Sri Lanka ETA printing requirements
Travellers from eligible countries should apply for a Sri Lanka ETA before departure. Passengers with a pre-approved ETA are automatically issued with a 30-day visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.
However, before granting entry, border authorities need to verify a passenger has received Sri Lanka ETA pre-approval.
To confirm a foreign visitor has been cleared for entry, they may be asked to present a printed copy of the ETA confirmation email.
The information below answers questions travellers might have about printing their ETA for Sri Lanka, including how many copies they need and when they need, to present it.
Information on the printed Sri Lanka ETA approval letter
The ETA email confirmation email contains important information including:
- ETA number
- Date the ETA was issued
- Visit type (single, double, multiple)
- Expiry date
This information helps border authorities verify a traveller’s ETA quickly. It is also useful for travellers to keep a printed copy of the approval letter, so they can check the details of their permit.
Do I need to print my ETA for Sri Lanka?
Passengers are advised to print their ETA approval letter for Sri Lanka. They should carry a paper copy of the ETA confirmation with them when travelling to the country.
Although the ETA is electronically linked to the passport, visitors may be asked to produce the approval letter at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
Passengers should therefore print the ETA pre-approval they receive by email and carry it with the passport used to apply.
Do I have to print the ETA or can I show the electronic version or photo?
Although border officials can check a traveller’s ETA status electronically, they could still ask for proof of approval.
It’s a good idea to print out the ETA approval letter before travelling to Sri Lanka, rather than just having it on a mobile phone or tablet.
By printing the ETA as well as having an electronic version or photo, travellers do not need to worry about technical issues.
The ETA approval letter should be kept together with the passport and other important travel documents, ready to present on request.
Can I print the Sri Lanka ETA in black and white?
The ETA for Sri Lanka can be printed in black and white, it does not need to be in colour.
As long as all the important details can be seen clearly, including the ETA number and passport details, it does not matter whether it is in colour or black and white.
How many copies of the Sri Lanka ETA do I need to print out?
Travellers should print at least 1 copy of the approved Sri Lanka ETA in case it is requested by border officials.
Passengers may choose to print additional copies of the ETA in case it gets lost or damaged. 1 copy of the ETA should be kept with the passport in the hand luggage for easy access.
How do I download my ETA approval for Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lanka ETA confirmation email that you will receive will include a PDF file. You simply need to open this file and download it onto an electronic device. To print your approval letter you will need to open the downloaded document on a device which is linked to a printer.
When do you need to show the ETA pre-approval?
Travellers should show the printed copy of the ETA approval on arrival at the Sri Lankan border entry point.
Sri Lankan border officials can quickly grant the 30-day visa on arrival to travellers holding the following documents:
- Printed Sri Lanka ETA approval letter
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date
- Return travel ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the trip
To facilitate border crossing and avoid delays, passengers should have all these documents ready to present.
Do you need to keep a printed copy of the ETA while in Sri Lanka?
On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka, visitors with the ETA pre-approval are granted a 30-day visa for tourism or business ETA, or a 2-day transit ETA.
Beyond this point, the approval letter is no longer required, they should not be asked to show it during their stay in the country.
Nevertheless, travellers can keep a copy of the ETA with them for their own reference. The approval letter contains information that could be useful for travellers, such as their ETA number and type of ETA (tourism, business, or transit).
Sri Lanka ETAs for tourism and business are valid for double and multiple stays, respectively. Passengers should carry a printed copy of the Sri Lanka ETA each time they travel.