© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
Yes — Bangladeshi travellers need a Sri Lanka ETA before they fly. Sri Lanka requires most visitors to hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure, and Bangladeshi citizens are included. Although Sri Lanka and Bangladesh share close ties as neighbours in the SAARC region, Bangladeshi tourists are not exempt: you still need an approved ETA to board your flight and enter the country.
The ETA is requested entirely online, so there is no embassy appointment to arrange for a standard short visit. It covers the most common reasons Bangladeshis travel to Sri Lanka — holidays, visiting friends and family, pilgrimage, and business meetings. You can review the destination on our Sri Lanka travel hub or go straight to the Sri Lanka ETA page.
This is the most important update for 2026. Since 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka has made the tourist ETA free for a list of 40 nationalities. However, Bangladesh is NOT on that free list, which means Bangladeshi travellers apply under the standard ETA — the usual procedure and the standard official charge still apply. In short, the free-of-charge change does not extend to Bangladeshi passport holders, so you should plan to apply through the normal ETA process.
| Point | What it means for Bangladeshis |
|---|---|
| Free ETA for 40 nationalities (from 25 May 2026) | Does not include Bangladesh |
| Which ETA applies | The standard tourist ETA |
| Application method | Online, before departure |
| What is needed | The usual documents and procedure |
The ETA is required for most Bangladeshi citizens travelling to Sri Lanka for a short visit, whatever the reason for the trip. There is no group ETA: each traveller needs their own authorization tied to their own passport. Bangladeshi families travelling together should plan an individual application for every member, including children, so that everyone has an approved ETA linked to the passport they will travel on.
The tourist ETA covers the typical purposes Bangladeshis visit Sri Lanka — beach holidays and island touring, sightseeing in destinations such as Kandy, Galle and the tea country, pilgrimage, and business meetings. If your plans involve long-term work, study, or residence rather than a short visit, you should confirm the correct category before you travel, as the tourist ETA is intended for temporary stays.
The ETA is requested online, but Sri Lanka still expects you to meet its entry conditions. Have the following ready before you apply, and keep them available for the airline and for immigration on arrival:
Because direct and one-stop flights connect Dhaka and Colombo, many Bangladeshi travellers apply a few days before departure. Aim to submit your ETA well ahead of your flight so your approval has time to come through.
For Bangladeshi applicants, the Sri Lanka ETA is commonly approved within around 24 to 72 hours, with confirmation sent by email and linked to your passport. Because timing can vary with demand and additional checks, the best practice is to apply several days before your flight rather than at the last minute. If any extra information is requested, respond quickly so your approval is not held up, and avoid leaving your application until you are at the airport.
The tourist ETA typically allows a stay of up to 30 days, commonly with double entry, and must be used within its validity window. The ETA is tied to the specific passport you used to apply, so if you renew or replace your passport, or plan a separate future trip, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to the current document. Plan your travel dates so your arrival and stay fall inside the period the ETA covers, and confirm the exact validity shown on your approval before you fly.
The ETA gets you onto the plane, but entry is granted at the border only once an immigration officer is satisfied you meet the entry conditions. Be ready on arrival in Sri Lanka to present your valid Bangladeshi passport (valid 6+ months), your approved ETA confirmation, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carrying these in an easy-to-reach folder — printed or on your phone — makes the arrival process faster and smoother.
An approved ETA allows you to board your flight, but the final decision to enter Sri Lanka rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Present the same passport you used to apply, along with your ETA confirmation, and be ready to explain the purpose and length of your visit, where you will stay, and that you have the means to support your trip. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will admit you and you can begin your stay.
Every traveller needs their own ETA, including children and infants, because each one is linked to an individual passport. A parent or guardian can complete the application on a child's behalf using the child's own passport details. If you are travelling as a Bangladeshi family, simply submit a separate application for each member, and make sure each child's accommodation and return ticket details are covered just as they are for the adults.
Bangladeshi travellers need a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they fly. It is requested online and is required for most short visits, including tourism, pilgrimage and business. Although Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are SAARC neighbours, Bangladeshi tourists are not exempt from the ETA.
No. Since 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA is free for a list of 40 nationalities, but Bangladesh is not on that list. Bangladeshi travellers apply under the standard ETA, where the usual procedure still applies.
Because Bangladesh is not on the free list, the standard official charge for the tourist ETA applies. If you apply through an assisted service, an optional service fee may be added for help completing the form, error checks and support. You can see the details on the application page before you submit.
For Bangladeshi applicants, the ETA is commonly approved within around 24 to 72 hours, with confirmation sent by email. Timing can vary with demand, so apply several days before your flight rather than at the airport.
The tourist ETA typically allows a stay of up to 30 days, commonly with double entry, and must be used within its validity window. Always confirm the exact validity and stay shown on your approval before you travel.
You need a Bangladeshi passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, proof of sufficient funds and a valid email address for your approval. Keep these ready for the airline and for immigration on arrival.
Yes. Every traveller needs an individual ETA linked to their own passport, including children and infants. A parent or guardian can apply on a child's behalf using the child's passport details.
No. The ETA authorises you to board your flight, but the final decision is made by an immigration officer on arrival. Be ready to show a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay.