Sri Lanka ETA for UK Citizens

Citizens from the United Kingdom are among the many who are able to apply for and receive a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from anywhere in the world with internet access. The process is completed entirely online in just a matter of minutes, travellers can expect a response within 24-hours. The ETA eliminates the need for UK passport holders to visit a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate or to wait in long lines upon arrival at a Sri Lankan port of entry.

With world-class beaches, fascinating architectural history, and one of the most diverse ecosystems of anywhere in the world, Sri Lanka is a top tourist destination. With the implementation of the Sri Lanka ETA, travellers from the UK looking to experience the island nation can do so hassle-free.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Every citizen from the United Kingdom who intends on travelling to Sri Lanka is required to have pre-approval. Depending on their intended duration of stay, as well as the type of travel they will be doing, UK passport holders will apply for a specific type of ETA or visa.

ETA Types for UK Passport Holders

There are three separate kinds of Sri Lanka ETAs available for UK citizens who are planning their trip to Sri Lanka:

• The Business ETA gives the traveller 180 days to first enter Sri Lanka. Once inside the country, the business Sri Lanka ETA allows UK citizens to exit and enter multiple times provided that the final entry is within thirty days of the initial entry and that the total number of days does not exceed 20
• The Tourist ETA is valid for 180 days once issued. However, once the traveller has entered Sri Lanka, they have a total of 30 days to stay. During those thirty days they may exit the country and re-enter one time provided that the second entry takes place within the initial 30 days
• The Transit ETA is granted only when travellers will be taking a connecting flight from Sri Lanka within 48 hours. The transit ETA for Sri Lanka is also valid for 180 days from the date of issue, but it does not grant permission to leave the airport at any time. Should the traveller have a connecting flight more than two days from their initial landing in Sri Lanka, they will need to apply for and receive one of the other ETAs available

Note: Passports must have a minimum of 180 days of validity from the date of entry into Sri Lanka no matter what type of visa or ETA the traveller holds.

What do UK citizens need to obtain a Sri Lanka ETA?

All UK citizens who are applying for one of the above ETAs will be required to provide a number of documents and other personal details when they are filling out their applications. These Sri Lanka entry visa requirements are as follows:

• A valid email address is required because all correspondence, including the actual issuing of the ETA, will be carried out entirely online. In addition, should Sri Lankan officials need any additional information, they would solicit it via email
• A current debit or credit card is also required as the ETA application comes with a one-time, non-refundable fee that must be paid online
• A digital copy of the passport information page

How can British citizens apply for a Sri Lanka visa?

All UK citizens who wish to apply for a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation must fill out this application. Basic personal information such as your first and last name, your date of birth, and your current physical address will be required while filling out the application.

Acceptable reasons for visiting Sri Lanka while on one of the three ETAs are leisure, business, tourism, and transit. Any British citizen who wishes to visit Sri Lanka for humanitarian or religious purposes must first visit a consulate or embassy and apply for a specific visa in person.

British passport holders should print a copy of the ETA and present it to border officials on arrival. Other documents may be requested on arrival including:

• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the entire stay in Sri Lanka
• Proof of return or onwards travel
• The passport used to apply for the ETA

On presentation of all the required documents, ETA holders are issued with a short stay visa for Sri Lanka.