Sri Lanka entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · July 10, 2026
Visa on arrivaleVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
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
UK passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka for tourism. It's a quick online application, not a traditional visa, and you'll get approval before you fly. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou need to apply and pay for this online before you fly; it's not available on arrival for UK passport holders. Apply online before travel | British citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least 24-48 hours before travel. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date now. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page (unmarked) for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or stamps occupy the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you'll leave the country before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the validity of your ETA (30 days). Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but it's safer to have proof you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Sri Lanka. A reasonable amount is around $50 USD per day, or a credit card plus cash. Keep bank statements or cash accessible. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra form to fill out before you go. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for UK passport holders. You will complete the standard immigration card on arrival. | Not required |
| Vaccination requirementsHealth rules can change; check official sources before departure. Health entry rules | No mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or testing is required for entry as of 2026. However, yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Check current health advice before travel. | Recommended |
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party sites that look official but charge inflated fees. The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/. Bookmark it and use it directly.
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is an electronic travel authorisation, not a traditional visa. You don't need to visit an embassy or submit your passport. It's all done online.
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, flight info, and a valid email. Pay the fee (around $35-40 USD) with a credit/debit card. Approval usually comes within 24 hours, but apply at least a few days before to be safe.
2
Check your email for approval
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Print it or save it on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
At the airport (departure)
When checking in for your flight, the airline will verify your ETA. Have your approval email or reference number ready. Without it, you won't be allowed to board.
4
Arrival in Sri Lanka
At Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), follow the signs for 'Immigration'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will scan your passport, stamp it, and you're in. The whole process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Resident Visa (Long Stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$200 (approx.)
For employment, study, or long-term residence. Requires sponsorship and local documentation.
Business Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100 (approx.)
For frequent business travelers; issued by Sri Lankan missions abroad.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 200 / year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~USD 100 / year
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income. Not yet officially launched; check updates.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~USD 500 + investment
For investors who invest at least USD 50,000 in a Sri Lankan business. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 300 / year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit stays up to 48 hours. | $25 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days. | $50 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For stays beyond 30 days, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 (approx.) |
| Late fee for overstayCharged at departure for overstaying the visa validity. | $25 per day (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka require a Transit ETA, even if staying airside, unless they are exempt (e.g., diplomatic passport holders).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration (but still require Transit ETA)
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur periodically.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in dry zone.
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
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for GB 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
The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. It's a single-entry authorisation — if you leave Sri Lanka and want to come back, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
The official fee is around $35-40 USD (about £28-32). Be careful of third-party websites that charge extra — always use the official site at https://eta.gov.lk/.
Usually within 24 hours. In practice, many people get it within minutes. But apply at least 3-5 days before your flight to account for any delays or errors.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new ETA if you wish to return.
You'll be denied entry. Sri Lanka requires 6 months of validity from your arrival date. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you apply for the ETA.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the UK or most of Europe, you don't need it. But if you've been in Africa or South America recently, check the requirements.
You'll be refused boarding by the airline. There's no visa-on-arrival option for UK passport holders at the airport. You must have the ETA before you fly.
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.