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 Authorization (ETA) from anywhere in the world with internet access. The process is completed entirely online in just a matter of minutes, and because of the great effort Sri Lankan officials make to streamline the process, travelers 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, travelers from the UK looking to experience the island nation can do so without worrying about a long, drawn out visa application.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Each citizen from the United Kingdom who intends on traveling 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 ETAs available for UK travelers who are planning their trip to Sri Lanka:

 

• The Business ETA gives the traveler 180 days to first enter Sri Lanka. Once inside the country, the business 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 traveler 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 travelers will be taking a connecting flight from Sri Lanka within 48 hours. The transit ETA 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 traveler 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 traveler 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 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 Authority 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.

After the ETA has been granted, British passport holders must carry a physical copy with them to the border as local authorities will want to check the hard copy against their digital records. In addition, travelers should carry with them financial records that prove they have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay as well as proof of onward travel before their ETA expires.

For all up to date news on the Sri Lanka ETA check out this page.