Do I really upload no documents?

Correct — the official ETA portal states no passport copies, documents or photos are needed for the online application. You show your passport at the border instead.

Am I eligible for the free ETA?

It depends on your nationality. The 40-country free list took effect 25 May 2026 — check the official fees page rather than assuming, since the policy is recent.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka · ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Sri Lanka ETA — free for 40 countries, and no documents to upload

Sri Lanka's tourist ETA is now free for nationals of 40 designated countries (30-day stay), USD 20 for SAARC nationals, and USD 50 for everyone else — and unusually, the official portal requires no documents or photos for the online application. Apply at eta.gov.lk. Whether you get the free ETA depends on your nationality, so check the official fees page.

who needs it	Visitors who aren't covered by the free-ETA country list or a bilateral arrangement. The free list took effect 25 May 2026, so verify your nationality against the current official page.
government fee	Free / USD 20 / USD 50 — free for 40 designated countries; USD 20 SAARC; USD 50 other; under-12s exemptsource: Sri Lanka ETA official fees page · verified 2026-07
processing	official SLA not published — commonly 24–72 hours, pending confirmationwe could not find a government-published processing time; treat 24–72 hours as indicative until confirmed · source: Sri Lanka ETA official info page · verified 2026-07
length of stay	30 days, standard tourist ETA.

documents you will need

No documents or photos are required for the online application — the official portal states this explicitly
Your passport (valid 6+ months) is presented physically at the port of entry, not uploaded

how the process runs

01Check your nationality against the official fees page — you may qualify for the free ETA
02Apply at the official portal eta.gov.lk
03Pay the fee that applies to your nationality (free / USD 20 / USD 50), if any
04Receive the ETA and present your passport at the port of entry

why applications get refused

Note: Sri Lanka's official pages don't publish a rejection-reason list. Common causes elsewhere (incomplete or inconsistent application data, passport validity shortfall, payment failure) are industry-inferred, not government-stated.

questions we actually get

Do I really upload no documents?: Correct — the official ETA portal states no passport copies, documents or photos are needed for the online application. You show your passport at the border instead.
Am I eligible for the free ETA?: It depends on your nationality. The 40-country free list took effect 25 May 2026 — check the official fees page rather than assuming, since the policy is recent.

rules change. we verify before we act.

This guide reflects the official sources as of 2026-07 (matrix 2026.Q3). For a decision about your own case, that is not enough — talk to a licensed advisor.

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