Emergency help

Before you travel

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Apply only on the official site eta.gov.lk; other sites charge extra. Rules and fees change, so check the official pages before you book.

• Tourist ETA: for holidays and visiting friends, normally 30 days from arrival and extendable in Colombo. Processing is usually within one working day.
• Visa-free entry: a few nationalities do not need an ETA (for example Singapore, Seychelles, Maldives). The current list is on immigration.gov.lk.
• Transit: a short transit visa is available; longer or non-tourist stays need an application through a Sri Lankan embassy (mfa.gov.lk).

At the airport

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive.
• Return or onward ticket and the address of your first night (your Ceygate booking confirmation is enough).
• Enough money for your stay; a yellow fever certificate only if you arrive from an affected country.

Staying longer

Extensions are handled by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla, Colombo (+94 11 532 9200). Apply before your permitted stay ends: overstaying means a daily fine and problems at departure.

Leaving

Arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight. Departure tax is included in your ticket. Keep your ETA approval and your entry stamp page handy.