Sri Lanka ETA: Complete Guide to Electronic Travel Authorization

Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization is a mandatory pre-travel online authorization required by most foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. The Sri Lanka ETA was introduced on 1 January 2012 by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to simplify the visa process and allow entry authorization to be obtained online before arrival in Sri Lanka. Since October 15, 2025, the permit must be obtained before departure at eta.gov.lk. The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization is available in several categories depending on the purpose of travel: Tourist ETA (single or double entry), Business ETA (single, double, or multiple entry), and Transit ETA (single, issued for 2 days).

What Is Sri Lanka ETA?

Sri Lanka ETA is a digital pre-travel authorization issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. It is not a physical visa stamp — it is an electronic authorization linked directly to the passport number. The ETA allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for short stays of up to 30 days (extensions are possible). The Sri Lanka ETA was introduced to streamline border control and reduce queues at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Since October 15, 2025, obtaining the ETA before departure has been mandatory for all short-stay visitors — you can no longer rely solely on obtaining it upon arrival.

Sri Lanka ETA Quick Reference

Feature	Details
Full name	Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Issued by	Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka
Cost	Depends on the type
Processing time	A few hours to 3 days
Validity	6 months from the issue date
Authorized stay	30 days per entry
Official website	eta.gov.lk

Types of Sri Lankan ETA

The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization is available in several types depending on the purpose of travel to Sri Lanka. The main ETA categories include:

Tourist ETA – Allows travelers to enter Sri Lanka for short-term tourism, typically granting a stay of up to 30 days.
Business ETA – Enables short-term business visits such as meetings or conferences, usually permitting a stay of up to 30 days.
Transit ETA – Issued to those passing through Sri Lanka for a short period, granting a single-entry stay of up to 2 days while in transit.

Depending on the ETA category, visitors may be granted single, double, or multiple entries.

Is Sri Lanka ETA Mandatory?

Since October 15, 2025, the Sri Lanka ETA is mandatory for all short-stay foreign visitors before departure. This is a significant change from the previous system, where travelers could obtain an ETA upon arrival at the airport. The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka announced this change. The key reasons for the change include:

Faster border processing — pre-approved travelers clear immigration more quickly.
Reduced airport queues — especially at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo).
Improved security screening — applications are reviewed before travelers board their flights.

Arriving without a pre-approved ETA may cause delays or denial of boarding, so it is advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow sufficient processing time.

NOTE: As of February 2026, the eta.gov.lk website has experienced occasional technical issues. If the website is down, contact the Department of Immigration directly or apply at the airport counter upon arrival.

Who Needs Sri Lanka ETA?

Most foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit need a Sri Lanka ETA. The ETA is required regardless of whether you are entering by air or sea.

Who Is Exempt from the Sri Lanka ETA?

Certain nationalities are exempt from applying for an ETA for short visits to Sri Lanka. Diplomatic or Special passport holders from Bahrain may stay for up to 90 days, while all passport holders from Singapore and the Maldives may visit Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. These travelers do not need an ETA but must still meet the standard entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport.

Children and Minors

Each underage passenger requires their own separate Sri Lanka ETA. Children cannot be included on a parent’s ETA. When applying for a child’s ETA, the parent or guardian completes the application using the minor’s passport details. The Sri Lanka ETA is free for children under the age of 12 when applying for short-term tourist or transit visits.

Sri Lanka ETA: Documents and Entry Requirements

The ETA is accepted at all official ports of entry, including airports and seaports, and travelers without it may face denied boarding or delays. To apply, you need your passport, travel information, accommodation, and a digital payment method; children under 12 are exempt from the fee but still require a separate ETA. For entry, travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds.

How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA

Apply for Sri Lanka ETA online at the official website eta.gov.lk — the process takes about 10–15 minutes and generally requires only the passport and basic travel details.
Step 1: Visit the official website: Go to the official website at eta.gov.lk.
Step 2: Select your ETA type: Choose from:

Tourist visa — for leisure travel
Business visa — for business meetings, conferences, etc.
Transit visa — for passing through Sri Lanka

Step 3: Fill in your personal details: You will need:

Full name (as on passport)
Passport number, issue date, expiry date
Nationality and country of birth
Date of birth
Travel dates and port of entry
Accommodation details in Sri Lanka
Return/onward flight details

Step 4: Pay the ETA fee: Pay online using a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard). Some nationalities and minors may qualify for a free ETA.
Step 5: Submit and receive acknowledgement: After submission, you receive an acknowledgement email with a reference number. This is NOT your ETA approval — you must wait for the official approval notice.
Step 6: Receive your ETA approval notice: Most applications are approved within a few hours. You will receive an email with your ETA Approval Notice. Check the spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
Step 7: Save and print your ETA: Save the approval notice as a PDF. You may be asked to show it at check-in or upon arrival. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable.

