© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
Yes — Nigerian citizens need a Sri Lanka ETA before they travel. Sri Lanka requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from most visitors, and Nigerian passport holders are included. The ETA is requested entirely online, so there is no embassy appointment or visa sticker to arrange. Your airline checks the approved ETA electronically at check-in, and without it you can be refused boarding.
The tourist ETA covers the typical reasons Nigerians visit Sri Lanka — holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and short business trips. Approval is delivered by email and linked to your passport. You can review the destination on our Sri Lanka travel hub or go straight to the Sri Lanka ETA page.
This is where the 2026 rules matter. Since 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA is free for 40 listed nationalities — but Nigeria is not one of them. That means Nigerian travellers do not qualify for the free tourist ETA and instead apply under the standard ETA, where the usual procedure and the standard official charge still apply. In short, the free scheme exists, but it does not cover Nigerian passport holders, so plan to apply in the normal way.
| Scheme | Who it applies to | Applies to Nigerians? |
|---|---|---|
| Free tourist ETA (from 25 May 2026) | 40 listed nationalities | No — Nigeria is not on the free list |
| Standard tourist ETA | Other eligible nationalities, including Nigeria | Yes — Nigerians apply here |
The ETA is required for most Nigerian visitors to Sri Lanka, regardless of the airport hub they fly through. There is no group or family ETA: each traveller who will board the flight needs their own approved authorization tied to their own passport. This includes children and infants, even when they travel on a parent's itinerary.
The tourist ETA covers short visits — sightseeing across destinations such as Kandy, Galle, the southern beaches and the tea country, visiting friends or relatives, and short business meetings. If your plans involve long-term work, study, or residence rather than a short visit, you should confirm the correct visa category before you travel, because 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 the ETA is linked to the exact passport you apply with, double-check your passport number and name before submitting so your airline check-in and arrival go smoothly.
For Nigerian applicants, the Sri Lanka ETA is commonly approved within about 24 to 72 hours, with the confirmation sent by email. Timing can vary with demand and any additional checks, so the safest approach is to apply several days before your flight rather than at the last minute. If extra information is requested, respond quickly so your approval is not held up. Always wait until your ETA is confirmed before you finalise non-refundable travel arrangements.
The tourist ETA typically allows a stay of up to 30 days in Sri Lanka, with double entry permitted within the validity window. You should travel within the period the ETA is valid for, and your stay is counted from the date you enter the country. 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. If you wish to stay longer than the standard period, you should look into the appropriate extension or visa category once in the country.
The ETA authorises you to travel, but the final entry decision is made by an immigration officer on arrival in Sri Lanka. Be ready to present your valid Nigerian passport (with at least 6 months' validity), 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, especially after a long journey through a Gulf hub such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi.
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 Nigerian 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. Allow enough time for every application to be approved before departure.
Yes. Nigerian passport holders need a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they travel. It is requested online and confirmed by email, and your airline checks it at check-in, so you must have an approved ETA to board your flight and enter the country.
No. Since 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for 40 listed nationalities, but Nigeria is not on that list. Nigerian travellers apply under the standard tourist ETA, where the usual procedure and the standard official charge still apply.
There is a standard official charge for the tourist ETA. 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 Nigerian applicants, approval is commonly issued within about 24 to 72 hours, with the 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, with double entry permitted within the validity window. Your stay is counted from the date you enter the country, and you should travel within the period the ETA is valid for.
You need a Nigerian passport valid for at least 6 months, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and a valid email address for your confirmation. 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 travel, but the final entry decision is made by an immigration officer on arrival. Be ready to show a valid passport, your ETA confirmation, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and proof of sufficient funds.