Check the status of a Sri Lanka ETA
To travel to Sri Lanka, foreigners need an approved ETA. Travellers must submit an online Sri Lanka ETA application and wait for approval.
As soon as the ETA for Sri Lanka is approved, the status changes and the applicant is cleared for travel.
This page explains how to check the Sri Lanka ETA status and what each status means.
How can I check my ETA status for Sri Lanka?
Applicants are notified by email each time their Sri Lanka ETA status changes.
First, when a traveller applies for a Sri Lanka ETA, they receive a confirmation email. This email indicates that the request has been received and will be reviewed shortly.
Travellers do not need to take any further action at this time. The application has been submitted successfully and is awaiting review.
Once the Sri Lanka ETA has been processed, the status is updated and the applicant receives another email. This email tells the traveller whether their electronic authorization has been approved or denied.
What can I do if I have still not received my ETA?
Usually the Sri Lanka ETA is approved within 3 days, however if the applicant has still not received an update on its status, they can contact us.
In the subject they should state: “I want to check the status of my submitted application”. They will receive a response from our customer service team within 72 hours.
Sri Lanka ETA status changes
As mentioned above, the Sri Lanka ETA application changes status when it is submitted, reviewed and approved or denied.
Here is a brief explanation of each possible status of a traveller's Sri Lanka ETA.
Sri Lanka ETA status pending
When a Sri Lanka ETA application is first submitted, the status is pending. This means that a decision to approve or deny the visa has not yet been made.
The visa will remain in status pending until it is either approved or denied by the Sri Lankan authorities.
In most cases, the ETA application will spend only a short time in status pending. The majority of ETA requests are reviewed and approved in minutes, occasionally it could take up to 48 hours.
On rare occasions, further information may be required to support the application. In these cases, the Sri Lanka ETA will remain in status pending until the traveller provides the requested documents or data.
Sri Lanka ETA status approved
Usually, the Sri Lanka ETA is quickly changed from pending to approved. Travellers receive the ETA by email as soon as the status changes to approved.
Important information about their visa, including the validity and maximum length of stay, is shown on the ETA.
Sri Lanka ETA status denied
Most Sri Lanka ETA requests are successful. However, applications may be denied if the individual does not meet Sri Lanka’s ETA requirements or if they provided incorrect information.
The status of an unsuccessful ETA application is changed to ‘Denied’.
My Sri Lanka visa was rejected: what now?
The status of a Sri Lanka ETA may be changed to denied if the traveller:
- Does not meet the ETA eligibility criteria
- Made a mistake on the application form
Foreigners who do not meet all the ETA requirements cannot travel to Sri Lanka with an ETA. A different type of Sri Lanka visa must be obtained through the embassy.
Overseas visitors who already have a residence visa or multiple-entry visa for Sri Lanka will not be granted an ETA.
Sri Lanka ETA rejection is usually a result of a mistake on the application form. Travellers should check their information and reapply with the correct data.
Can I cancel my Sri Lanka ETA application?
Travellers should carefully check all their information before making the payment and finalizing the request.
Applicants who realise they made a mistake after submitting the form should get in contact with eta-srilankatravel.com as soon as possible. It may be possible to correct the information instead of cancelling the request.
How long is my ETA valid for after the status changed to approved?
The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 180 days after the status changes to ‘Approved’. This means that the permit must be used to enter Sri Lanka within 6 months. Travellers can check their visa validity on the email confirmation they received.
With a Sri Lanka ETA Tourist or ETA Business, a foreign visitor can stay for up to 30 days. The ETA transit is valid for 2 days, the passenger may not leave the airport.