June 28, 2025

Yes. Australian citizens need a Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka, even for short vacations. Fortunately, the process is entirely online and typically approved within 1–3 business days.

In this guide, we’ll walk Australian passport holders through the simple and hassle-free process of obtaining a tourist visa for Sri Lanka in 2025.

Here’s what Australian travellers should know:

• Duration: 30 days
• Entries: Double entry (you can re-enter once within the 30 days)
• Validity: 6 months from the date of issue (but you must enter within this period)
• Extension: Yes, extendable up to 180 days in total after arrival via the Immigration Office in Colombo

How to Apply for a Tourist ETA from Australia

The process is fast and straightforward:

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website:
    www.eta.gov.lk
2. Fill out the application
3. Pay the visa fee:
   • Tourist ETA for Australians: ~USD 50 (check for updates)
   • Payable by Visa, MasterCard, or other major cards
4. Wait for approval:
   • Usually sent via email within 24–72 hours

Tip: We suggest to only apply via the above official link.