Sri Lanka offers an affordable tropical destination for digital nomads with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and growing coworking infrastructure. The ETA system allows stays up to 30 days extendable to 270 days. A Digital Nomad Visa has been announced but not yet implemented. Remote work on tourist visa operates in a gray area with minimal enforcement.
9
Visa Types
42
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Tourist ETA (30 Days)
Electronic Travel Authorization for short-term tourism, valid for 30 days with double entry. The most common visa for visitors to Sri Lanka.
30 days
Duration
$70
— fee
+$60 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Quick online application process
✓Double entry allowed within validity period
✓Extendable up to 270 days total
✓Available on arrival at designated ports (higher fee)
✓Free for children under 12 years
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond entry date
•Completed online ETA application
•Return or onward ticket
•Proof of sufficient funds for stay
•Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic country
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Usually within 24 hours, officially up to 72 hours
1Visit the official ETA website at eta.gov.lk
2Select Tourist Visa and fill in personal and passport details
3Upload passport photo page if required
4Pay the ETA fee online via credit/debit card
5Receive ETA approval via email (typically within 24 hours)
6Print the ETA approval notice to show at immigration
7Present ETA, passport, and return ticket at port of entry
Process: First extension to 90 days costs USD 60. Apply online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk or visit Department of Immigration in Battaramulla. Second extension to 180 days costs USD 100. Third extension to 270 days costs USD 200.
Renewal: After 270 days total stay, you must leave Sri Lanka. You can obtain a new ETA upon re-entry. No minimum time outside the country required.
💡 Pro Tips
•Apply online before travel to avoid higher on-arrival fees
•Keep printed copy of ETA approval for immigration
•Apply for extension at least a week before visa expires
•Extensions are processed at Department of Immigration in Battaramulla, Colombo
•Citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand may be eligible for fee waivers during promotional periods
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Tourist Visa Extension (90 Days)
First extension of the 30-day Tourist ETA, allowing stay up to 90 days total from date of entry.
90 days
Duration
$160
— fee
✅ Key Benefits
✓Stay up to 3 months total
✓Online application available
✓Can extend further to 180 and 270 days
📋 Requirements (6)
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Current valid Tourist ETA
•Completed visa extension application form
•Passport-size photo (45x35mm)
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Proof of accommodation
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 3-5 working days
1Visit eservices.immigration.gov.lk before current visa expires
2Create account and submit extension application
3Upload required documents
4Pay extension fee online
5Wait for processing (typically 3-5 working days)
6Collect passport with extension stamp at Department of Immigration or receive digitally
Process: Further extension to 180 days available for USD 150. Third extension to 270 days for USD 200.
Renewal: After maximum 270 days, must leave country. Can return with new ETA.
💡 Pro Tips
•Apply at least one week before visa expires
•Online extension is faster than in-person
•Keep proof of extension for immigration checks
•Processing typically takes 3 working days for online, longer for in-person
Business ETA (30 Days)
businessPopular
Electronic Travel Authorization for short-term business visits including meetings, negotiations, conferences, and trade activities.
30d
Duration
$85
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Usually within 24 hours, up to 72 hours
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
ETA fee (SAARC countries)For India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan
$30—
ETA fee (other countries)Standard business ETA fee
$55—
Required Total
$85—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Completed online ETA application
•Business invitation letter from Sri Lankan company (recommended)
•Proof of business purpose
•Return or onward ticket
•Proof of sufficient funds
📝 Application Steps
1Visit eta.gov.lk and select Business Purpose Visa
2Complete application with personal and business details
3Provide details of Sri Lankan business contact if applicable
4Pay fee online via credit/debit card
5Receive approval via email
6Present documents at port of entry
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot be used for employment
•Cannot run a local business
•Limited to short-term business activities
•Cannot convert to employment visa in-country
💡 Tips
•Have invitation letter from Sri Lankan business partner ready
•Keep records of business activities for immigration queries
•For regular business travel, consider multiple entry option
Transit Visa
Tourist
Short-term visa for travelers passing through Sri Lanka en route to another destination, valid for up to 2 days.
2d
Duration
$0
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Within 24 hours
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Transit visa feeFree of charge for all nationalities
$0—
Required Total
$0—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours
•Valid visa for destination country if required
📝 Application Steps
1Apply online at eta.gov.lk selecting Transit Visa
2Provide details of onward journey
3No fee required
4Receive approval via email
⚠️ Restrictions
•Maximum 48 hours only
•Cannot be extended
•Must have confirmed onward travel
💡 Tips
•If connecting flight is within 24 hours and you stay airside, no visa needed
•For longer layovers, Tourist ETA is recommended
Tourist Visa Extension (180 Days)
TouristPopular
Second extension allowing stay up to 180 days (6 months) total from date of entry. Popular among long-term travelers and digital nomads.
