QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka with a US passport?
- Passport
- US
- Destination
- Sri Lanka
- Purpose
- Tourism
- Stay
- See details
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
Verified October 5, 2026
Source: Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.
What you need
- Travel authorisation required
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
QTT checked Sri Lanka's official guidance on October 5, 2026. We re-check these sources and update this page when official rules change.
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)
Visa rules for all 199 passports: Sri Lanka visa hub.
Visa costs and applying
- Fee (eta): 50 USD, tourist ETA (30 days, double entry)
Source: Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka. - Fee (eta): 0 USD, free tourist ETA (30 days; Maldives 90 days) since 25.05.2026
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 0 tourist ETA; the free-tourist-ETA scheme does not cover business travel
Source: Embassy of Sri Lanka, Beijing.
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.
Pack a plug adapter: US devices use Type A/B/NEMA 14-30/NEMA 14-50, but Sri Lanka uses Type D/G/M. Voltage differs too (230/400 V there versus 120/240 V, 120/208 V, 277/480 V at home), so check for a dual-voltage label before plugging in. Full plug and voltage guide for Sri Lanka.
Common questions
Do US 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 US passport holder stay in Sri Lanka?
The permitted stay depends on the visa or authorisation issued. Check the official immigration site before booking.
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 US passport holders
Sorted by distance from Sri Lanka, useful if your trip covers more than one country.