Yes, you will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. In addition, if you intend visiting Sri Lanka on a short visit,you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) ?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka and is issued through an on-line system. You need to obtain an ETA if you intend visiting Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain the ETA. ETA holders will be issued a 30 day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

Nationals of all countries required to obtain an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.

with the exception of citizens of Singapore / Maldives / Seychelles

The non-refundable ETA processing fee for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days for citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries will cost US$ 15, all other countries will cost US$ 30. Children below 12 years of age are exempt from the ETA fee.

A complete list of ETA processing fees could be obtained from the  ETA website.

How do I apply for the ETA?

You can submit the ETA application online through the ETA website. Select the language, click ‘Apply’ and follow the instructions.
Other options for you to apply are;

• By Third party
• By Registered agents
• At Sri Lanka Overseas Missions
• At the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Colombo
• On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka

Answers to FAQ’s on the ETA can be found at the official web site,

How can I obtain an extension to my visa?

You can either apply and obtain an extended visa from a Sri Lankan Embassy/ Consulate from your country of residence prior to arrival in Sri Lanka or get an extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo 10. This procedure will take about 2-3 hours, and you will have to give a bona fide reason for staying over 30 days. If you are staying in a resort for a long period, the staff will be able to help you with the application.

• 2 pairs of cotton / Denim pants
• 2 pair of shorts 
• 2 pairs long (ankle–length) cotton skirts (women)
• 1 Set of White or Light colored Clothing Ankle Length to Visit Temples
• 1 Set of ‘semi Formal/ Smart Casual Clothes – Some Hotels require you to wear these for Dinner Service
• few T-shirts or lightweight shirts
• sweater for cooler nights in the hills
• one pair of sneakers or shoes
• socks – useful for visiting temples, specially areas exposed to the sun
• sandals, slippers (flip flops, thongs) 
• underwear & swimming gear
• sun hat or umbrella

• Evening wear – advisable to bring one set, as larger hotels insist on ‘long attire’ for men during dinner (no shorts and no sandals). Ladies could come in dresses, skirts or long shorts, but not in any beach/ swimwear.

  Dress modestly at religious sites. You should remove your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple, if carrying an umbrella fold it. Your legs & shoulders should be covered; never enter a temple in beach wear (i.e. shorts or singlet). 

  Nudity is absolutely not allowed anywhere in the island. This includes at the beach. Even topless sunbathing is prohibited

  Last but not least, try getting a sarong. Very light, cool and Packs down to nothing; suits all purposes and occasions, including the temple etiquette.

• Accommodation we provide is shared twin-bed room with a supplementary charge for single occupancy. We offer a wide range of accommodation from private boutique hotels, villas, and eco lodge, The package price include meals on Bed and Breakfast as specified in each tour program.

• Sri Lankan dishes are based on rice, with a large variety of vegetables, fish & fruits. Sri Lankan diet, will surely make your trip a voyage of culinary discovery!

  Local Sri Lankan curries could be little too piquant for foreign palates, but worth trying. Most Tourist hotels and restaurants offer a mid version of Curry to suite  most tourists.  International food of any kind is found in all major Sri Lankan Hotels & Restaurants. Also a simple international dishes such as Fish & Chips, Burgers , Pizza , Pasta is widely server in most Restaurants in Tourist Sites. Kindly note that Kottu is not a sri Lankan National Dish but it is very Popular among everyone in Sri Lanka as it is cost effective and easy to prepare with minimal Time and effort. please be careful when eating “Kottu “ as  some small time  restaurants use stall ingredients to make them. It is always advisable to eat Rice and curry   in mild version.

  Most coastal towns have excellent seafood including prawns & delicious crab. Rates are quite inexpensive. Being a tropical country, Sri Lanka is blessed with a large variety of fruits. Some fruits like mangoes and Bananas come in over a dozen of sub varieties of shapes, sizes & tastes! Fruits such as Rambutan, Pineapple, Mangosteen, Papaya, wood apple, melons, passion fruit, guavas, etc., are but a small sample of the amazing variety of fruits to be discovered and enjoyed.

• Hotels and restaurants have a ‘vegetarian section’ in the menu. In smaller local ‘rice and curry’ restaurants you may find vegetarian option on request.The ‘South Indian’ vegetarian restaurants are 100% vegetarian.

• Is ‘Halal’ food available?

  Most Hotels serve ‘Halal’ food.- it is advisable to check with them if they buy Halal meat before order.

• As a part of the treatment they are very strict on meal plan, food is exclusively based on Sri Lankan rice and curry menu. With less spice and more on herbal and traditional meal preparation, the curries are mostly Sri Lankan low country vegetables; on request Chicken and fish maybe included.

• Sri Lanka is famous for it’s tea, and pride ourselves in producing ‘Ceylon Tea’, the finest tea in the world. Cofee is not popular in in the island. However Hotels will serve local coffee. Which is not very strong fir western palate.

  Hotels in Colombo and main Cities such as Kandy/ Galle/ Nuwaraeliya ets will serve really good espresso / Capauchino/ Late etc. Highly recommended are the fresh fruit juices. Popular international soft drinks are available even in little village boutiques.

  Sri Lanka has it’s own variety of local beer. Local Spirits are Arrack. Made out of Coconut sap.Fermented and refined.  But in most bars , restaurants and Hotels offer all international Alcohol but could be pricey.
  Thambili or King Coconut is a sweet, clean and cheap natural drink that you’ll find by the wayside. It’s extremely cooling and refreshing!

  We advice not to drink tap water unless it is purified. Bottled water is recommended. Only use water from containers with serrated seal- not tops or corks. Most hotel rooms have boiled water in thermos flasks, which is safe to drink.