A Easy Step-by-Step video guide for ETA in 2025


Before you pack your bags for Sri Lanka, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. The process is relatively simple, can be done online, and when it works ( !! 😅 more on that below) it can be done in a few minutes.

I’ve made a short step-by-step video showing exactly how to fill out the official ETA application form, so you don’t make any mistakes along the way 👇



Official website to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA:


👉 https://www.eta.gov.lk


(Be careful! There are many fake websites charging extra fees! Only use the official government site above.)


🖥️ Info about the ETA (E-Visa)

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online travel permit you apply for before your trip to Sri Lanka.

✔️ Cost: USD 50 for adults (+ small transaction fee)
✔️ Children under 12: Free – but you still need to apply for them
✔️ Validity: 30 days from arrival
✔️ When to apply: 3–7 days before departure (you’ll usually get a reply within 24 hours)

✔️ Approval: Sent by email within a few hours (no need to print – it’s linked to your passport)


Simply fill in your details, pay by card, and receive your approval by email. When everything runs smoothly, you’ll have it within just a few hours ✈️ and you can skip the extra queue at the airport!


⚠️ Problems with the ETA Website

During my 10 years of helping travellers, I’ve heard hundreds of reports about issues with the official visa page. Sometimes the whole site is down, other times certain fields can’t be filled in, but most often, the problem happens during the payment process at the end.

It can be frustrating 🤯 and often means you have to start the whole application again from scratch!

👉 Watch the video above for my best tips on how to avoid these common problems.



🛬 Visa on Arrival to Sri Lanka

After a lot of back and forth with this option: as of now: yes, it’s possible to get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka.

So if the ETA website doesn’t work, or you simply don’t feel like dealing with it beforehand, you can still get your visa when you land.

The downside?

  • 💸 It costs USD 60 for adults (a bit more than applying online)
  • You may face long queues, especially during peak season (December & January). Not exactly what you want after a long flight!



💰 How much does a visa to Sri Lanka cost?

For most nationalities:

  • Online ETA (E-Visa): USD 50 for a 30-day stay.
  • Visa on Arrival: USD 60 for a 30-day stay.


Discounted / special cases:

Nationals of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan) have lower fees.

Nationals of countries such as India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia were eligible for free tourist visas (no fee) for a limited period.

Will visa to Sri Lanka be free for all tourists?

That’s the big question, isn’t it? 😉

From time to time, different government officials have announced plans to make the visa free for all tourists. Creating big headlines and even bigger expectations. But so far, these proposals haven’t been officially approved, and the free visa policy keeps getting postponed.

If (or when!) it finally happens, I promise to update you right away. 🇱🇰✨ Stay tuned!


🔍 How to check if your ETA Visa is approved

You’ll normally receive your ETA approval by email within a few hours. Sometimes it can take up to 24 hours. And occasionally, the email never arrives.

Don’t freak out (yet 😉).


It’s easy to check the status yourself:

👉 Go to the official website: https://www.eta.gov.lk

  1. Click on “Check Status”
  2. Tick the box if you don’t have your reference number
  3. Enter your passport number and nationality
  4. Get an instant reply showing whether your visa is approved

💡 Tip: Take a quick screenshot of the approval page for your reference — just in case!



💡Entry rules Sri Lanka: What you need to know:


🛂 Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Sri Lanka.


📧 Visa (ETA or VOA)

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can be applied online before your trip.
  • Cost: USD 50 (for adults above 12 years) – valid for 30 days.
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available, but most travellers prefer to apply online in advance.


⚕️ Health / Covid-19

  • No Covid-related restrictions.
  • No vaccination certificate required.


📍 Arrival Card

  • You no longer need to fill out a paper arrival card.


💳 At Immigration, You May Be Asked For:

  • A return ticket(round trip).
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (a valid credit/debit card is usually enough 👍).



💡Our smart choice:


Apply for your E-Visa before departure. Less stress. Faster entry. Peace of mind 

🧘Travel At Ease!