QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka with a South African passport?
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
Rule verified by QuickTravelTools on October 10, 2026.
Visa rules for all 199 passports: Sri Lanka visa hub.
What you need
- Passport: should be valid at least 6 months after your trip ends.
- How long you can stay: up to 30 days.
- Fee: 50 USD, tourist ETA (30 days, double entry)
Source: Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka. - Apply: Start the official Sri Lanka ETA application portal
Business ETA (30 days, multiple entry) is applied for online via the same portal, www.eta.gov.lk; business ETA processing fee USD 55 for non-SAARC nationals vs USD 50 tourist ETA; the free-tourist-ETA scheme does not cover business travel
Source: Embassy of Sri Lanka, Beijing.
Official sources
- Alert 01 effective 25 May 2026: the United States is among 40 countries eligible for a free-of-charge 30-day tourist ETA (double entry); the ETA must be obtained prior to arrival in Sri Lanka (Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka, verified October 5, 2026)
- Cabinet decision of 30 March 2026, gazette 25 May 2026: free 30-day tourist ETA for 40 countries including the US, obtained before arrival (Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, verified October 5, 2026)
Sri Lanka at a glance
| Region | Asia |
|---|---|
| Everyday prices | 26 on our price index (US = 100) |
| Power | Type D/G/M sockets, 230/400 V, 50 Hz |
On cost, Sri Lanka is one of the more affordable places to visit: everyday prices sit at about 26 on a global index where the United States is 100. See how Sri Lanka compares to 179 countries.
On power, you are in luck: both South African outlets and Sri Lanka's use Type M, so many of your chargers should fit as-is. Full plug and voltage guide for Sri Lanka.
Common questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
How long can a South African passport holder stay in Sri Lanka?
South African passport holders can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. Stays longer than 30 days require a different visa or immigration authorization.
Is the visa information on this page official?
No. This is a summary compiled from official government sources and verified by QuickTravelTools, and it can lag rule changes. Always confirm with Sri Lanka's embassy or official immigration portal before you travel.
Nearby destinations for South African passport holders
Sorted by distance from Sri Lanka, useful if your trip covers more than one country.