa

For short business trips — such as meetings, conferences or negotiations — UK citizens should apply for the Business ETA. This grants a 30-day Business Purpose Visa upon entry.

Residence Visa

Sri Lanka offers 13 subcategories of residence visas. Common options relevant to UK passport holders include:

• Employment Visa: For those working for Sri Lankan or international companies.

• Student Visa: For study at approved universities, colleges or schools.

• Investor Visa: For people investing significant capital in Sri Lanka.

• Medical Treatment Visa: For patients receiving medical treatment in Sri Lanka. Their dependents may also apply.

How to apply for a visa⁶

To apply for an ETA tourist visa, you’ll first need to apply online before travelling. The process is pretty straightforward and usually only takes a few minutes following these simple steps:

1. Go to the official ETA website. Use the official Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System (the only official site). Many third-party websites look similar but will charge extra service fees.
2. Click on ‘Apply‘: Select either the tourist or business category (plus single- or double-entry depending on your plans)
3. Fill out the online application form. You’ll need to enter:

• Your passport details - your passport should be valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival.
• Personal information
• Planned travel dates
• Purpose of visit
• Accommodation details (hotel/host address)
• Contact information
• Letter of invitation (if there for business purposes)

1. Pay the online fee. You’ll need to pay online by credit card. The fee is typically charged in US Dollars. Use a Wise card to pay in USD and get the mid-market exchange rate.
2. Receive your ETA by email. Approval is usually sent within a few hours, or 24-72 hours within particularly busy periods. Keep it printed or downloaded on your phone, as you might be asked for it upon arrival.

Remember to also book onward or return travel, as immigration may ask you for proof of your return or continuing travel plans. You’ll also need a new ETA for each traveller, including children.

Non-ETA visas

Non-tourist visas are all handled through an embassy/consulate or the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration & Emigration. To apply for one, you’ll need to:

1. Check which visa category you need.
2. Contact the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate. For the UK, this is usually the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.
3. Prepare supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation and, for some categories, proof of financial means.
4. Submit your application. In the UK, you can apply either through the High Commission or directly at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

How much does the visa cost?

Sri Lanka quotes official visa fees in US Dollars. The cost of the tourist or business ETA is 50 USD (around 38 GBP).

For long-stay, work, residence, or other special visas: fees vary depending on visa category/length - applicants should check the official immigration site or embassy for current rates.

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FAQs

How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

The ETA is initially limited up to 30 days from the date of arrival (or 60 days for a multiple-stay visa) and it can be extended up to six months.

How do I know if I need an ETA or another type of visa for Sri Lanka?

If you’re planning on staying in Sri Lanka for longer than is covered by a tourism or business ETA (usually 60 days), or for certain work, media or study purposes, you’ll need to get a long-stay visa.

When should I submit an ETA?

It’s recommended to submit your ETA 2-4 weeks before travelling, although you can submit it up to 90 days in advance.

Do I need any vaccinations for Sri Lanka?

Travellers should ensure they’re up to date with routine UK vaccinations - and will typically need Hepatitis A and tetanus for trips to Sri Lanka. Typhoid, Hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis may be recommended depending on trip length and if you’re planning any rural travel.

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 2-December-2025