Sri Lanka Visa and ETA Photo 2026: Official 35x45 mm Size Requirements
In short. To apply for a Sri Lanka visa or extend an ETA in 2026, a 35x45 mm color photo on a light background without glasses is required.
- The photo size must be exactly 35x45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- The background must be a solid light color (white, light gray, or light blue).
- The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame (approximately 25-35 mm from chin to crown).
- Glasses and headwear (except for religious reasons) are strictly prohibited.
- Uploading a photo is mandatory when applying for a Visa Extension online.
Although the basic application for a 30-day Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via the official website often does not require uploading a photo, having the correct digital or printed photo is crucial in 2026 for other visa procedures in Sri Lanka. In particular, a photo is mandatory when extending a visa.
What has changed and when a photo is required
According to the rules of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, a standard 35x45 mm photo is required in the following cases:
- Visa Extension: when applying to extend your stay through the eServices portal, uploading a digital photo and a passport copy is mandatory.
- Applying for a visa through an embassy: to obtain long-term or consular visas, you are required to provide two printed photos.
- Border crossing: immigration officers may ask for a photo in case of additional questions or when processing a Visa on Arrival.
Official photo requirements (35x45 mm)
To avoid delays or rejection of your documents, your photo must strictly meet the following criteria:
| Parameter | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) |
| Background | Solid light color (white, light blue, or light gray), without shadows or patterns |
| Face size | 70-80% of the photo height (approximately 25-35 mm from chin to crown) |
| Recency | Taken no more than 6 months before submitting the application |
| Glasses | Prohibited (even prescription glasses, to avoid glare on the lenses) |
| Facial expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera |
| Headwear | Prohibited (exception for religious reasons, but the oval of the face must be completely visible) |
Who this applies to
These requirements apply to all foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine, who are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, applying for a long-term visa, or planning to extend their stay (ETA) beyond the initial 30 days. The same size and background requirements apply to children and infants, and the child must be alone in the photo (no toys, pacifiers, or visible hands of parents).
What to do now
- Take a fresh photo: Go to a professional photo studio and ask for a standard 35x45 mm photo on a light background.
- Get a digital copy: For an online Visa Extension, you will need a file in JPG/JPEG format (recommended file size is up to 2 MB).
- Print several copies: Take 2 printed copies with you on your trip in case of processing documents on arrival or unforeseen bureaucratic situations.
- Apply for an ETA: Process the basic electronic authorization exclusively on the official government website eta.gov.lk.
Common mistakes
- Using selfies or filters: Phone photos with poor lighting, shadows on the face, or applied filters are automatically rejected by visa officers.
- Photos with glasses: Even clear prescription glasses often cause glare or partially obscure the eyes, which is one of the most frequent reasons for rejection.
- Incorrect face size: If the face occupies less than 70% or more than 80% of the frame, the photo is considered invalid.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Is a photo required for the basic tourist ETA application?
- On the official website eta.gov.lk, uploading a photo is usually not required for a standard 30-day tourist ETA. However, it is mandatory for an online Visa Extension.
- What is the exact photo size for a Sri Lanka visa?
- The official size is 35x45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm). The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame's height.
- Can I take a photo wearing glasses?
- No, glasses are prohibited. They must be removed as they can create glare and obscure facial features.