Skip to main content

Sri Lanka Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

German citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka - apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure, pay about USD 50, with most approvals issued within 24 hours.

Guide last updated September 10, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival
  • Completed online ETA application with passport and travel details
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation for the stay
  • Proof of sufficient funds (USD 15 per day minimum recommended by authorities)
  • No photo required for the ETA application itself
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA: single or double entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, extendable in-country up to 6 months
  • Business ETA: similar validity, requires a local business contact or invitation for supporting documents
  • Transit ETA: for stays under 2 days without leaving the airport area in some cases

Visa on arrival

  • Apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure - most nationalities, including Germany, must obtain the ETA in advance rather than purely on arrival
  • Submit passport details and pay the fee by card; approval is typically emailed within a few hours to 24 hours
  • Print or save the approval confirmation and present it with your passport at immigration in Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport)
  • Travelers without a pre-approved ETA can, in limited emergency cases, request one at the airport counter for a higher fee, but this is not guaranteed
  • Officers verify the ETA and stamp the passport on arrival, typically within a few minutes

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist ETA fee: approximately USD 50 (paid online at application)
  • Standard processing: usually within a few hours, up to 24 hours
  • Extension in-country (beyond 30 days, up to 6 months): additional fee payable at the Department of Immigration in Colombo
  • No separate VFS/BLS office fee - handled entirely through the online ETA system

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply for the ETA at least a few days before departure to avoid last-minute issues
  • Use only the official eta.gov.lk site or a recognized government partner - many unofficial sites charge inflated fees
  • Keep a digital and printed copy of your ETA approval
  • Common rejection reasons: mismatched passport details or an expired passport at time of travel
  • If extending your stay, apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo well before the initial 30 days expire

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.