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Sri Lanka Visa for Singapore Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Singaporean citizens can travel to Sri Lanka with a Tourist ETA (visa on arrival) via eta.gov.lk/slvisa/; the ETA costs USD 35, is valid for 6 months from approval for travel, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit, and entry is single.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka, with at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps.
  • Specific forms: apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online at https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/; there is no separate paper form for Singapore citizens if using ETA, and you should print the ETA approval email.
  • Financial proof: not a formal requirement for ETA; no fixed minimum balance is published, but you should have funds sufficient to cover your stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: not strictly required to book in advance, but have your accommodation details and a return/onward ticket handy in case immigration asks.
  • Photo spec: a recent passport-style photograph uploaded to the ETA portal (typically a white background); ensure it matches standard passport photo requirements (size and clarity as requested during the online application).
  • Biometrics: no pre-submission biometrics; immigration may conduct biometric checks at the airport if required.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory for entry; recommended to have some level of travel health insurance for your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): official name Tourist ETA; validity up to 6 months from approval; max stay 30 days per visit; entry type single; approximate fee USD 35.
  • Business ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): official name Business ETA; validity up to 6 months from approval; max stay 30 days per visit; entry type single; approximate fee USD 100.
  • Student visa (non-ETA): official name Student Visa; issued via Sri Lanka Embassy/Consulate; validity varies (often up to 1 year per visa, extendable); entry type single/multiple depending on approval; fee varies; process through the embassy.
  • Work visa (non-ETA): official name Employment/Work Visa; issued via Sri Lanka Embassy/Consulate; validity typically 1–2 years per visa, extendable; entry type usually single; fee varies; process through the embassy.
  • Transit/Other visas (non-ETA): some categories require embassy processing; consult the Sri Lankan MFA portal for specifics.

Application process

  • How to apply online: go to https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
  • Create or sign in to your account
  • Choose Tourist ETA (or as applicable), fill in personal details, travel dates, and passport data
  • Upload required documents (passport bio-data page, photo) and submit
  • Pay the ETA fee (USD 35) online by credit/debit card
  • Receive ETA approval by email and print the confirmation to present on arrival
  • Visa on arrival: which ports and steps: at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) you can obtain the visa on arrival by presenting your passport, ETA reference (printed approval if you have it), and travel details; pay the visa fee in cash (USD preferred) at the immigration desk; the officer will stamp your visa and you proceed to immigration control.
  • Fees payable on arrival: USD is commonly accepted; Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) may also be accepted at some counters; carry enough USD in small denominations for the visa on arrival if possible.
  • How approval arrives: for online ETA, approval is sent by email; print the ETA and carry it with you; for visa on arrival, you receive the stamp after payment at the airport desk.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa/ETA fee: Tourist ETA USD 35; Business ETA USD 100 (approximate figures; confirm on the official portal before paying).
  • VFS/BLS service fees: not applicable for ETA; if you apply for a sticker/consular visa via an embassy, a service fee may apply through the relevant visa service provider.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 35 for Tourist ETA (plus any bank processing or card charges); Embassy/sticker visas have higher and variable fees.
  • Standard processing time: ETA approvals are typically confirmed within 24–48 hours; visa on arrival is processed on the day of arrival at the airport.
  • Express/priority options: not generally advertised for ETA; for embassy-based visa applications, check with the Sri Lankan embassy for express processing options and fees.

Tips for Singapore travelers

  • Apply well in advance: begin your ETA application at least 3–4 days before travel to account for any processing delays; apply earlier if possible.
  • Common rejection reasons for Singapore applicants: passport validity less than 6 months from entry date; mismatched names or dates between passport and travel itinerary; uploading a photo that does not meet the portal's requirements; incomplete or incorrect information in the ETA form; not having a valid onward/return ticket when requested; travel dates outside allowed ETA window.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: for ETA you apply online (no VFS/BLS); sticker visas for non-ETA categories are processed via Sri Lanka embassies/consulates and may require interviews and additional documents.
  • Travel advisories: check the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local health guidelines prior to travel for any updates or restrictions; review bilateral notes between Singapore and Sri Lanka.
  • Extension options: Tourist ETA can generally be extended by the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Sri Lanka; extensions are typically granted for purposes like tourism and may extend stay by up to a total of 90 days or more depending on the case and approvals; apply before the initial ETA expires and be prepared with supporting documents.

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.