Embassy
Embassy of the United States in Sri Lanka
210 Galle Road
Sri Lanka visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, for up to 30 days.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
LKA
Sri Lanka
Visa on arrival
Get it at the airport or border.
- Visa
- On arrival
- Max stay
- 30 days
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo.
Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
Queue at the visa-on-arrival desk before immigration in Sri Lanka.
Ways into Sri Lanka
Most tourist ETAs allow 30 days and 2 entries.
eTA required For your passportFree tourist ETAFree online travel approval for tourists from 42 eligible countries.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- Free
- Entries
- Double
How to apply
- Apply on the official ETA website.
- Wait for approval before travel.
- Carry your approved ETA.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Approved ETA
- Confirmed return ticket
- Proof of enough money
- Your second entry only allows the days left from your first 30 days.
- Official pages disagree on how soon you must first enter.
eTA requiredPaid tourist ETAOnline travel approval for tourists outside the free schemes who can apply directly.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- South Asia: 20 USD; others: 50 USD
- Entries
- Double
How to apply
- Apply on the official tourist ETA website.
- Pay the fee for your country.
- Wait for approval before travel.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Approved ETA
- Confirmed return ticket
- Proof of enough money
- A second entry does not restart your 30 days.
- You cannot get a refund or transfer the fee.
eTA requiredFree child tourist ETAChildren under 12 pay no tourist ETA fee for up to 30 days.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- Free
- Entries
- Double
How to apply
- Apply for the child's tourist ETA.
- Use a sponsor if the child's nationality requires one.
- Wait for approval before travel.
Documents required
- Child's passport valid 180 days
- Approved ETA
- Return ticket
- Proof of enough money
- Each child still needs an application.
- Fees for extra days depend on nationality.
Visa requiredEmbassy tourist visaApply through a Sri Lankan embassy, including for stays over 30 days.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Ask your embassy for the fee
- Processing
- 5 days
How to apply
- Complete the embassy's tourist visa form.
- Submit your passport, required papers and fee.
- Collect your visa or follow its postal return steps.
Documents required
- Tourist visa form
- Passport valid 180 days
- Passport photo page copy
- Return ticket
- Proof of enough money
- 2 blank pages
- The embassy decides your stay and whether you get 1 or 2 entries.
- Fees depend on nationality, stay and number of entries.
Sources (25)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Department of Immigration and Emigration
- Current free tourist ETA scheme and ETA exemptions
- Special notice effective 25 May 2026
- Official ETA portal and sponsor alerts
- Official ETA fees
- Official ETA application methods and entry requirements
- Official ETA frequently asked questions
- Official short-visit purposes, entries and exclusions
- Foreign Ministry: Travel and Visa Services
- Foreign Ministry: diplomatic visa procedures
- Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington: Visa Issuance
- Sri Lankan High Commission in London: Tourist and Transit Visa
- Sri Lankan High Commission in London: Business Visa
- Sri Lankan High Commission in London: Residence and Work Visa
- Sri Lankan High Commission in London: visa processing times
- Sri Lankan High Commission in India: current tourist notice
- Sri Lankan Embassy in Vienna: ETA approval and sponsor requirements
- Sri Lankan Embassy in Stockholm: tourist and transit rules
- Immigration: general visa information and residence categories
- Immigration: Residence Visa
- Immigration: Visa Fees
- Immigration: Business Visa
- Immigration: Digital Nomad Visa Category
- Immigration: Investor Visa Category
- Ministry of Health: residence Health Protection Plan
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Trips to Sri Lanka
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from United States
- Plugs D G MAdapter needed
- MoneyLKR Rs
- Time+17h 30m
- DrivingOn the leftLook right first
- LanguageSinhala
- Emergency119 police110 ambulance
Planning your Sri Lanka trip
Best time to go: Choose your dates by region. The southwest rainy season affects the west, southwest and hills from April to July; the northeast rainy season affects the east coast from November to March. Weather across the country is often unsettled in October and November, while the hills are sunniest from January to March.
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicThis historic temple holds a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. The building was once a royal palace.
- Anuradhapura and PolonnaruwaThese ancient cities are highlights of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.
- Nuwara EliyaSee English-style villages, tea estates and Hakgala gardens.
- Sri Lanka's beachesUnawatuna, Galle, Weligama and Bentota are well known. Dikwella, Kalpitiya and SK Town offer quieter options.
Scams to watch for in Sri Lanka
- Unwanted sales approaches and pressureDrivers or vendors approach you before you have chosen to use them. You may end up paying too much because you have not compared prices. Around Anuradhapura, souvenir vendors may follow you and keep selling after you refuse. An approach alone does not prove a scam.
- False claims that your destination is closedSomeone offers travel advice or directions, then says your destination is closed, dangerous or does not exist. A driver may claim your hotel is closed or full. This can steer you away from your original plans.
- Tuk-tuk rides without a running meterSome tuk-tuks do not have their meters running. If you leave without a working meter or an agreed fare, you have less protection against an inflated price.
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island republic in the Indian Ocean, just off the southeastern coast of India.
- Capital
- Colombo
- Money
- Sri Lankan rupee (Rs)
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Time zone
- UTC+05:30
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +94
Other Americas passports
Going to Sri Lanka
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Sri Lanka with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do american citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
American citizens get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, for up to 30 days.
How long can american citizens stay in Sri Lanka?
Up to 30 days each visit with the visa on arrival rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Can I get the Sri Lanka visa at the airport?
Yes. American citizens get the visa when they land in Sri Lanka. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo, your return ticket and hotel details.
Do sri lankan citizens need a visa for the United States?
Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for the United States, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to Sri Lanka?
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Belize Bolivia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Sri Lanka are easier for american citizens?
Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Armenia Brunei, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Sri Lanka?
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo. Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
What money is used in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lankan rupee (Rs). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala and Tamil.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck