Sri Lanka Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK citizens need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Sri Lanka. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before travel. The fee is USD $50 and approval is usually granted within a few hours. The ETA allows 30 days per visit with double entry within a 6-month validity window.
United Kingdom passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Sri Lanka.
Apply online at eta.gov.lk (official Sri Lanka Immigration portal) before departure.
Application process:
1. Go to eta.gov.lk and select "Apply for ETA"
2. Complete the form with your passport details and travel dates
3. Pay USD $50 by debit or credit card
4. Receive ETA approval by email, typically within a few hours to 24 hours
5. Print or save your ETA approval and present it at immigration alongside your passport
Apply at least a few days before travel to allow time in case of any processing delays. The official portal is the only legitimate application channel; avoid third-party websites that charge additional fees for the same service.
Technical issues: The eta.gov.lk system has experienced intermittent technical issues in early 2026. If you encounter problems, keep any proof of your application attempt. Airlines may ask for confirmation at check-in. If the online queue is excessively long at the airport, VOA may be permitted as a fallback, but do not rely on this; apply online before travel.
Dual entry note: Your ETA permits two entries to Sri Lanka within 6 months of the approval date. This is useful if your itinerary includes crossing to the Maldives or India and returning to Sri Lanka.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
ETA approval
Apply online at eta.gov.lk before travel. Pay USD $50 by card. Approval is typically granted within a few hours to 24 hours. Print or save the ETA approval email and present it at immigration. The ETA is valid for 6 months from approval and permits double entry.
Valid UK passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. One blank page for the entry stamp.
Debit or credit card
Required to pay the USD $50 ETA fee on the official eta.gov.lk portal.
Required at Entry
Valid passport with ETA
Your passport and ETA approval printout or digital copy. Present at immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) or other entry points.
Return or onward ticket
Confirmed booking showing your departure from Sri Lanka within the 30-day permitted stay (or within the extended period if you have extended inside the country).
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host contact details for at least the first nights of your stay.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Evidence of funds for your stay. No official minimum is published, but officers may ask.
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know
UK citizens require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka. The ETA must be obtained before travel by applying online at eta.gov.lk. Arrival without a valid ETA is not permitted.
The ETA costs USD $50 (approximately £40) and permits a stay of 30 days per visit. The ETA is valid for 6 months from approval and allows double entry: you can enter Sri Lanka twice within that 6-month window on the same ETA.
Extension of stay: Once inside Sri Lanka, you can extend your stay through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Extensions are available up to a total stay of 6 months. This makes Sri Lanka practical for longer visits: arrive on a 30-day ETA and extend from within the country.
Fee waiver status: Sri Lanka announced plans to introduce ETA fee waivers for UK citizens and around 40 other nationalities from early 2026. As of March 2026, this has not been implemented and UK citizens must still pay the $50 fee. Check eta.gov.lk for the current position before applying.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka.
How to Get There
Non-stop: SriLankan Airlines operates 9 flights per week from London Heathrow (LHR) to Colombo (CMB). Non-stop flight time is approximately 10 hours 30 minutes.
Connecting options: Emirates (via Dubai, very popular and frequent), Qatar Airways (via Doha, expanded services from November 2025), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Return fares typically range from £700 to £1,350 depending on season and advance booking.
Money & Banking
UK debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and major tourist areas. ATMs are available in all major cities and towns.
Rural and local areas are largely cash-based. Tuk-tuks, local markets, smaller guesthouses, and street food vendors typically do not accept cards. Always carry Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for day-to-day spending.
Wise and Revolut are recommended to reduce foreign transaction fees at ATMs. Withdraw LKR from ATMs in major cities; rates are competitive. Airport exchange desks at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) are available on arrival.
Practical Tips
Sri Lanka is a compact, diverse destination combining beaches, ancient ruins, hill country, and wildlife. Practical tips for UK visitors:
PickMe app: Download before arrival. PickMe is Sri Lanka's equivalent of Uber and operates across most of the island. Using PickMe for tuk-tuks and taxis in cities gives fixed prices and avoids overcharging, which is common with hailed vehicles.
Weather and best time to visit: Sri Lanka has two distinct coasts with offset dry seasons. The west and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa) are best December to March. The east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is best May to September. The hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya) is pleasant year-round but can be misty.
Dress code: Modest dress is required at Buddhist temples and Hindu kovils: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, and remove hats. Carry a lightweight scarf or sarong for unexpected temple visits.
Extension inside Sri Lanka: If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, visit a Department of Immigration office (main office in Colombo, branches in Kandy and elsewhere) to apply for an extension. Bring your passport, ETA printout, and proof of accommodation. Extensions to 6 months are routinely granted for tourists.
Safety: Sri Lanka has recovered significantly since 2019 and is generally safe for tourists. Normal urban precautions apply in Colombo. Coastal riptides are a genuine risk at certain beaches; observe warning flags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. UK citizens require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka. The ETA must be obtained online before departure at eta.gov.lk. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival under normal circumstances.
Note (early 2026): The ETA system has been experiencing intermittent technical issues. The Sri Lanka High Commission in London has confirmed the issue is known. Airlines may ask for proof of your application attempt at check-in. If the online queue is excessively long at the airport on arrival, VOA may be permitted as a fallback -- but do not rely on this; apply online well in advance of travel.
How do I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?
Apply at eta.gov.lk (official Sri Lanka Immigration portal):
1. Select "Apply for ETA" and complete the form with your passport details and travel dates
2. Pay USD $50 by debit or credit card
3. Receive approval by email (usually within a few hours)
4. Print or save the approval for presentation at immigration
Apply at least a few days before travel. Use only the official eta.gov.lk portal; third-party websites charge extra for the same ETA.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on an ETA?
30 days per visit. Your ETA is valid for 6 months from the approval date and permits double entry: you can enter twice within that 6-month window on the same ETA.
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for extensions inside Sri Lanka through the Department of Immigration. Extensions up to a total of 6 months are routinely granted for tourists.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA fee waiver in effect for UK citizens?
Not yet as of March 2026. Sri Lanka announced plans to waive the ETA fee for UK citizens and around 40 other nationalities, but parliamentary approval was still pending. UK citizens must continue to pay the USD $50 fee until an official announcement confirms otherwise. Check eta.gov.lk for the current position before applying.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Sri Lanka?
Yes. SriLankan Airlines operates 9 flights per week from London Heathrow (LHR) to Colombo (CMB). Flight time is approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), and Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) are popular connecting options.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two coasts with different dry seasons:
West and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Yala): best December to March.
East coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay): best May to September.
Hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya): pleasant year-round, though morning mist is common.
December to February is peak season across most of the island. Book accommodation well in advance for this period.