A little preparation before you travel to Sri Lanka can make your arrival much easier. Start with your passport and entry permission, then organise your travel documents, accommodation and plans for the first day.

This guide focuses on international visitors travelling for a holiday. Requirements can differ according to nationality, passport type and purpose of travel.

Entry information checked: 24 September 2026. Check the official immigration website again before departure, as requirements can change.

Check Your Passport and Travel Documents

The official ETA guidance says travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, a confirmed return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay. It also advises carrying a copy of the ETA approval.

Check your passport expiry date before applying. Enter your name, passport number and other details exactly as shown in the passport you will use to travel.

Keep your accommodation address, booking confirmation and a contact number accessible. Save important documents offline so you can open them without airport Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Arrange Your Visa or ETA Before Departure

An Electronic Travel Authorisation, usually called an ETA, is part of Sri Lanka’s entry process for eligible short-term visitors. Check which application route applies to your nationality and travel purpose before making an application.

Start with the official Sri Lanka ETA information page. Read the latest notices, follow the official application instructions and check your approval status before travelling.

Some nationalities have special application procedures, including applications through a Sri Lankan sponsor. Do not assume that every visitor can use the same online process.

Does Everyone Pay an ETA Fee?

No. The current official notice provides a free 30-day tourist ETA for nationals of 40 listed countries, effective from 25 May 2026. These include Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, India and New Zealand.

Eligible visitors still need to obtain their ETA before arrival. A fee exemption does not remove the application requirement. Other nationalities may have different fees or arrangements, so check the official notice for your passport.

Avoid treating payment confirmation or an application acknowledgement as proof of approval. Keep the actual approval notice with your travel documents.

Prepare Your Arrival Card

The arrival card and ETA serve different purposes. Completing an arrival card does not replace obtaining the entry permission required for your trip.

Sri Lanka’s published guidance provides an online arrival-card facility for foreign air passengers, with completion available during the three days before travel. Access the service through the Department of Immigration and Emigration and follow the current instructions.

Have your passport, flight information and Sri Lankan accommodation address ready. If you cannot access the service, check the current alternative arrangements with the Department or your airline before departure.

Organise Your First Night and Transfer

Choose your first night’s accommodation with your flight arrival time in mind. Confirm late check-in arrangements if necessary, and save the property’s address and telephone number.

If you arrange an airport pickup, confirm the meeting point, vehicle size, luggage capacity and total price. Share your flight number with the driver or accommodation provider so they can identify your arrival.

Our  guide explains the main transport options for the rest of your journey.

Prepare Insurance, Money and Connectivity

Consider travel insurance that covers your itinerary and planned activities. Read the policy’s exclusions and keep the emergency assistance number available offline.

Check overseas transaction and withdrawal charges with your bank. Carry a backup payment method separately from your main wallet.

Decide whether you will use roaming, a local SIM or an eSIM. Check that your phone supports your chosen option, and download essential booking details and maps before leaving home.

Your Pre-Departure Checklist

Before heading to the airport, check that you have:

• A passport meeting the entry requirements.
• The appropriate ETA or visa approval.
• Your return flight details and evidence of funds if requested.
• Your accommodation address and contact number.
• Completed the applicable arrival-card preparation.
• Insurance documents and emergency contacts.
• Airport transfer details or a clear arrival plan.
• Payment options and offline copies of important documents.

Recheck the official entry notices shortly before departure and allow time to resolve any application or document issues.