Australia entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Sri Lankan passport holders need an approved visa before flying to Australia. The quickest option for short visits (tourism or business) is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you apply for online. From 2026, the ETA is the standard way to enter for stays up to 3 months.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa (subclass 601)ETA (Australia) Electronic Travel Authority | Apply for an ETA via the Australian ETA app on your phone — the official app is free, third-party websites charge extra. The $20 AUD fee is paid in the app, and approval usually comes through in seconds. The ETA is valid for multiple trips over 12 months, with stays up to 3 months each time.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Australia | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. Australia does not enforce the 6-month validity rule, but your airline might — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around AUD 1,000 per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
ETA is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot board a flight to Australia without an approved ETA. Airlines check this at check-in. Apply well before your departure.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers often ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready — don't rely on finding it in your email at the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or use the ETA app. Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and answer a few questions. Pay the fee (AUD 20). Approval is usually instant, but allow up to 12 hours. Print or screenshot the confirmation.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket. Reserve your first night's accommodation (any hotel or hostel). Keep booking confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA is approved. Have your passport and booking confirmations ready. No visa sticker needed — it's all electronic.
4
Go through Australian immigration
At the airport in Australia, join the queue for foreign passports. The officer will scan your passport and may ask about your plans, funds, and return ticket. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp or electronic entry record.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. Declare any food, plants, or animal products. If you have nothing to declare, use the green lane.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay3 months
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
For one-time visit; no work permitted.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For young adults (18-30) to work and travel; limited places.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 410)
Requires enrollment in a registered course.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (course dependent)
AUD 620 (~USD 410)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrollment, health insurance, and sufficient funds.
Apply work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 840)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years (renewable)
AUD 5,735 (~USD 3,800)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment in Australia.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years (renewable)
AUD 13,000 (~USD 8,600)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires a designated investment in Australia.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entryAllows multiple entries within validity. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 370 (~USD 245) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstay can affect future visas. | AUD 100 per day (~USD 66) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa or permanent residence may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand residence visa may transit without a transit visa.
Transit hubsSydney Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease found in rural and coastal areas; use repellent.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious; risk in northern regions after heavy rain.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Common in summer; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa applications and extensions.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are approved instantly, but some take up to 12 hours. Apply at least 24 hours before your flight to be safe.
The official fee is AUD 20 (about USD 13). Be careful of third-party websites that charge extra fees — use the official Australian government site or app.
No. The ETA is for stays up to 3 months and cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you need a different visa (e.g., Visitor Visa subclass 600) before you travel.
Yes, if you're transiting through an Australian airport and leaving on the same plane or a connecting flight, you still need a valid ETA or transit visa (subclass 771). The ETA covers transit as well.
Rejections are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or previous visa issues. You can apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) instead, which takes longer but has a higher chance of approval.
No. The ETA is for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips (like meetings or conferences). You cannot work for an Australian employer or run a business while on an ETA.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), your return ticket (on your phone or printed), and sometimes proof of accommodation or funds. The officer may ask about your plans — be ready to explain your itinerary.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.