Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Assistance
Visit Sri Lanka with the right tourist visa route.
Answer first
What is a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa?
A Sri Lanka Tourist Visa is a short-stay permission for eligible foreign nationals visiting the country for genuine tourist purposes. For many travellers, the journey begins with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival.
Electronic pre-travel route
Many short-stay tourists use the ETA system before travelling to Sri Lanka.
Tourism and sightseeing
For genuine leisure travel, sightseeing and short holiday stays.
Friends and relatives
For eligible short visits to friends or family while remaining a genuine temporary visitor.
Sri Lanka-based coordination
Application and extension guidance from a team based in Sri Lanka.
Experience the island
One Sri Lanka trip can feel like several holidays in one.
Ancient cities, misty tea country, wildlife safaris, tropical beaches and living culture sit within one compact island. Your tourist visa is only the first step — the experience begins when you arrive.
Climb Sigiriya & explore the Cultural Triangle
Ancient rock fortresses, sacred cities and cave temples make Sri Lanka a strong choice for travellers who want history with dramatic landscapes.
Ride through Ella & the hill country
Tea-covered hills, cool mountain towns, viewpoints and one of the island’s most memorable rail journeys.
Go on safari in Yala
Search for elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles and birdlife across Sri Lanka’s celebrated wildlife landscapes.
Walk Galle Fort & the South Coast
Colonial-era streets, ocean views, cafés and easy access to southern beaches create a relaxed cultural stop.
Slow down by the Indian Ocean
Choose from calm bays, surf breaks, palm-lined beaches and seasonal marine experiences along different coasts.
Make space for Ayurveda & wellness
Build quieter days into your trip with spa, wellness, yoga and Ayurveda-inspired experiences in suitable settings.
Who it is for
Common tourist and short-visit purposes we can assess
Sri Lanka's tourist visit framework covers several genuine short-stay purposes. The purpose stated in the application should match what you actually intend to do in Sri Lanka.
Holiday and sightseeing
Short trips focused on leisure, beaches, heritage, wildlife, culture and travel around Sri Lanka.
Visiting friends or relatives
Temporary visits where your travel purpose, stay arrangements and return plans are clear.
Selected medical, sport or cultural visits
Certain short medical, Ayurvedic, yoga, sporting and cultural activities may fall within the tourist framework. We check the correct route before you apply.
2026 update
Free Sri Lanka Tourist ETA for 40 countries
From 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 selected countries are eligible for a tourist ETA free of charge for a 30-day stay under the current scheme. The free-visa scheme does not remove the need to obtain the required ETA before travel.
Eligible nationalities
The tourist ETA processing charge is waived for the countries included in the current scheme.
Initial tourist stay
Eligible tourists receive the applicable 30-day tourist permission, subject to immigration conditions.
Initial-period travel
Double-entry facilities apply within the relevant initial period and conditions granted.
View the 40 countries currently included
How we help
Our Sri Lanka Tourist Visa assistance process
We keep the process practical. Instead of giving every traveller the same generic checklist, we first confirm the nationality, travel purpose and intended stay.
Travel profile check
We review nationality, passport type, intended dates, travel purpose and whether you are outside or already inside Sri Lanka.
Route and requirement guidance
We identify the likely ETA, tourist visa or extension route and explain what is relevant to your case.
Application preparation
We help organise the required information, review key details and reduce avoidable inconsistencies before submission.
Follow-up and extension support
We guide you on the next stage, including extension support where your approved stay needs to be prolonged.
Before you fly
What should be clear before entering Sri Lanka?
Visa approval and entry are separate decisions. Travellers should arrive with a valid passport and be able to support the genuine purpose and temporary nature of the trip.
Identity and passport position
Your passport details must be accurate and the passport should meet the applicable validity requirement for entry.
Return or onward travel
Be prepared to show a confirmed return or onward ticket where required by the entry rules.
Stay and travel purpose
Your accommodation, expected stay and reason for visiting should be consistent with the tourist purpose declared.
Financial ability for the visit
Travellers should be able to demonstrate sufficient means for the planned stay where requested.
Already in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa extension support
If your current permission will expire before you are ready to leave Sri Lanka, an extension may be available depending on the visa held, your requested period and current immigration rules.
Current-status review
We check the visa or ETA you entered with and how much permitted stay remains.
Extension preparation
We guide the relevant online or in-person process and the information needed for the requested extension.
Timing guidance
We help you act before your current permission expires and reduce the risk of avoidable overstay issues.
Why Visa Concierge
Local visa support, without unnecessary complexity
Our role is to make the immigration side of your Sri Lanka visit easier to understand and better organised, while keeping the advice matched to your actual travel situation.
Profile-based guidance
Your nationality, travel purpose and current status are reviewed before a route is recommended.
Sri Lanka-based assistance
Access practical local support for ETA, tourist visa and extension matters.
Clear scope and communication
We explain the next steps, required support and applicable service scope before you proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa and ETA FAQs
What is a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa?
A Sri Lanka Tourist Visa is a short-stay permission for eligible foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for genuine tourist purposes such as holidays, sightseeing and visiting friends or relatives. Many travellers use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) route before travel.
How long is a Sri Lanka tourist ETA normally valid for stay?
The standard tourist ETA route generally provides an initial stay of 30 days with double-entry facilities during the applicable initial period, subject to the conditions granted by Sri Lankan immigration authorities.
Is the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa free for some nationalities in 2026?
Yes. From 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 selected countries are eligible for a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge under the current scheme. The ETA requirement and conditions still apply, and rules can change.
Do I need an ETA before travelling to Sri Lanka?
Travellers should confirm the current ETA requirement for their nationality before departure. The current 2026 free-tourist-visa notice specifically requires eligible nationals under that scheme to obtain an ETA before arrival.
Can I get a tourist visa after arriving in Sri Lanka?
Limited arrival facilities may exist for eligible travellers, but they should not be assumed to apply to every nationality or situation. Pre-travel route checking is the safer approach, especially where the current rules require an ETA before arrival.
Can I extend a tourist visa while I am in Sri Lanka?
An extension may be available depending on the visa held, the requested period and current immigration rules. Tourist visa extensions can be handled through the relevant Department of Immigration and Emigration process, including online routes for eligible cases.
Can I work in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist ETA or tourist visit visa is not permission to take employment or engage in work outside the conditions of the visa. A suitable residence, employment or other visa route is required where applicable.
Can Visa Concierge help me with my Sri Lanka tourist visa or ETA?
Yes. Visa Concierge can review your nationality, travel purpose, intended stay and current immigration position, guide you on the likely route, assist with application preparation and provide extension support where required.
Your next step
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Get the visa part clear before you fly.
Share your nationality, passport type, intended travel dates and expected length of stay. Our team will review the likely tourist visa or ETA route and guide you on the next step.