British passport · Sri Lanka
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
In brief
No visa, but an online authorisation: British passport holders need an online travel authorisation before they travel to Sri Lanka (30 days, double entry).
Sri Lanka ETA fee for UK citizens: Since 25 May 2026 British citizens get Sri Lanka's tourist ETA free of charge; ETA fees paid before that date are not refunded. Official fee since . Source: Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka, checked .
Conditions: ETA issued free of charge (scheme in force since 25 May 2026, no end date given).
With effect from 25.05.2026, nationals of the following 40 countries are eligible to obtain tourist visa (ETA) free-of-charge for a period of 30 days.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka
Checked 1 Nov 2026Source: Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri LankaApply only at eta.gov.lkReport a change
Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.
ContentsIn brief
At a glance
| Access | ETA · 30 days, double entryETA issued free of charge (scheme in force since 25 May 2026, no end date given) |
|---|---|
| Stay | 30 days, double entry |
| Validity and entries | The free ETA gives 30 days with a double entry, counted from your first arrival in Sri Lanka.1Once the ETA is issued, you must enter Sri Lanka within three months.2 |
| Official fee | Since 25 May 2026 British citizens get Sri Lanka's tourist ETA free of charge; ETA fees paid before that date are not refunded.1 |
| Official processing | Not stated by the official sources we read |
| Where to apply | Apply online yourself or through a third party such as a travel agent, or at a Sri Lankan mission; a limited ETA counter at Bandaranaike International Airport charges extra fees.2Official site: eta.gov.lk |
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
The Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka lists the UK among the countries whose nationals need an online travel authorisation before they travel. Stay: 30 days, double entry. Conditions: ETA issued free of charge (scheme in force since 25 May 2026, no end date given).
“With effect from 25.05.2026, nationals of the following 40 countries are eligible to obtain tourist visa (ETA) free-of-charge for a period of 30 days.”
Conditions and exceptions
Even though it is free, you must get the ETA before you arrive in Sri Lanka.
all foreign nationals, including nationals of the above-mentioned 40 countries ... are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
Sri Lanka visa types for UK citizens
The free ETA gives 30 days with a double entry, counted from your first arrival in Sri Lanka.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checkedOnce the ETA is issued, you must enter Sri Lanka within three months.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checkedTo stay longer than 30 days, apply for an extension (a visa fee applies): a short visit can be extended up to 270 days from arrival (30 days on entry, then 60, 90 and 90 days).
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
How to apply
Apply online yourself or through a third party such as a travel agent, or at a Sri Lankan mission; a limited ETA counter at Bandaranaike International Airport charges extra fees.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
Fee
Since 25 May 2026 British citizens get Sri Lanka's tourist ETA free of charge; ETA fees paid before that date are not refunded.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
These are government fees as the official sources state them. Agencies add their own service fees; those are not visa fees, and we don't list them.
Processing time
The official sources we read state no processing time.
Documents and entry checks
What changed
- Since 25 May 2026 British citizens get Sri Lanka's tourist ETA free of charge; ETA fees paid before that date are not refunded. Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
- Checked against the official sources on this page: the rule above still holds.
FAQ
Is Sri Lanka visa-free for UK citizens now?
There is no visa, but UK citizens need an online travel authorisation before they travel (30 days, double entry). Conditions: ETA issued free of charge (scheme in force since 25 May 2026, no end date given).
How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost for UK citizens?
Since 25 May 2026 British citizens get Sri Lanka's tourist ETA free of charge; ETA fees paid before that date are not refunded.
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa in 7 days?
The official sources we read state no processing time.
Other trips on a British passport
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: entry rule, fees, visa types and entry conditions
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: documents, visa types and how to apply
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: visa types