Sri Lanka entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, transit, or short business visits. The ETA is an online application processed quickly, usually within 24–48 hours. Apply before you fly, as you'll need the approved ETA to board your flight.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) / e-Visa before arriving in Sri Lanka. Apply online at the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before departure. The e-Visa is valid for tourism and short visits. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's too close, you'll be turned away. At least 6 months | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight – have it ready. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period (typically 30 days for e-Visa). | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry a bank card and some cash – they might ask how you'll support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit cards, bank statements). The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just the usual immigration card. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Australian passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Don't overstay your ETA
The 30-day stay is strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Sri Lanka. If you think you might need more time, plan to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa before you arrive.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While the ETA is usually approved within 24–48 hours, there can be delays during peak travel seasons or due to technical glitches. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival
Your ETA is valid for 30 days from the date you arrive, not from the date of approval. So you can apply a few weeks in advance and still get the full 30 days once you land.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. The form takes about 10 minutes. Pay the fee (around $35–50 USD depending on the type) with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24–48 hours. You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Check your spam folder if you don't see it. If you're in a hurry, there's an express option for faster processing (usually within a few hours).
3
Print or save your ETA
Print a copy of your ETA approval or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration. It's not strictly required to have a physical copy, but it makes things smoother.
4
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, head to the immigration counters. Have your passport, ETA approval, and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Enjoy your stay (max 30 days)
Your ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter (or apply for a different visa before you arrive).
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50
For business meetings, conferences, or short-term work. Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx. LKR 60,000)
For employment, study, or long-term residency. Must apply through Department of Immigration and Emigration after arrival.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For foreigners aged 55+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,500. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries. Requires health insurance and local bank deposit.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment or freelance income of at least $2,000/month. No local tax liability. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment
For investors committing at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights for family. Must maintain investment.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Part-time work allowed with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 (approx. LKR 15,000) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days from arrival, single entry. | $25 (approx. LKR 7,500) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 (approx. LKR 15,000) |
| Visa extension (onshore)Up to 60 additional days; apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo. | $50 (approx. LKR 15,000) for first extension |
| Visa extension (second and subsequent)Each extension up to 60 days; maximum total stay 180 days. | $75 (approx. LKR 22,500) per extension |
| Airport departure taxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
Transit visa required
Australian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., at Bandaranaike International Airport) require a Transit ETA if leaving the airport or staying overnight. For airside transit (not passing immigration) with a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours, no visa is required.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB) · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Certificate must be valid.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban and rural areas during rainy seasons. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common causes of traveler's diarrhea. Avoid tap water, ice, and undercooked street food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider for rural travel in the dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration - Head Office
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, arrival card, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 10, Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in the hill country; same services as Colombo.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 335.84 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it's an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. You apply online, get approved quickly, and it's valid for 30 days. It's simple and fast.
Usually within 24–48 hours. There's an express option that can process in a few hours, but it costs more. Apply at least 2–3 days before your flight to be safe.
The standard tourist ETA fee is around $35–50 USD (approximately $50–75 AUD). The exact amount depends on the type and processing speed. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Sri Lanka and re-enter (which would require a new ETA) or apply for a different visa type before you arrive. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
It's not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. You'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration. Having a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone makes things smoother.
It's rare, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply or contact the Sri Lankan embassy. Don't book non-refundable flights until your ETA is approved.
There is an on-arrival ETA facility at the airport, but it's not guaranteed and can involve long queues. It's much better to apply online before you fly. Airlines may also refuse boarding without an approved ETA.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.