Sri Lanka: do South Africans need a visa?

Tourist ETA covers tourism, visiting friends and relatives, and similar short visits. A separate business ETA (30 days, multiple entry) covers business visits. Transit visas cover stopovers of up to 2 days.24

Confirmed on an official government source

At least 6 months from the date of arrival. When extending, your stay should end at least two months before your passport expires.356

Confirmed on an official government source

Apply online at the official site eta.gov.lk (www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/) and pay by card. Fee for South Africans (all other countries, non-SAARC): tourist ETA US$ 50 for 30 days double entry; business ETA US$ 55 for 30 days multiple entry. Children under 12 get a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days. Other options: a travel agent, airline or relative can lodge it for you; a Sri Lankan mission can issue it (decision within 3 business days); or the Immigration Head Office in Battaramulla. ETA on arrival at BIA is a limited facility and costs extra. Pay only on the official site to avoid paying twice at the port of entry.235

Confirmed on an official government source

Online at eta.gov.lk. In South Africa, the High Commission of Sri Lanka, 410 Alexander Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria (tel +27 12 460 7679, consular.pretoria@mfa.gov.lk, Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:30) issues visas by appointment.37

Confirmed on an official government source

Not mandatory for a tourist ETA. No insurance requirement appears on eta.gov.lk or immigration.gov.lk.35

Confirmed on an official government source

Required. ETA holders must present a confirmed return ticket.3

Confirmed on an official government source

Required. ETA holders must have sufficient funds for the stay. No minimum amount is published.35

Confirmed on an official government source

Not required at entry for ordinary tourists. An accommodation address and phone number are needed when applying for an extension.6

Confirmed on an official government source

Sri Lanka requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you arrive from a yellow fever transmission-risk country. Arriving directly from South Africa, none is needed. Return to South Africa: Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever risk country, so no certificate is needed for the return, unless you transited through a risk country (more than 12 hours in the airport of a risk country).89

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Since 1 January 2023 the Department of Immigration and Emigration lets foreigners complete the arrival card online up to 3 days before travel at eservices.immigration.gov.lk (eEmbarkation). We could not confirm on an official page whether online completion is mandatory; paper cards have historically been available at the airport.1011

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Tourist ETAs can be extended online or at the Head Office in Battaramulla, up to 6 months in total. Extension fees for non-SAARC nationals: US$ 60 for 31 to 90 days, US$ 150 for 91 to 180 days, US$ 200 for 181 to 270 days. Overstay penalties (Gazette 2337/10): departing within 7 days of expiry, you pay only the visa fee; 7 to 14 days over, US$ 250 penalty; more than 14 days, US$ 500 penalty.5612

Confirmed on an official government source

Transit visa, single entry for up to 2 days, is free. Apply through the ETA system.24

Confirmed on an official government source

Children of any nationality under 12 get a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days, but still need an ETA and must extend if staying beyond 30 days. No special consent letter requirement was found on Sri Lankan official pages. South Africa's own exit rules for minors apply when leaving South Africa.26

Confirmed on an official government source