Sri Lanka ETA Online Application

In order to travel to Sri Lanka, the majority of foreign passport holders are required to submit a Sri Lanka ETA application or otherwise get a visa on arrival. The only visa-exempt countries are the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore. All other foreign citizens need a Sri Lankan visa relevant to the purpose and duration of their stay.

Citizens of 21 countries (including Egypt, Syria, and Uganda) are required to apply for a Sri Lankan visa in advance at an embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

All other foreign passport holders staying for up to 30 days should complete a Sri Lanka ETA application before travelling.

With a valid passport and approved official Sri Lanka Travel Authorization, foreign visitors are issued with a 30-day short-stay visa at the port of entry.

The Sri Lanka visa is valid for tourism or business, or a 2-day stay for transit purposes, and can also be extended after arrival in the country. The ETA for Sri Lanka has a total validity of 6 months from the date of issue.

How to submit an ETA application

In order to apply for ETA Sri Lanka, visitors must meet the Sri Lanka ETA requirements, which involve having:

• A passport from an ETA-eligible country valid for at least 6 months upon entry to Sri Lanka
• A valid credit or debit card to pay the Sri Lanka ETA application fee
• A current email address to receive the Sri Lankan ETA.

Applicants can then fill out the simple online Sri Lankan ETA registration, which will only take minutes to complete. Those not eligible for the Sri Lanka online ETA application process are required to apply for a visa at a Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate, whether for a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa, the Sri Lanka Business Visa, or another visa type.

Fill out the Sri Lanka ETA application form

In order to complete the online Sri Lankan ETA application form, it’s necessary to provida a range of personal and passport information including:

• First Name(s) and Surname
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Country of Birth/Citizenship
• Travel Document Number
• Passport Issue/Expiry Date

Applicants will also be asked to select the purpose of the trip to Sri Lanka and the intended date of entry.

Review and confirm payment of Sri Lanka ETA fees

Before submitting the Sri Lankan ETA application, it’s essential to double-check all the data entered on the form in order to avoid any delays in receiving the travel authorization for Sri Lanka or rejection of the visa on arrival. The passport number must match that of the document the applicant will later use to travel to Sri Lanka.

Applicants will then need to enter credit or debit card details and confirm payment of the ETA fee before the ETA application Sri Lanka can be submitted.

How long does it take to get an ETA for Sri Lanka?

After completing the Sri Lanka ETA registration, it will take around 24 hours to process the travel authorization. However, the applicant should apply at least a couple of working days in advance of travel to allow for any delays in processing. Applicants will receive any notifications by email.

If the date of the intended travel is later than 6 months from the date of visa approval, then the Sri Lanka ETA will be sent prior to the trip taking into consideration the arrival date.

Receive your approved ETA for Sri Lanka

If the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation application process is successful, the applicant will receive the approved ETA for Sri Lanka via email. The traveller should then print a copy of the Sri Lanka ETA to present at border control upon arrival and keep on their person while travelling in the country.

Upon arrival at the border, it’s also required to supply the passport and the following supporting documentation to guarantee entry into Sri Lanka:

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the intended period of stay in Sri Lanka
• Confirmed return tickets or ticket for onward travel (only when travelling by air)
  
• Travel documents for the onward destination, if applicable
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry to Sri Lanka to comply with International health Regulations if a citizen of one of the following countries: Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Gabon, French Guiana, Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somalia, Suriname, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo, Tanzania, United Republic of Uganda, Venezuela.

Once in Sri Lanka, it’s possible for travellers to extend the visa by visiting the Department of Immigration offices.