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Sri Lanka Visa for South African citizens (2026)

Yes. South African citizens can apply for a Sri Lanka eVisa online (Tourist Evisa (Double Entries), Business Evisa (Multiple Entries for 30 days), Transit Evisa (Single Entry for 48 hours)).

If you are travelling on a South Africa passport, Sri Lanka is reachable with an online eVisa instead of an embassy appointment. South African travellers can complete the whole Sri Lanka application from home and receive the approval by email.

Online eVisa

Available

Government fee

range from US$30.00 to US$85.00, depending on the visa type

Processing

3 working days

Permitted stay

30 days or 2 days

Can South African citizens get a Sri Lanka eVisa?

Sri Lanka grants online eligibility to South African citizens across 3 visa options such as Tourist Evisa (Double Entries), Business Evisa (Multiple Entries for 30 days), Transit Evisa (Single Entry for 48 hours). Sri Lanka currently supports Double Entries or Multiple Entries or Single Entry, with a permitted stay of 30 days or 2 days. Government fees range from US$30.00 to US$85.00, depending on the visa type. Standard processing is typically 3 working days, with faster options around 5 hours.

Sri Lanka visa options for South African citizens

Tourist Evisa (Double Entries)
✓ Eligible

Double Entries

Duration

30 days

Processing

3 working days

Validity

180 days

Gov. fee

$80.00

Business Evisa (Multiple Entries for 30 days)
✓ Eligible

Multiple Entries for 30 days

Duration

30 days

Processing

3 working days

Validity

180 days

Gov. fee

$85.00

Transit Evisa (Single Entry for 48 hours)
✓ Eligible

Single Entry for 48 hours

Duration

2 days

Processing

3 working days

Validity

180 days

Gov. fee

$30.00

Documents and tips for South African travellers

South African passports usually need at least 30 days to six months validity beyond your stay and blank pages; verify the destination’s exact rule. Charges are in US dollars, so South African applicants should expect a ZAR conversion and confirm international payments are enabled. The most common avoidable mistake for South African citizens: overlooking blank-page or extra child-travel document requirements that apply to South African passport holders.

  • Use the exact name and passport number from your South African passport.
  • Travelling with minors from South Africa can involve extra documentation — check this separately if applicable.
  • Keep proof of accommodation and return travel accessible for boarding checks.

Sri Lanka visa FAQ for South African citizens

Do South African citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?v
South African citizens travelling to Sri Lanka can apply online for an eVisa rather than visiting an embassy. Eligible options include Tourist Evisa (Double Entries), Business Evisa (Multiple Entries for 30 days), Transit Evisa (Single Entry for 48 hours). Government fees range from US$30.00 to US$85.00, depending on the visa type.
How much does the Sri Lanka eVisa cost for South African citizens?v
Government fees range from US$30.00 to US$85.00, depending on the visa type. Charges are in US dollars, so South African applicants should expect a ZAR conversion and confirm international payments are enabled.
How long does Sri Lanka eVisa processing take for South African applicants?v
Standard processing is typically 3 working days, with faster options around 5 hours.
How long can South African citizens stay in Sri Lanka?v
The permitted stay is commonly 30 days or 2 days, within a visa validity of 180 days. Always match your trip to the entry type you select (Double Entries or Multiple Entries or Single Entry).
What passport validity do South African citizens need for Sri Lanka?v
South African passports usually need at least 30 days to six months validity beyond your stay and blank pages; verify the destination’s exact rule.

Next steps

Visa rules can change. Confirm details with official Sri Lanka immigration authorities close to your travel date.

United eVisa Editorial Team

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The United eVisa Editorial Team compiles visa requirements, government fees, and processing details from official immigration sources and our destination database, then reviews each page for accuracy and updates it as rules change.

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