Visitor & short-stay visas
Sri Lankan Transit Visa
A short entry facility for travellers passing through Sri Lanka en route to another country.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The maximum permitted transit stay (reported as around two days) is not stated as a verified figure because it was not confirmable from the official pages fetched.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Sri Lanka government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Transit Visa
- Route type
- Short transit facility
- Fee
- Free
- Per the official fee schedule
- Purpose
- Passing through Sri Lanka to another destination
- Maximum stay
- 48 hours
- Per the Department of Immigration and Emigration. A transit visa is required only if you leave the airport / stay more than 24 hours awaiting a connecting flight.
- Number of entries
- Single entry
- Cost
- Free
- The Transit ETA is issued free of charge for a connecting journey of up to 48 hours.
- Where to apply
- Online ETA portal, on arrival, or a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission
- Transit visas can be obtained online before travel, at the port of entry, or in advance from a Sri Lankan mission abroad.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months beyond your date of entry
Who it is for
- Travellers connecting through Sri Lanka to a third country
- Passengers with a short layover who need to enter the country briefly
How to apply
- Apply through the ETA system, selecting the transit category
- Provide onward travel details
- Present the approval on arrival
Requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Sri Lanka.
- A confirmed onward or connecting ticket to a destination outside Sri Lanka — the transit visa is granted only for a journey incidental to onward travel.
- A transit visa is needed only if you leave the airport or stay more than 24 hours awaiting your connecting flight; it is not required if you remain within the airport transit area.
- The transit stay must not exceed 48 hours. If your stopover is longer, you must instead apply for a Tourist ETA.
Documents you may need
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
- Your onward or connecting flight ticket to a third destination.
- Evidence of your onward travel arrangements (booking confirmation).
Frequently asked questions
No. A transit visa is not required if you stay within the airport transit area and do not pass through immigration. You need one only if you leave the airport or wait more than 24 hours for a connecting flight.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.