The cost of a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization depends on your nationality, visa type, and how you apply. Since May 2026, travelers from 40 countries receive free tourist ETAs. This guide breaks down every fee you might encounter.
Free ETA: 40 Eligible Countries
As of May 25, 2026, citizens of 40 countries can obtain a tourist ETA at no cost for stays up to 30 days. This applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports from these nations:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Nationals of Singapore and Seychelles also receive free ETAs under bilateral agreements. Maldivian nationals receive free ETAs valid for 90 days instead of 30.
Children of any nationality under 12 years old receive free tourist ETAs for stays up to 30 days regardless of their country of origin.
Standard ETA Fees by Country
For nationalities not on the free-ETA list, the official fees are:
| Application Method | SAARC Countries (Tourist) | All Other Countries (Tourist) |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | US$ 20 | US$ 50 |
| Sri Lanka Overseas Mission | US$ 20 | US$ 50 |
| DI&E Head Office | US$ 20 | US$ 50 |
| On arrival at airport | US$ 25 | US$ 60 |
SAARC countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. Note that India, Nepal, and Pakistan are now on the free-ETA list, so this reduced rate primarily applies to remaining SAARC nationals.
Business ETA Fees
Business ETAs are not covered by the free visa scheme and always require payment:
| Business Visa Type | SAARC Fee | All Other Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry (30 days) | US$ 30 | US$ 55 |
| Single entry (up to 90 days) | US$ 30 + visa fee | US$ 55 + visa fee |
| Double entry (up to 90 days) | US$ 30 + 2x visa fee | US$ 55 + 2x visa fee |
| Multiple entry (up to 90 days) | US$ 30 + 3x visa fee | US$ 55 + 3x visa fee |
Transit Visa Fees
Transit visas for stays up to 2 days are free for all nationalities. Single entry only.
Visa Extension Fees
If you want to stay beyond the initial 30 days, you can extend your visa online or at the immigration office:
| Extension Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30 to 90 days (first extension) | Varies by nationality |
| Beyond 90 days | Additional fees apply |
| Maximum total stay | Up to 6 months (tourist) or 12 months (business) |
Apply for extensions at eservices.immigration.gov.lk or visit the Department of Immigration head office in Battaramulla, Colombo.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Third-Party Service Fees
Many unofficial websites charge US$50 to US$150 in “service fees” to process your ETA. These sites are not affiliated with the Sri Lankan government. Always apply directly at eta.gov.lk to avoid unnecessary charges.
On-Arrival Premium
Applying at the airport costs US$5 to US$10 more than the online fee. More importantly, since October 2025, on-arrival applications carry the risk of being refused entry.
Payment Processing
Your bank may charge a small foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%) when paying the ETA fee in US dollars. Check with your bank before applying.
Visa Extension Costs
Beyond the initial free 30-day period, extension fees vary by nationality and duration. Budget for this if you plan to stay longer.
Cost Comparison: ETA vs Other Visa Options
| Option | Cost | Processing Time | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online ETA (40 countries) | Free | 24 hours | Highest |
| Online ETA (other countries) | US$ 20-50 | 24 hours | Highest |
| Embassy application | US$ 20-50 + travel costs | 2-4 days | Medium |
| On-arrival at airport | US$ 25-60 | Unpredictable | Lowest |
| Third-party agent | US$ 70-200 | 24-48 hours | High (but expensive) |
Refund Policy
The Department of Immigration maintains a strict no-refund policy for all ETA fees. This applies even if:
- Your application is rejected
- You cancel your trip
- Your travel dates change
- You applied through the wrong category
ETAs fees paid before May 25, 2026, by nationals now eligible for free ETAs are also non-refundable.
How to Pay
Online payments are processed through a secure gateway. Accepted methods:
- Visa credit or debit cards
- Mastercard credit or debit cards
- American Express cards
Cash payments in US dollars are accepted only at the on-arrival counter at Bandaranaike International Airport. Credit and debit cards are also accepted at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sri Lanka ETA cost?
Nationals of 40 countries get free tourist ETAs. SAARC country citizens pay US$20 online. All other nationalities pay US$50 online. Children under 12 of any nationality get free ETAs for 30 days.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for US citizens?
Yes. Since May 25, 2026, US citizens receive free tourist ETAs for stays up to 30 days. You still need to apply online at eta.gov.lk before traveling.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for UK citizens?
Yes. UK citizens are among the 40 nationalities eligible for free tourist ETAs valid for 30 days with double-entry facility.
Do I need to pay for Sri Lanka ETA on arrival?
If you did not apply online beforehand, on-arrival fees are US$25 for SAARC countries and US$60 for others. However, applying on arrival is risky and not recommended since October 2025.
Can I get a refund if my Sri Lanka ETA is rejected?
No. The Department of Immigration has a strict no-refund policy. Fees are not refunded regardless of the application outcome.
Why do some websites charge over $100 for Sri Lanka ETA?
These are unofficial third-party services that add large service fees. The official cost at eta.gov.lk ranges from free to US$50. Always use the official website.
