Sri Lanka ETA
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Sri Lanka's ETA for Filipino Citizens

Apply for Sri Lankan ETA

In 2012, the Sri Lankan Government introduced the Sri Lankan Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to facilitate short-term international travellers’ visits. Nationals of selected countries, including Filipino passport holders, are eligible to obtain a Sri Lanka ETA. Unlike applying for a traditional visa, there is no need to contact the embassy or consulate. Filipinos can complete the process online in a matter of minutes.

Sri Lankan ETA Types for Citizens of the Philippines

Travellers from the Philippines can choose from 3 different ETA types for Sri Lanka. These online authorisations facilitate entry for tourism and business and those transiting en route to another destination.

Filipinos interested in staying in Sri Lanka for a more extended period or relocating for long-term studies, or seeking full-time employment must note the ETA is not applicable. They must schedule an appointment at the Sri Lankan embassy in Manila.

Sri Lanka ETA for tourism

Filipino nationals can visit Sri Lanka for various purposes with the Sri Lanka ETA for touristry. The following activities are covered with this electronic travel authorisation:

  • Relaxation, cultural and leisure activities
  • Visit family and friends.
  • Receive medical treatments
  • Participate in sporting competitions
  • Attend cultural events

The ETA for tourism is valid for 6 months from the date it is granted and allows residents to stay for up to 30 days from the Philippines.

Sri Lanka for business

Filipino business professionals and investors can request the Sri Lankan ETA to carry out several business-related activities:

  • Take part in conferences and workshops.
  • Attend business meetings
  • Participate in cultural events
  • Study short term training courses

The Sri Lanka Business ETA is valid for 6 months and allows Filipino arrivals to stay up to 30 days.

Filipino citizens interested in visiting Sri Lanka for other activities such as meeting with political parties, journalists, or NGO’s should know that the ETA does not apply. They must request a standard visa in these cases.

Sri Lanka Transit ETA for Filipino passengers

Filipinos passing by Sri Lanka en route to a third destination whose connection flight departs between 8 and 48 hours later must request a Sri Lanka Transit ETA. If their transit is shorter than 8 hours, they are naturally exempt from any travel entry. If their stay is for longer than 2 days, the ETA, either touristic or business, is the most convenient option. The Transit ETA is valid for 180 days and grants authorisation to stay 48 hours in the country.

ETA Requirements to Enter Sri Lanka From the Philippines

Filipino passport holders should check they meet the following requirements to apply for the Sri Lankan ETA before initiating the application form. These include the following:

  • Have a passport valid for at least 6 months on the arrival date in Sri Lanka
  • Use a frequent email address.
  • Possess a debit or credit card to pay the ETA Sri Lanka processing fee

If the Philippines’ applicants have a passport set to expire in less than 6 months from the date they have planned to arrive, they must first request its renewal. The Sri Lankan government recommends using an email address Filipinos frequently use since the ETA plus all other communications will solely be carried out by email. Lastly, the credit and debit cards must be authorized for online transactions and carry sufficient funds to cover the ETA price.

Application for Sri Lanka’s ETA From the Philippines

Once Filipino citizens confirm they meet the requirements mentioned above, they can begin the application process for the Sri Lanka ETA. The process is very convenient and quick, and travellers must ensure they have 15 minutes and a stable internet connection available. They will have to submit the following personal and passport information:

  • First Name
  • Last name
  • Gender
  • Date of Birth
  • Country of Birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport Country
  • Passport Number
  • Passport issue date
  • Passport expiry date
  • Residential address
  • Phone Number
  • Email address
  • Purpose of visit to Sri Lanka
  • Travel dates

After completing the form, we recommend Filipino applicants to check their answers are correct and error-free. Any mistakes or typos can delay processing the ETA or even the denial of an application.
To finalize the ETA request, Filipinos will proceed to the payment section. All major international debit or credit cards are accepted. As mentioned above in the requirements section, applicants from the Philippines must check that their cards have been authorized for online payments and carry sufficient funds.

The evaluation process for the Sri Lankan ETA for Filipino visitors

Once Filipinos submit their application forms for the ETA, these are analyzed by the Sri Lankan government. The evaluation is relatively quick and usually takes 24 hours. Nevertheless, we recommend travellers from the Philippines to complete their application at least a week in advance to account for busy touristic periods. Upon validation that the applicants meet the requirements, the Sri Lankan authorities issue the approved ETAs to the Filipino applicants by email attached as a PDF.

Travelling to Sri Lanka With the ETA From the Philippines

Filipino citizens are recommended to print out a copy of the Sri Lanka ETA and keep it next to their documents. Once they arrive in Sri Lanka, they will be requested to display the following documentation at passport controls:

  • Original passport
  • A printed copy of the approved Sri Lanka ETA
  • A proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Sri Lanka
  • A confirmed return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination

If Filipino visitors would like to prolong their Sri Lanka stay, they can request an extension for their Sri Lanka ETA. They must schedule an appointment at the Immigration Services Centre in Colombo or at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla. Before their appointment, they will have to ensure they have a passport picture complying with the Sri Lankan passport photo requirements.

Sri Lanka is among the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. However, foreign visitors are advised to exercise caution, follow government updates, and keep up to date with recent developments and travel restrictions. Filipinos can obtain further information about coming to Sri Lanka in the Sri Lankan news section.

Sri Lankan Visa on Arrival for Filipino travellers

Filipino passport holders who have not had the chance to apply online for the ETA are eligible to request a visa on arrival once they reach the country. Nevertheless, though still available, this entry authorisation entails occasionally waiting in long lines at passport controls. They must carry their original documentation and pay at the passport controls counter. Lastly, this option is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport. The online ETA for Sri Lanka is a much more convenient and favored choice for Filipino visitors in Sri Lanka.