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Sri Lanka Visa for Hong Kong Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Hong Kong SAR passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka, applied for online at eta.gov.lk before departure; fee around USD 50, approval usually within 24 hours.

Guide last updated October 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay
  • Completed online ETA application (eta.gov.lk)
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation for your stay
  • Proof of sufficient funds (around USD 15 per day is commonly referenced)
  • No photo upload is required for the standard online ETA
  • No biometrics required in advance; fingerprints/photo may be taken by immigration on arrival
  • Travel health insurance recommended but not mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA: single entry, 30 days, extendable in-country up to 6 months total, fee USD 50
  • Business ETA: single entry, 30 days, fee USD 50
  • Transit ETA: free, valid up to 2 days for travelers continuing to a third country
  • Hong Kong SAR passport holders fall under the standard paid-ETA nationality tier (not the short list of ETA-free countries).

Visa on arrival

  • Sri Lanka requires travelers to secure an ETA before boarding, which functions as a pre-approved visa rather than a true counter visa. Apply at the official eta.gov.lk portal, enter passport and trip details, and pay online by credit or debit card. Approval normally arrives by email/SMS within 24 hours, though it can take up to 72 hours. Print the ETA approval and present it with your passport at Bandaranaike International Airport immigration. Travelers who could not apply online in advance may apply at the Visa-on-Arrival counter at the airport itself, paying the same fee, but should expect longer queues and possible delays.

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist ETA fee: USD 50 (around LKR 15,000), payable online by card
  • Standard processing: usually within 24 hours, often near-instant
  • Extension of stay (at the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo): approximately USD 50-100 depending on duration
  • No separate VFS/BLS service fee since the process is direct through the government ETA portal

Tips for Hong Kong travelers

  • Apply at least 3-7 days before departure even though approval is fast
  • Use only the official eta.gov.lk site — several unofficial clone sites charge double the real fee
  • Common rejection reasons: passport validity under 6 months, mismatched personal details, or no return ticket on file
  • Extensions beyond 30 days must be requested in person at the Department of Immigration & Emigration on Captain's Row, Colombo
  • No embassy visit is required for Hong Kong applicants since the whole process is online

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.