Do South African citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
The official link goes to eta.gov.lk. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Sri Lanka entry rules for South African citizens.
| Verdict | Travel authorisation before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), tourist |
| Fee | USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival) |
| Stay | 30 days, double entry; extendable at the Department of Immigration & Emigration |
| Validity | 30 days from first arrival, double entry |
| When to apply | Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a South African passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Sri Lanka entry requirements.
The details for a South African passport.
Not on the 40-country free list, so the standard fee applies. Business ETA USD 55. Apply on the official portal eta.gov.lk only (avoid look-alike sites). ETA is not a precondition to board, and an ETA can also be issued on arrival at the airport, but facilities are limited. Extend beyond 30 days via the Department of Immigration & Emigration (online extension portal); extension fees apply. Children under 12 of any nationality get a free 30-day tourist ETA.
How long it must be valid.
At least 6 months after arrival (FCDO); the US State Dept says 6 months beyond departure, so allow 6 months past your planned exit.
Recent changes in Sri Lanka.
- 2025-10-30 — Department of Immigration revoked its 13 Oct 2025 announcement that a pre-travel ETA would be mandatory for short-stay tourist and business visitors from 15 Oct 2025. ETA and on-arrival procedures continue as before.
- 2026-05-25 — Free 30-day tourist ETA (double entry) for nationals of 40 countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. An ETA is still required; fees paid before 25 May 2026 are not refunded.
The short answers.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
No visa, but yes to a form: South African citizens need the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), tourist approved before they fly for stays of 30 days, double entry; extendable at the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
How much does it cost for South African citizens?
USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can South African citizens stay in Sri Lanka?
30 days, double entry; extendable at the Department of Immigration & Emigration. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should South African citizens apply?
Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket.
Where do South African citizens apply?
On the official site, eta.gov.lk. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Sri Lanka visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.