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Sri Lanka Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

German citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka, commonly treated as a visa on arrival - apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure; fee around USD 50 for the Tourist ETA, with approval typically within minutes to 24 hours.

Guide last updated October 14, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival
  • Completed online ETA application (no separate paper form)
  • Proof of onward or return ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds, around USD 15 per day recommended, not always checked
  • Confirmed accommodation details for the first few nights
  • Passport-style digital photo uploaded during the online application, white background, taken within the last 6 months
  • Biometrics: none required for the ETA itself; fingerprints may be taken on arrival at some ports
  • Travel health insurance: strongly recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA: single entry, valid 30 days from arrival, extendable up to 180 days total, fee USD 50
  • Business ETA: single entry, 30 days, fee USD 50
  • Transit ETA: for layovers up to 2 days, fee USD 20, not required if staying within the airport transit area

Visa on arrival

  • Although often called a visa on arrival, Sri Lanka's system is now a pre-arrival ETA: apply at eta.gov.lk before departure
  • Steps: create an account, enter passport details, select Tourist, Business, or Transit, pay online by credit or debit card, receive approval by email
  • Processing: usually within a few minutes, up to 24 hours in rare cases
  • On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), present the printed or digital ETA approval plus passport at immigration
  • Travelers without a pre-approved ETA can in theory request one at the airport kiosk, but this risks delays and is not recommended

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist ETA: USD 50 (approx EUR 46), payable online by card
  • Business ETA: USD 50
  • No separate VFS or BLS service fee - applied for directly via the government portal
  • Standard processing: a few minutes to 24 hours
  • No official express option; delays mainly occur with payment or document issues

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply online at least a few days before departure to leave buffer for processing
  • Common rejection reasons: passport validity under 6 months, mismatched personal details, no return ticket on file
  • Avoid third-party websites charging inflated fees - use only eta.gov.lk
  • Extensions of stay beyond 30 days can be requested at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo
  • Check current entry rules before travel, as Sri Lanka updates ETA requirements periodically

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.