Can I get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival?
A limited ETA-on-arrival facility operates at BIA
Travellers who reach Sri Lanka without prior ETA approval may apply at the ETA issuing counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). You must complete an application, pay the applicable fee and receive approval before proceeding to the immigration counter.
The airport facility should be treated as a backup, not the normal application method. Sri Lanka's official ETA guidance says short-term travellers should obtain prior ETA approval before arrival. Airlines may also ask for proof of entry permission before boarding.
Sri Lanka ETA vs visa on arrival
Both routes result in short-visit entry permission, but they are not equally convenient or low-risk.
| Feature | Online Sri Lanka ETA | Visa / ETA on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| When you apply | Before departure | After landing in Sri Lanka |
| Where | Official portal: eta.gov.lk | ETA issuing counter at BIA |
| Certainty before flying | Approval known in advance | No guarantee until airport processing |
| Tourist fee — SAARC | US$20, unless exempt | US$25, unless exempt |
| Tourist fee — other countries | US$50, unless exempt | US$60, unless exempt |
| Waiting after arrival | Go to immigration with approval | Application and payment queue first |
| Payment | Visa, Mastercard or American Express | Electronic payment card or cash in US dollars |
| Recommended? | Yes | Backup option only |
Business ETA is not shown as available through the on-arrival fee table. Travellers visiting for business should arrange the correct approval before departure.
How to get a Sri Lanka visa at the airport
At Bandaranaike International Airport, complete these steps before joining the normal immigration queue:
Report to the ETA issuing counter
Do not proceed directly through immigration if you arrived without prior ETA approval. Follow the signs or ask airport staff for the ETA-on-arrival counter.
Complete the arrival ETA application
Enter your personal, passport, travel and accommodation details exactly as shown in your passport and bookings.
Pay the applicable fee
The official guidance accepts electronic payment cards and cash in US dollars. Carry a suitable payment method because card acceptance can be affected by bank or terminal issues.
Wait for approval or referral
If approved, the airport ETA may be issued for up to 30 days. A referral notice means the application needs additional handling and may lead to refused entry.
Proceed to the immigration counter
Present your passport and ETA approval. The immigration officer makes the final entry decision and grants the permitted stay.
Sri Lanka arrival visa fees
For travellers who are not covered by a free tourist ETA arrangement, the official fee schedule lists the following charges:
| Application method | SAARC tourist ETA | Other-country tourist ETA | Transit ETA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online / applicant | US$20 | US$50 | Free |
| On arrival | US$25 | US$60 | Free |
Documents needed for a Sri Lanka airport visa
Possessing an ETA does not create an absolute right of entry. Immigration officers may request supporting evidence and make the final decision at the port of entry.
Can everyone get a Sri Lanka arrival visa?
No. The on-arrival service is described by the government as a limited facility. Eligibility, security screening, passport type and travel purpose can affect the result.
Tourists
Eligible short-stay tourists may use the BIA counter, but prior online approval remains safer.
Business travellers
Arrange a Business ETA before travel. The current official on-arrival fee table does not list a business-visa arrival option.
Work or study
A tourist or business ETA is not a work permit, study visa or residence visa. Obtain the correct visa before travelling.
Referred applicants
Travellers whose applications require manual review should contact the Department or a Sri Lankan mission before flying.
Should I apply online or at the airport?
Apply online before travelling
Best for almost everyone. It provides advance confirmation, costs less for fee-paying travellers, reduces airport queues and lowers the risk of being stranded after arrival.
Use visa on arrival only as a backup
Consider it only when you are eligible and could not obtain approval beforehand. Carry all documents and enough US dollars or a working international payment card.
Use the official Sri Lanka ETA portal
Apply directly through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Avoid third-party websites that add service charges or imitate government pages.
Apply on eta.gov.lk