180d
Duration
$150
— fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱3-7 working days
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Extension fee (90 to 180 days)Additional fee on top of first extension
$150—
Required Total
$150—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Previous 90-day extension stamp
•Completed extension application
•Passport-size photo
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Proof of accommodation
📝 Application Steps
1Apply online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk
2Submit required documents
3Pay extension fee
4Attend Department of Immigration if required
5Receive extension approval
⚠️ Restrictions
•May require in-person visit for this extension
•Cannot work on tourist visa
•Must show sufficient funds for remaining stay
💡 Tips
•Department of Immigration is in Battaramulla, not central Colombo
•Arrive early (by 8:30 AM) for faster processing
•Bring all previous visa documents and extensions
Tourist Visa Extension (270 Days)
TouristPopular
Maximum tourist visa extension allowing stay up to 270 days (9 months) total. Final extension before mandatory departure.
270d
Duration
$200
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱5-10 working days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Extension fee (180 to 270 days)Final extension fee
$200—
Required Total
$200—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Previous 180-day extension stamp
•Completed extension application
•Passport-size photos
•Proof of sufficient funds for remaining 90 days
•Proof of accommodation
•Valid reason for continued stay
📝 Application Steps
1Visit Department of Immigration in Battaramulla in person
2Submit complete application with all documents
3Pay extension fee
4Attend interview if requested
5Collect passport with final extension
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must be processed in person at Immigration office
•No further extensions possible
•Must leave after 270 days
💡 Tips
•Plan your departure well in advance
•Consider visa run to India or Maldives for new ETA
•Keep all extension receipts for future visa applications
Digital Nomad Visa (Announced)
Special Program
One-year visa for remote workers announced in 2021 but not yet implemented. When launched, will allow legal remote work for foreign companies from Sri Lanka.
365d
Duration
$500
— fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Unknown - visa not yet implemented
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Digital Nomad Visa fee (announced)Covers visa holder, spouse, and dependents - NOT YET AVAILABLE
$500—
Required Total
$500—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Proof of remote employment or freelance work for foreign clients
•Proof of minimum monthly income of USD 2000
•Health insurance valid in Sri Lanka
•Clean criminal background check (expected)
📝 Application Steps
1NOT YET AVAILABLE - Check eta.gov.lk for updates
2When launched: Apply through designated portal
3Submit proof of remote work and income
4Provide health insurance documentation
5Pay visa fee
6Income may need to be channeled through Sri Lankan banking system
⚠️ Restrictions
•NOT YET AVAILABLE - Announced but not implemented
•Cannot work for Sri Lankan companies
•Income must come from foreign sources
•May require Sri Lankan bank account for income
💡 Tips
•Until implemented, use Tourist ETA with extensions (up to 270 days)
•Monitor official immigration website for launch announcements
•Remote work on tourist visa is technically not permitted but minimally enforced
•Join digital nomad groups for updates on implementation
Employment Visa (Residence Visa)
Work
Visa for foreign nationals employed by Sri Lankan companies or organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and Entry Visa before travel.
365d
Duration
$250
— fee
+$100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Entry visa approval: 2-4 weeks. Residence visa: 1-2 weeks after arrival
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Residence visa feeAnnual fee for employment visa
$200—
Entry visa feeVaries by mission and nationality
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Health Protection Plan (HPP) medical assessmentRequired medical examination
$100—
Required Total
$250—
+ Additional (estimated)
$100—
Estimated Total
$350—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Job offer from Sri Lankan employer
•Letter from employer confirming employment terms
•Business registration documents of employer
•Visa recommendation letter from line Ministry or BOI
•Entry visa approval from Department of Immigration
•Health Protection Plan (HPP) medical assessment
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain job offer from Sri Lankan employer
2Employer applies to Department of Immigration for Entry Visa approval
3Receive Entry Visa approval notification
4Visit nearest Sri Lankan embassy/consulate to get Entry Visa stamped
5Travel to Sri Lanka on Entry Visa
6Within 30 days of arrival, apply for Residence Visa at Immigration Department
7Complete HPP medical assessment
8Collect Residence Visa endorsement on passport
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer
•Cannot freelance or work for other companies
•Must process Entry Visa before arrival
•Cannot convert from Tourist ETA
💡 Tips
•Start process at least 6 weeks before planned travel
•Cannot enter on Tourist ETA and change to Employment Visa
•Employer must handle most of the paperwork
•Keep copies of all approvals and documents
Student Visa
Education
Visa for foreign students pursuing full-time academic studies at recognized educational institutions in Sri Lanka.
365d
Duration
LKR 30,000
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-6 weeks for Entry Visa approval
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
LKRUSD
Required
Student visa fee (private institutions)Annual fee in Sri Lankan Rupees
LKR 20,000—
Student visa fee (government universities)Reduced annual fee for government university students
LKR 10,000—
Required Total
LKR 30,000—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Acceptance/admission letter from recognized Sri Lankan institution
•Proof of tuition fee payment or scholarship
•Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
•Entry visa approval from Department of Immigration
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain admission to recognized Sri Lankan educational institution
2Institution applies to Immigration for Entry Visa approval
3Receive Entry Visa approval
4Visit Sri Lankan embassy to get Entry Visa stamped
5Travel to Sri Lanka
6Apply for Student Visa at Immigration Department within validity of Entry Visa
7Collect Student Visa endorsement
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work on student visa
•Must be enrolled in full-time studies
•Cannot enter on Tourist ETA and convert
💡 Tips
•Start application process early - at least 6 weeks
•Maintain full-time enrollment to keep visa valid
•Cannot use ETA for study purposes
📊 Quick Facts
CapitalColombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative)
Does Sri Lanka have a dedicated digital nomad visa?
