Apply for travel authorisation
Use the official service and get approval 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 stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees and processing time
Plan your budget and travel dates with the published fees and timing guidance.
What it costs
- 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 guidancePublished government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay.
Sri Lanka’s ETA sample acknowledgement says applicants receive a response within 48 hours. A response may be an approval or a referral, so this is not a guaranteed approval time. Check your application status and wait for ETA approval before travel.
Sri Lanka arrival steps
Check the timing and conditions for each arrival 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.
Arrival guidanceEntry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
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 travel essentials
- Capital
- Colombo
- Currency
- LKR
- Calling code
- +94
Sri Lanka entry questions
Do Maltese citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
For tourism in Sri Lanka, ordinary passport holders from Malta need electronic travel authorisation before travel. The stay limit is 30 days per visit.
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).
How long does a decision take?
Sri Lanka’s ETA sample acknowledgement says applicants receive a response within 48 hours. A response may be an approval or a referral, so this is not a guaranteed approval time. Check your application status and wait for ETA approval before travel.
Limited ETA counter at Bandaranaike International Airport: what do I need to do?
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.
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 visa and entry guidance
Confirm Sri Lanka’s requirements directly with government authorities.
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.
Check current processing guidance
Read official entry guidance
Passport, entry conditions and exceptions for your visit.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Sri Lanka with an ordinary Malta passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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