Your next step, made clear
An electronic travel authorisation is linked to your trip or passport. Arrange it before departure.
Prepare your application
Apply online and wait for ETA approval before travel, including when the fee is waived. The limited BIA counter is only a fallback for travelers without prior approval; extra fees apply and a referral means refusal of entry and return.
Submit through the official channel
Use Sri Lanka’s official ETA instructions. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Government charges and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final fee.
Government fees
- Tourist ETA
- USD 50
The official fee table lists US$50 for an online tourist ETA and US$60 at the airport for other countries. Children under 12 are exempt from the tourist ETA fee for stays up to 30 days. Confirm the final charge before paying. Read the official fee guidance.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
Limited ETA counter at Bandaranaike International Airport
Use this only if arriving without prior ETA approval. Extra fees apply; if the application is referred, you will be refused entry and returned.
Open Limited ETA counter at Bandaranaike International AirportDetails that can change your plans
Apply for ETA before travel
Sri Lanka’s current instructions say short-visit travelers should obtain ETA approval before arrival. A limited ETA counter is available at Bandaranaike International Airport for travelers without prior approval; extra fees apply, and a referral there means refused entry and return. Check your passport-specific route before departure.
Official guidanceSri Lanka at a glance
- Capital
- Colombo
- Currency
- LKR
- Calling code
- +94
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Iraq need a visa for Sri Lanka?
For tourism in Sri Lanka, travelers using an ordinary passport from Iraq should arrange electronic travel authorisation before travel. Apply online and wait for ETA approval before travel, including when the fee is waived. The limited BIA counter is only a fallback for travelers without prior approval; extra fees apply and a referral means refusal of entry and return. The published short-visit limit is 30 days per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka?
The short-visit limit is 30 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 6 months after arrival.
How much is the government fee?
Tourist ETA: USD 50 per person (online application). Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
Do I need to complete Limited ETA counter at Bandaranaike International Airport?
Required only when the stated conditions apply. Use this only if arriving without prior ETA approval. Extra fees apply; if the application is referred, you will be refused entry and returned. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
What fees apply for a Sri Lanka visitor visa?
The official fee table lists US$50 for an online tourist ETA and US$60 at the airport for other countries. Children under 12 are exempt from the tourist ETA fee for stays up to 30 days. Confirm the final charge before paying.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Sri Lanka’s official ETA instructions
Apply online and wait for ETA approval before travel, including when the fee is waived. The limited BIA counter is only a fallback for travelers without prior approval; extra fees apply and a referral means refusal of entry and return.
Read official entry guidance
Passport, entry conditions and exceptions for your visit.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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