Home Arrow FAQ Arrow Sri Lanka Visa for Children: Do Kids Need a Travel Visa?

Sri Lanka Visa for Children: Do Kids Need a Travel Visa?

Yes — every child needs their own Sri Lanka ETA, regardless of age. There is no children's visa waiver. The only age-based difference is the processing fee: children under 12 travel fee-free, but they still need an approved ETA before boarding.

Do Children Need Their Own ETA, Even Infants?

Yes, with no exceptions. Every child — including newborns — needs an individual Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Sri Lanka. This applies regardless of nationality or age. It also reflects a practical reality: Sri Lankan passport rules (and most countries' passport systems) no longer allow a child to be listed on a parent's passport, so nearly every traveling child holds their own passport and therefore needs their own ETA application.

Is the Sri Lanka ETA Free for Children?

Age determines the fee, not nationality:

  • Under 12 — no ETA processing fee, but an approved ETA is still mandatory before travel.
  • 12 to 15 — pays the same fee as an adult.
  • Under 16 overall — the application itself follows the identical process as an adult's; there's no separate "kids' visa" category.

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Children by Age

Children Under 12: What's Required

Children of any nationality under 12 qualify for a free tourist ETA (up to 30 days). This is strictly a fee waiver — the entry authorization requirement itself still applies. A parent, guardian, or authorized third party can complete and submit the application on the child's behalf.

Children 12 and Older: What's Required

Once a child turns 12, they're treated the same as an adult applicant for fee purposes — the applicable ETA or visa fee depends on their nationality and travel purpose, with no general exemption for being under 16. (Some nationalities may still separately qualify for the free-ETA scheme covering 40 countries — that's a nationality-based exemption, not an age-based one; see the eligible-countries list.)

Do Infants Need a Sri Lanka Visa?

Yes — there is no infant exemption. If your baby is traveling on their own passport (which is now standard, since children can no longer be added to a parent's Sri Lankan passport), that passport is what the ETA application is tied to, and it must be submitted before travel like any other child's application.

Documents Required for a Sri Lanka ETA for Children

For a standard short visit, have the following ready:

  • A valid passport, with at least 6 months' validity from the date of arrival
  • The completed ETA application, with passport number, nationality, and date of birth entered exactly as they appear on the passport
  • The child's approved ETA (where required)
  • A confirmed return ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the child's stay

Traveling With One Parent or Without Both Parents

  • One parent traveling with the child: carry a consent letter (ideally notarized) from the non-traveling parent as a precaution.
  • Unaccompanied minors, or children traveling with someone other than a parent: typically expect to provide a parental consent affidavit, a letter from the responsible adult in Sri Lanka, and a birth certificate — exact requirements can vary by Sri Lankan mission, so confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate ahead of travel.

Can Parents Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA on Behalf of Their Child?

Yes. Sri Lanka's official ETA system is explicitly built to allow this — a parent, guardian, or third party (including relatives, friends, or a travel agent) can submit the application. Whoever applies must enter the child's details exactly as shown on the passport the child will travel with, since mismatches are the most common cause of delays or rejection.

How Much Does a Sri Lanka Visa Cost for a Child?

  • Under 12: free ETA, valid for up to 30 days.
  • 12 and older: standard ETA/visa fee based on nationality and visa type — the same as an adult would pay.

Note: the under-12 fee waiver is separate from the nationality-based free-ETA scheme that launched for 40 countries on May 25, 2026 — a child could qualify for either, both, or neither, depending on age and nationality.

Important Notes for Parents Traveling With Children

  • Nationality matters: ETA and visa requirements vary by the child's nationality, not just age.
  • Passport accuracy: enter the passport details exactly as printed — no abbreviations or assumptions.
  • Passport validity: at least 6 months remaining from the date of arrival.
  • Keep proof: save a copy of the child's ETA approval to present at the port of entry.
  • Check with your airline too: airlines often have their own documentation rules for minors traveling without one or both parents, separate from Sri Lanka's entry requirements.
  • Confirm before departure: Sri Lanka's ETA and visa policy changes fairly often — verify current requirements close to your travel date.

Conclusion

Every child traveling to Sri Lanka needs their own approved ETA — age never removes that requirement, only the fee for children under 12. Parents and guardians can apply on a child's behalf through the standard ETA system. Before you travel, double-check the child's passport validity, confirm their ETA status, and review any extra documentation needed for their specific situation.

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