Last reviewed: 12 March 2026. Written by Joanna Reeves, independent travel-visa consultant. Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change without notice.
Every baby and child travelling to Sri Lanka must have a separate eTA. To meet the Sri Lanka eTA requirements for minors under the 2026 regulations, families must submit an individual application for each child. Children under 12 years of age enjoy a processing fee exemption, while UK nationals of all ages receive a free of charge 30-day tourist eTA under the 2026 citizenship exemption scheme.
Parents can apply for their children online with a valid passport, digital photo, and birth certificate. Whether travelling with a toddler, an unaccompanied minor under 16 years, or older dependants under 21 years, preparing the correct paperwork, including an affidavit / parental consent, ensures compliance.
Does Every Child Need a Separate Sri Lanka eTA?
In 2026, every traveller, including a newborn, requires an individual Sri Lanka eTA; minors cannot use a parent’s authorisation. According to the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration Circular No. DI&E/ETA/2026/03 (published 15 November 2025), the Sri Lanka eTA mandates a distinct permit for every person, regardless of the legal age of majority in other jurisdictions.
Sri Lanka does not accept joint passports. Every minor must hold their own individual biometric passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival. A child cannot travel on a parent’s eTA.
Sri Lanka eTA Costs for Children and Minors in 2026
Children under 12 pay $0 globally for the Sri Lanka eTA, while UK nationals of all ages get a free 30-day tourist eTA under the 2026 scheme. Non-exempt nationals aged 12+ pay $50 online; SAARC nationals pay $20.
Table valid for Sri Lanka eTA applications submitted between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026. Fees are subject to change.
| Nationality | Adult | Child (12+) | Child (<12) | Total (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Nigeria (Non-exempt) | $50 | $50 | $0 | $100 |
Step-by-Step Guide & Documents Required for a Child’s Sri Lanka eTA
Apply at eta.gov.lk. Use your own email for the child’s Sri Lanka eTA application. Provide passport details, digital photo (eyes open, white background, no parent hands), and birth certificate if unaccompanied.
During our family trip in January 2026, we applied for Sri Lanka eTAs for our 4-year-old and 8-month-old. The infant’s approval arrived in 14 hours, but we resubmitted the photo twice because the background wasn’t pure white. Tip: use a plain wall, not a bedsheet.
Select the tourist category
Choose the tourist category for the child’s application.
Enter passport details
Valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
Input contact info
Parent’s email is accepted.
Upload the photo
Eyes open, white background, no parent hands.
Confirm return ticket and funds
Parent’s declaration accepted.
Submit and claim the 2026 fee exemption
Claim the processing fee exemption for children under 12.
Receive approval
Within 24 to 72 hours.
Children under 16 years not travelling with both parents need a birth certificate, an affidavit / parental consent from absent parents, or a local guardian’s affidavit for an unaccompanied minor.
FAQ: Sri Lanka eTA Requirements for Minors
Can I use my email address for my baby’s Sri Lanka eTA application?
Yes. Use your own email for the child’s application. The system does not require a separate email for the minor.
What happens if my child’s Sri Lanka eTA is refused or referred?
If a minor’s application is referred, contact the 24/7 eTA call centre at 0094 71 99 67 888 or the DI&E Head Office at Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Do infants under 6 months need a separate eTA for Sri Lanka?
Yes, every child, including newborns, must have an approved Sri Lanka eTA. There are no age exemptions for the permit, only a processing fee exemption for children under 12.
What if my child has a different surname?
Different surname? Bring the child’s birth certificate. If not in English, provide a certified translation.
How long does a child’s Sri Lanka eTA take to process?
Processing time is identical to adults. Approvals usually take 24 hours, up to a maximum of 72 hours.
Can my child travel to Sri Lanka on my passport?
No. Sri Lanka rejects joint passports. Every minor needs an individual passport valid for 6 months to obtain a separate eTA.
Do I need to show proof of funds for my child at the border?
Yes. However, border control accepts a parent’s declaration of sufficient funds to cover the minor’s expenses.
Is a return ticket required for minors entering Sri Lanka?
Yes, every minor must have a confirmed return or onward ticket presented at the port of entry.
