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Sri Lanka Visa for Australians: Free ETA Guide 2026

Traveloka Xperience

1 min read

Sri Lanka requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) from Australian visitors — but since January 2026, the fee that used to apply has been scrapped. Australia is now among 40 countries whose citizens can enter on a free ETA, saving AUD 80 per person compared to the previous USD 50 charge. The ETA itself is still mandatory; only the cost has been removed. You apply through Sri Lanka's official portal, get approved usually within 24 hours, and present the confirmation on arrival at Colombo.

Sri Lanka ETA: What You Need to Know

Detail	Information
ETA required	Yes — mandatory before arrival
Fee for Australians	Free (since January 2026)
Stay permitted	30 days
Entry type	Double entry within 180-day validity
Processing time	Usually within 24 hours, often faster
Application portal	eta.gov.lk (official only)
Passport validity	At least 6 months from arrival date

One important caveat: third-party websites that rank for "Sri Lanka ETA" often charge a service fee for what is now a completely free application. Always apply directly at eta.gov.lk.

Most routes from Australia to Colombo connect through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or the Middle East. Compare flights across carriers and connection points to find the best combination of price and travel time.

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How to Apply for the Sri Lanka ETA

Go to eta.gov.lk

Select "Apply as Individual" then "Tourist ETA"

Enter your passport details and travel dates

Confirm the zero-fee total before submitting — if you are being charged, you are on the wrong site

Submit and check your email (including spam) for your approval reference

Print the approval or save it to your phone — present it at immigration at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport

Extending Your Stay

The standard tourist ETA allows 30 days with one additional entry within the 180-day window. If you want more time:

A 30-day extension can be applied for at the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo — process in person at least a week before your ETA expires

For a longer stay planned in advance, apply for a long-term Sri Lanka visa through the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra before you leave Australia

Practical Notes

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) — USD and AUD are not accepted at most local businesses, though exchange is available at the airport and in major cities

Respect dress codes at Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines, and other religious sites — cover shoulders and knees throughout the country, not just at major tourist sites

Sri Lanka's roads outside Colombo can be slow — factor travel time into your itinerary, particularly for the Kandy and Ella routes

Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended

Sigiriya, the whale watching season at Mirissa, Udawalawe's elephant population, Ella's train ride, and the surf breaks on the south coast all benefit from advance planning. Browse things to do in Sri Lanka and book what you can before landing.

Book Your Sri Lanka Trip with Traveloka

Compare flights to Colombo, browse hotels from guesthouses in Ella and Galle to beachfront resorts in Mirissa and Unawatuna, and pre-book things to do through Traveloka — Southeast Asia's leading travel aplikasi. Check deals on Traveloka for Sri Lanka travel promotions and download the Traveloka aplikasi to keep your bookings in one place.