Last updated: 14 October 2026. Entry rules change, so we review this page every three months. Always confirm the details on the official government sites linked below before you travel.
Yes, UK and Australian citizens need an approved ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before flying to Sri Lanka. The ETA is a digital permit linked to your passport, and you apply for it online before you travel. The good news for 2026 is that applying has become cheaper, and for many travellers it is now straightforward and quick to arrange.
What Changed in 2026
In 2026 Sri Lanka waived the tourist ETA fee for citizens of 40 countries, with the change reported as effective from 25 May 2026. The United Kingdom and Australia are both on that list, and both are among Sri Lanka's biggest source markets for visitors. You still need to apply and be approved before you fly. The waiver removes the charge, not the requirement.
Government policy can be revised at short notice, so please check the current fee position on the official ETA site on the day you apply rather than relying on any third-party article, including this one.
How Long Can You Stay on a Tourist ETA?
The standard tourist ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days, with double entry. Double entry means you can leave Sri Lanka and return within the validity of the authorisation, which is handy if you want to add a side trip to the Maldives or Southern India, for example.
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can ask the Department of Immigration and Emigration for an extension once you are in the country. Extensions carry a fee and have their own conditions, so check the current rules on the official immigration site before relying on one.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Check your passport. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and have blank pages for stamps. Check the official guidance for the exact requirement.
- Go to the official government ETA website. Type the address into your browser yourself or follow the link from the official Department of Immigration and Emigration site. Do not click through from an advert or a search result you do not recognise.
- Choose the tourist ETA and fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. A single spelling mistake can cause problems at the airport.
- Enter your travel details, including your expected arrival date and the address of your first night's accommodation. Your first hotel booking or your planner can provide this.
- Submit and save your approval. You will receive a confirmation by email. Print a copy and keep a digital copy on your phone.
Official sources to bookmark: the Sri Lanka ETA website and the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Copycat websites
Many unofficial websites look like the real thing and charge a service fee for a form that you can complete yourself on the official site. If a site asks you to pay a "processing" or "service" charge on top of any official fee, stop and check that you are on the government site.
Applying too late
Most approvals come back quickly, but do not leave it until the week of departure. Apply at least a couple of weeks before you fly, so there is time to fix any mistake. Airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot show an approved ETA.
Passport problems
The ETA is tied to the passport number you enter. If you renew your passport after applying, you will need a new authorisation. Also make sure the passport you travel on is the one you used to apply.
Name and date errors
Double-check your name, date of birth and passport number before you submit. Errors are the most common reason for delays at check-in.
How a 2 or 3 Week Trip Fits Inside the 30 Days
Most of our UK and Australian guests travel for between 10 days and three weeks, which sits comfortably inside the standard 30-day stay. That is enough time for a full circuit of the Cultural Triangle, the Hill Country and the south coast with no need for an extension. If you are planning a longer trip, for example a month combined with a stay in a beach town, build in a few days of buffer so that you are not up against your final day.
Not sure how many days you need? Our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka explains the seasons and how long to allow, and our 10 day private driver itinerary shows what a realistic trip looks like day by day.
Quick FAQs
Do UK and Australian citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, you need an approved ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before you travel. Since 25 May 2026 the ETA fee has been waived for citizens of 40 countries, including the UK and Australia. Apply only through the official government site and check the latest rules before you book.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA?
The standard tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay with double entry. Longer stays need an extension, which has a fee.
Sorting your entry permission early takes a big worry off your plate. Once it is done, the fun part begins: choosing where to go.
Now Your Entry Is Sorted, Let Us Plan the Route
Once your ETA is approved, the next step is building an itinerary that suits your dates, your pace and your interests. Our local experts will design a private driver route around you, with free planning, unlimited tweaks and no booking fee. Tell us your dates through the tailor-made planner or the contact form, or message us on WhatsApp. We typically reply within two hours.
