Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Official Requirement
Visa on arrival
for South Africa citizens travelling to Sri Lanka
Where the ETA online system is experiencing technical issues, some visitors may apply for a visa upon arrival at the immigration counter at the port of entry. Visitors transiting Sri Lanka by air with a connecting flight within 24 hours do not require a visa.
Checked 8 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Galle
The short answer
South African citizens can get a visa on arrival to enter Sri Lanka for stays of up to 30 days. A visa is issued at the border on arrival in Sri Lanka. The fee is free for nationals of 40 designated countries. Fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable. On arrival: an Electronic Travel Authorisation has to be obtained before arrival. Immigration states that all foreign nationals, including those of the 40 designated countries, must obtain one. Conditions: the free authorisation is valid for 30 days. A holder who wishes to remain beyond 30 days may apply for a visa extension. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. This was last checked on 8 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Sri Lanka
- Requirement
- Visa on arrival
- Maximum stay
- Up to 30 days
- Fee
- Free for nationals of 40 designated countries. Fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable.
- On arrival
- An Electronic Travel Authorisation has to be obtained before arrival. Immigration states that all foreign nationals, including those of the 40 designated countries, must obtain one.
- Conditions
- The free authorisation is valid for 30 days. A holder who wishes to remain beyond 30 days may apply for a visa extension.
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Sri Lanka
Apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation before you travel. It is required of all foreign nationals, including those of the 40 designated countries who pay no fee.
Check whether your nationality is one of the 40 for which the authorisation is free.
Plan for a stay of 30 days on the free authorisation.
Apply for an extension if you need longer than 30 days.
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your Sri Lanka eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Sri Lanka
Yes, but it is issued at the border. South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. This was last checked on 8 September 2026.
Up to 30 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Sri Lanka uses LKR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 8 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →