Sri Lanka offers Spanish travelers an extraordinary blend of tropical beaches, ancient cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions that resonate with the Spanish appreciation for good food, warm hospitality, and rich history. The island was known to early European explorers and the Portuguese, predecessors to Spanish colonial interests in Asia, left a significant mark on Sri Lanka's coastal regions. As a Spanish passport holder, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, obtainable through a simple online application.
The ETA for Spanish citizens costs $50 USD (approximately 46 EUR) and allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. The application is processed online at eta.gov.lk, with most approvals issued within 24 to 72 hours. While there are no direct flights from Spain to Sri Lanka, several excellent connections are available through Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Abu Dhabi (Etihad). Flight times from Madrid or Barcelona typically range from 12 to 15 hours depending on the routing.
Spanish visitors will find Sri Lanka to be an exceptional value destination where the euro stretches remarkably far. The country's coastal towns, particularly on the south coast, offer a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of Mediterranean beach culture but with a distinctly Asian flavor. The Portuguese colonial heritage visible in Colombo, Negombo, and along the coast provides an interesting historical connection for Spanish travelers familiar with Iberian colonial history. From surfing at Arugam Bay to exploring the ancient city of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka delivers a diverse and deeply satisfying travel experience.