Passmere is a private company, not a government agency. This guide is free information, not legal advice. Each fact links to the official source and shows the date we checked it.
Entry requirements
Sri Lanka entry requirements for U.S. citizens
What a U.S. tourist needs to enter Sri Lanka: the ETA, the official site, the government fee, how long you can stay, extensions and the passport rule, with sources.
What you need to enter Sri Lanka
Entry document for a tourist trip: under review — see the official source1. You apply online on the official site, under review — see the official source2, and travel with the approval.
Rules change often, and the government of Sri Lanka decides who enters. Check the official site before you travel.
under review — see the official source6How long you can stay
A tourist ETA allows a stay of up to under review — see the official source4. Plan your dates within that limit, or arrange an extension.
under review — see the official source7Passport rules for Sri Lanka
under review — see the official source5If your passport does not meet this rule, renew it before you apply for the ETA. Routine processing takes under review — see the official source8, plus mailing time: see Renew your U.S. passport by mail. under review — see the official source9 Read Urgent travel: getting a passport fast.
Volunteer, religious or paid work
under review — see the official source10 For these plans, check the official source or ask an immigration attorney.
Travel advisory
The U.S. Department of State currently rates Sri Lanka at under review — see the official source11. Advisory levels can change at any time. Read the current advisory before you book and again before you leave.
Step by step
- Check that your passport meets Sri Lanka's validity rule.
- Book an onward or return ticket and gather proof that you have enough money for your stay.
- Apply for the ETA yourself on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
- Wait for approval, then keep a copy of the ETA with your passport.
- Planning a longer stay? Read the extension rule above and check the official site.
- Shortly before you leave, check the official site and the travel advisory again.
Checklist
Before you fly to Sri Lanka
- Passport that meets Sri Lanka's validity rule
- Approved ETA, with a copy
- Onward or return ticket
- Proof that you have enough money for your stay
- Current U.S. travel advisory read
- Official site checked again for rule changes
Do and don't
Do
- Apply on the official site, under review — see the official source2, and keep a copy of what you submit.
- Carry your onward or return ticket and proof of funds.
- Keep your dates within the stay your ETA allows, or arrange an extension in time.
Don't
- Don't do volunteer, religious or paid work on a tourist ETA. under review — see the official source10
- Don't pay a website that only looks official. Compare what it asks for with the government fee below.
- Don't stay past your permitted date without an extension.
Fees
This table shows the government fee. Passmere does not process visas or travel authorizations and does not charge for this guide.
| What | Paid to | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Government of Sri Lanka | under review — see the official source3 |
Staying longer requires a paid extension. The official site, under review — see the official source2, shows the current fees.
Frequently asked questions
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
For a tourist trip you need an ETA: under review — see the official source1. Apply on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
Does the ETA cost anything?
Government fee for a tourist ETA: under review — see the official source3. Staying longer requires a paid extension; the official site shows the current fees.
Can I stay longer than my ETA allows?
Only with an extension. under review — see the official source7
Can I volunteer on a tourist ETA?
Can Passmere apply for my ETA?
No. Passmere is a private company that prepares U.S. passport paperwork. It does not process visas or travel authorizations and is not part of any government. You apply for the ETA yourself on the official site.
Sources and verification
- Entry document for tourism — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Official ETA website — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Government ETA fee — Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – official website. under review — see the official source
- Maximum stay with an ETA — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Passport validity — Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – official website. under review — see the official source
- Onward ticket and funds — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Staying beyond the visa — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Routine processing time — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Urgent travel: passport agency appointment — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Passport Fast. under review — see the official source
- Volunteer or religious work — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- U.S. Travel Advisory level — U.S. Department of State: Sri Lanka Travel Advisory. under review — see the official source