Sri Lanka announced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2021 but it has NOT yet been implemented as of late 2025. When launched, it will cost USD 500 per year, require proof of USD 2,000 monthly income, and allow legal remote work for foreign companies. Until then, most digital nomads use the Tourist ETA (30 days) and extend it up to 270 days total. Remote work on a tourist visa is technically not permitted but enforcement is minimal.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa in Sri Lanka?
Technically, working on a Tourist ETA is not permitted - the visa is strictly for tourism, visiting friends/family, and medical treatment. However, remote work for foreign companies (not Sri Lankan employment) operates in a gray area with minimal enforcement. There have been no widespread reports of digital nomads being penalized for working remotely on tourist visas. The announced Digital Nomad Visa will provide a legal pathway when implemented. Use discretion and avoid advertising work activities.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a 7-day grace period with no penalty - just pay the applicable visa fee at departure. Overstay of 7-14 days incurs a USD 250 penalty plus visa fee. Overstay beyond 14 days incurs a USD 500 penalty plus visa fee. Serious overstays may result in detention, deportation, and being blacklisted from future entry. Always extend your visa before it expires to avoid complications.
How fast is the internet in Sri Lanka for remote work?
Internet speeds in Sri Lanka vary significantly by location and provider. SLT-Mobitel fiber offers average download speeds of 62-100 Mbps in urban areas. Mobile internet averages 30-45 Mbps on 4G. Major providers include SLT-Mobitel, Dialog, and Airtel. Colombo has the best infrastructure, followed by Galle. Coastal tourist areas may have inconsistent connectivity. Coworking spaces typically offer reliable high-speed connections (50-100 Mbps). Power outages can affect connectivity - backup options recommended.
Can foreigners open a bank account in Sri Lanka?
Yes, but options are limited. Foreigners can open Personal Foreign Currency Accounts (PFCA) or Non-Resident Foreign Currency Accounts (NRFC) in USD, EUR, GBP, or other major currencies. Requirements include valid passport, visa, and minimum deposit (typically USD 500 for savings, USD 1,000 for fixed deposits). Regular Sri Lankan Rupee accounts require employment or residence visas. Most digital nomads use international alternatives like Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer. Major banks include Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank, HSBC, and Sampath Bank.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is affordable for digital nomads. Monthly budgets: Budget (USD 600-800) includes basic guesthouse, local food, shared transport. Comfortable (USD 1,000-1,500) includes mid-range apartment, mix of local and international food, occasional coworking. Premium (USD 1,500-2,000+) includes villa/upscale apartment, coworking membership, dining out, activities. Rent ranges from USD 300-600/month for basic apartments to USD 800-1,500 for beachfront villas. Local meals cost USD 2-5, coffee USD 1-3. Colombo is most expensive; south coast (Galle, Weligama, Mirissa) offers best value for nomads.
What are the tax implications for digital nomads in Sri Lanka?
Tax residency in Sri Lanka applies if you spend 183 days or more in the country during a tax year (April 1 to March 31). Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates of 6% to 36%. Non-residents are only taxed on Sri Lankan-source income. Remote workers earning solely from foreign sources, staying less than 183 days, generally have no Sri Lankan tax obligations. Interest earned on foreign currency accounts is typically exempt. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation, especially if staying long-term.
Is Sri Lanka safe for digital nomads and tourists?
Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists and digital nomads. The US State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) mainly due to civil unrest and terrorism risks. Common concerns: petty theft in tourist areas, tuk-tuk overcharging, and occasional scams. Avoid political protests and demonstrations. The northern areas have some landmine risks in previously war-affected zones. Tourist areas (Colombo, Galle, south coast) are well-traveled and safe with normal precautions. Use ride apps like PickMe to avoid tuk-tuk scams. Women should exercise standard precautions especially when traveling alone.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Sri Lanka?
Popular digital nomad destinations include: Colombo - capital city with best coworking spaces (Worx, Likuid Spaces, Hatch), reliable internet, urban amenities. Galle - historic fort town with cafes, growing coworking scene, beach access, colonial charm. Weligama/Mirissa - surf towns on south coast, laid-back vibe, growing nomad community, beachfront work. Ahangama/Hiriketiya - emerging nomad hubs with coworking cafes, surf culture, affordable living. Ella - hill country for cooler climate, scenic views, tea plantations. Each offers different vibes from urban energy to beach lifestyle to mountain retreat.
How do I extend my tourist visa in Sri Lanka?
You can extend your Tourist ETA online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk or in person at Department of Immigration in Battaramulla. First extension (30 to 90 days): USD 60-100 depending on nationality. Second extension (90 to 180 days): USD 150. Third extension (180 to 270 days): USD 200, must be in person. Apply at least one week before visa expires. Online processing takes 3-5 working days. Bring passport, photos, proof of funds, and accommodation. The Immigration office is open 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday to Friday. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
⚠️
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025