Sri Lanka visa: How much does an online eTA cost?

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations for French and European travellers these days. But a trip to this country needs to be organised in advance, particularly in terms of the official documents you need to have in your possession. This of course includes obtaining an online visa, also known as an eTA, which will allow you to enter Sri Lanka legally. On this page, we'll show you the price of an eTA visa for Sri Lanka, depending on the purpose of your trip.

Sri Lanka eTA visa price: key points

• The eTA price for Sri Lanka is currently around $50 per traveller.
• The price for a business eTA to Sri Lanka is around $55
• The transit visa price for Sri Lanka is free of charge
• The eTA visa for Sri Lanka is free for children under the age of 12.

The eTA Sri Lanka visa price as a tourist

First of all, if you wish to visit Sri Lanka for tourist reasons, you should be aware that the type of electronic authorization you will need to apply for is the tourist eTA. This will work in particular for stays to visit family for a holiday or for a leisure trip.

With this electronic authorization, you will be able to reside in Sri Lanka for a maximum of 30 consecutive days.

If you wish to obtain a tourist eTA, the price is currently $50 per traveller, excluding any processing fees.

Once obtained, this electronic residence authorization will be valid for 6 months and will allow double entry into the country.

The eTA business visa price for Sri Lanka :

If you wish to travel to Sri Lanka on business, you will need to apply for a specific eTA called a business eTA. This electronic residence authorisation applies to business travellers to Sri Lanka for the purpose of attending meetings, seminars or training courses.

Unlike the tourist eTA, the business eTA is valid for a stay of 30 consecutive days, but may allow you unlimited multiple entries into Sri Lanka during its validity. The total validity of this business visa is 90 days.

This business eTA costs around $55, excluding any processing fees.

Sri Lanka eTA price by nationality

The eTA for Sri Lanka is available to most foreign travellers, but the price varies mainly according to the type of visa requested (tourist or business) and the applicant's nationality. Here is a general breakdown of prices:

• Western countries (Europe, North America, Australia): Citizens from countries such as France, Spain, the United States or Australia generally pay a standard fee for a tourist eTA, which amounts to USD 50 for double entry.
• South-East Asian countries and SAARC: Citizens of member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), such as India, Nepal and the Maldives, often benefit from preferential rates. For example, a tourist eTA for an Indian citizen costs around USD 20, more than half that for a European.
• Fee-exempt countries: Some countries, under bilateral or regional agreements, benefit from a total exemption from eTA fees for short stays. This is the case for citizens of the Maldives or the Seychelles, who can visit Sri Lanka without paying a fee for a tourist eTA.
• Nationalities subject to higher fees: In a few cases, citizens of certain countries may be charged additional fees for eTA, often linked to less favourable diplomatic agreements or increased security requirements.

There are a number of reasons for differences in Sri Lankan eTA prices:

• Bilateral and regional agreements: SAARC member countries benefit from reduced fares thanks to regional agreements aimed at encouraging tourism and cultural exchanges. These diplomatic relations have a direct impact on the price of visas for their citizens.
• Purchasing power of countries of origin: Sri Lanka also adjusts eTA rates according to the purchasing power of travellers. Tourists from more economically developed countries, such as the United States or the European Union, pay a higher standard rate.
• Facilitating tourism: To attract more visitors, the Sri Lankan government applies reduced or waived fees for certain strategic countries, such as the Seychelles or the Maldives. This is intended to boost regional tourism and strengthen diplomatic relations.
• Administrative management and security: Countries where additional checks are required to process applications may incur slightly higher fees. This reflects the additional costs of ensuring the security and compliance of applications.

The eTA price for Sri Lanka is far from uniform, and travellers should take into account their nationality to anticipate the cost of their application. These differences reflect geopolitical, economic and administrative factors, tailored to Sri Lanka's tourism and diplomatic objectives. Before planning a trip, it is advisable to consult the official Sri Lankan eTA website to find out the exact fees applicable to your situation, so as to avoid any surprises and enjoy this magnificent country to the full.

Is it possible to get a visa for Sri Lanka for free?

As we have just seen, the fee for the eTA to travel to Sri Lanka is relatively low compared to what it was necessary to pay to obtain a visa previously. However, there are exceptions and free of charge for certain eligible applicants since 2019.

The following are the special cases where you will not need to obtain an eTA to travel to Sri Lanka:

• In transit through Sri Lanka: If your travel destination is not Sri Lanka but your aircraft has a stopover or transit in the country, you will not need to obtain an official travel authorisation for a fee. You will, however, need to present a transit eTA which is provided free of charge. This type of eTA allows you to stay in the country for up to 48 hours.
• For minors under 12 years of age: Finally, minors under 12 years of age who travel in the company of an adult with an eTA authorisation do not have to apply for a fee. The travel authorisation will be issued to them free of charge.

However, it should be remembered here that if you are eligible for a free eTA application, you will still have to apply for it in order to obtain this travel authorisation. It is not strictly speaking a visa waiver.

Thus, you will have to fill in the visitor visa application form in the same way as a tourist or business traveller, providing the same information. The only difference is that this time you will not have to pay a fee.

How to avoid paying too much for your eTA visa for Sri Lanka?

As we have just seen, it is relatively easy to obtain an eTA visa for travel to Sri Lanka directly online. However, although your application can be completed in a matter of minutes, this does not mean that you will always have the approval of the Sri Lankan authorities to obtain this famous travel document.

However, if your application for an eTA is rejected by the Sri Lankan authorities, you will have to reapply as soon as possible and pay the application fee again. So it will cost you a lot more.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that you use a quality service provider who offers online application support and who will also systematically check all the information on your form before sending it to the Sri Lankan authorities. This will prevent you from making mistakes in the form that could lead to a refusal and the need to reapply.

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.