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Sri Lanka Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka, applied for online before departure, which also functions as a visa on arrival endorsement for stays up to 30 days.

Guide last updated October 7, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
  • Approved ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) obtained online before travel via eta.gov.lk
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (at least USD 15 per day, often checked)
  • No photos or biometric enrolment required for the ETA application itself; fingerprints may be scanned on arrival
  • Travel health insurance recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA - single or double entry, valid for up to 30 days from arrival, extendable
  • Business ETA - single entry, 30 days, for meetings and short business activities
  • Transit ETA - for layovers up to 2 days
  • Longer stays, employment, or investment visas require separate advance applications through the Sri Lankan High Commission in London or the Department of Immigration in Colombo

Visa on arrival

  • The ETA must be obtained online before departure; a limited on-arrival ETA facility exists at Bandaranaike International Airport for travellers who have not pre-applied, at a higher fee
  • Present your passport and ETA approval printout or confirmation email at the immigration counter
  • Officers check your return ticket and accommodation details before stamping entry
  • Processing at the airport desk is usually quick if the ETA was approved in advance
  • Avoid relying on the on-arrival option, as it costs more and queues can be long

Fees & processing time

  • Online ETA fee for UK tourists is approximately USD 50 for a double-entry tourist ETA (fees have varied with temporary free-ETA promotions, so check the current rate)
  • Standard online processing is within 24 hours, often within minutes
  • On-arrival ETA fee (if applying without pre-approval) is higher than the online rate and subject to airport surcharges
  • No VFS/BLS fee, as applications go directly through the official ETA portal

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Only use the official eta.gov.lk website - numerous unofficial sites charge much higher fees for the same service
  • Apply at least a few days before travel even though approval is usually fast, to avoid airport queues
  • Check periodically for visa-free promotional periods for UK travellers, which Sri Lanka has introduced at various times
  • Keep a printed copy of your ETA approval, as not all immigration desks can look it up instantly
  • Extensions can be arranged at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo if you wish to stay longer than 30 days

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.