How long can you stay in Sri Lanka without a visa in 2026 and what does a tourist need for this?
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Answered by Admin
Since May 25, 2026, a simplified visa regime has been in effect for citizens of Russia and 40 other countries in Sri Lanka, essentially replacing the previous visa-free entry. Formally, a visa is not required, but before departure you must obtain a free electronic travel authorization ETA. With it, you can stay in the country for up to 30 days.
Please note that 30 days is the period of stay, not the validity period of the authorization itself. The ETA is valid for entry within 180 days from the moment of receipt, meaning you can arrive, for example, two months after applying, and the 30-day countdown will still only begin from the date of crossing the border.
With the free ETA, double entry is allowed: you can leave once and return again, but the total period of stay in the country must not exceed 30 days per visit.
What is needed for visa-free entry for 30 days?
- Fill out the free electronic form on the official website eta.gov.lk before departure. Without ETA confirmation, you may simply not be allowed to board the flight.
- Have a passport valid for at least another 6 months from the date of entry.
- Have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country to confirm that you will not stay longer than the permitted period.
ETA processing for Russians and citizens of other countries on the list is free, including for children under 12. For citizens of other states, the ETA visa is paid, from 50 dollars. You can also get a visa on arrival at Colombo Airport, but this will cost 60 dollars, and you may not be allowed to leave the departure airport without a pre-arranged authorization.
What to do if 30 days is not enough?
If you want to stay in Sri Lanka longer, the visa can be extended on site. The extension is done online or at the immigration office in Colombo. Another 60 days will be added to your 30 days, so the total period of continuous stay will be 90 days. Keep in mind: this is specifically about adding 60 days, not about the possibility of extending the visa for another 90 days.
For ETA processing, a pre-purchased return ticket is not required – it is asked for upon entry into the country, and not always even then. But it is still advisable to have it with you.
We have described in detail all the nuances, timelines, and costs in our reliable and honest guide: Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?. We also recommend reading the step-by-step instructions, how to apply for an electronic ETA visa online, so that you do not encounter problems on the website.
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Comments 1
💥 Thanks, useful link 😊!