US passport · Sri Lanka
Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
In brief
No visa, but an online authorisation: US passport holders need an online travel authorisation before they travel to Sri Lanka (30 days, double entry).
Sri Lanka ETA fee for US citizens: The tourist ETA is free for US citizens. Official fee. 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.1 |
| Official fee | The tourist ETA is free for US citizens.2 |
| Official processing | Not stated by the official sources we read |
| Where to apply | Apply on the official ETA site yourself, or have a third party such as a travel agent, airline or friend submit it; the Department does not refund ETA payments.4Official site: eta.gov.lk |
Do US citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
The Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka lists the US 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.
Please note that 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 US 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 · checkedTo stay beyond 30 days, apply for an extension: a short visit can be extended up to 270 days from arrival (30 days on entry, then 60, 90 and 90 days); the online extension portal covers up to 6 months.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
How to apply
Apply on the official ETA site yourself, or have a third party such as a travel agent, airline or friend submit it; the Department does not refund ETA payments.
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka · checked
Fee
The tourist ETA is free for US citizens.
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
Not stated by the official sources we read, beyond a valid passport.
What changed
- The free tourist ETA for US citizens started on 25 May 2026; 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 US citizens now?
There is no visa, but US 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 US citizens?
The tourist ETA is free for US citizens.
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa in 7 days?
The official sources we read state no processing time.
Other trips on a US passport
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: entry rule, visa types, entry conditions and changes
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: fees
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: visa types
- Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka: how to apply