Sri Lanka ETA Cost

Sri Lanka ETA fee depends on the permit category a traveler applies for and their nationality. Citizens of some countries with regular or special passports may qualify for a free ETA under the gratis scheme, and minors below 12 are free of charge. The Sri Lanka ETA can be paid using:

Visa credit/debit card
Mastercard credit/debit card
American Express cards

💡 NOTE: The ETA fee is non-refundable once your application has been processed, even if your travel plans change. If your ETA is rejected, you may reapply.

Sri Lanka ETA Processing Time

Most Sri Lanka ETA submissions are processed within a few hours. In some cases, processing can take up to 1–3 business days. Apply at least 72 hours before your departure to be safe.

Processing Timeline

Scenario	Processing Time
Standard application	Few hours
Complex cases	1–3 business days
Recommended lead time	At least 72 hours before departure

How to Check Sri Lanka ETA Status

Go to eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jsp.
Enter your reference number (from your acknowledgement email).
Check the current status of your application.

If You Haven’t Received Your ETA Email

Check the spam/junk folder first.
Ensure you entered the correct email address during the application.
Wait the full 1–3 business days before contacting support.
Contact the Department of Immigration if still not been received after 3 days.

Your acknowledgement notice is NOT your ETA approval. You are not permitted to travel to Sri Lanka until you receive the official ETA Approval Notice.

Sri Lanka ETA Validity & Stay Rules

Generally, the Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 30 days per entry with single, double, or multiple entries permitted.

Can I Stay Longer Than 30 Days?

Travelers who arrive in Sri Lanka with an ETA can extend their stay after arrival by applying to the Department of Immigration & Emigration. The initial ETA allows 30 days for tourist or business visits and 2 days for transit, and a stay can be increased to a total of up to several months. Extensions must be applied for from within Sri Lanka before the original stay expires, and require the necessary documents and payment of the fees.

Sri Lanka ETA vs Visa — What’s the Difference?

The Sri Lanka ETA is an electronic authorization, not a regular visa. It is linked digitally to your passport — there is no stamp or sticker. Both the ETA and a visa allow entry to Sri Lanka, but they differ in how they are obtained and processed.

ETA vs Visa Comparison

Feature	Sri Lanka ETA	Regular Visa	Visa on Arrival
How to get	Online at eta.gov.lk	Sri Lankan Embassy	Airport counter
Processing	Hours to 3 days	Days to weeks	Immediate
Format	Digital (no stamp)	Sticker in passport	Stamp in passport

The ETA is technically an Electronic Travel Authorization, not a visa. However, for practical purposes, it serves the same function as a tourist visa for short stays. The key difference is that the ETA is entirely digital — there is no physical stamp or sticker in your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ETA to visit Sri Lanka?

Since October 15, 2025, all foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit must obtain an ETA before departure. They can apply online at eta.gov.lk.

Can I get an ETA at the airport in Sri Lanka?

You can no longer rely on getting an ETA on arrival at the airport, even though the counter may still exist for rare cases or technical issues. Airlines are expected to check for a pre-approved ETA before boarding.

How early should I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?

Apply at least 72 hours before your departure. Most applications are processed within a few hours, but some can take up to 1–3 business days. Applying early gives you time to resolve any issues.

How long is the Sri Lanka ETA valid?

The ETA to Sri Lanka is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You can stay up to 30 days per entry with the possibility for an extension.

Is an ETA the same as a visa for Sri Lanka?

The ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization — a digital pre-approval linked to your passport number. It is not a physical visa stamp. However, it serves the same purpose as a tourist visa for short stays of up to 30 days.

Can I extend my Sri Lanka ETA?

If you want to stay longer than 30 days in Sri Lanka, you must apply for the extension through eservices.immigration.gov.lk. It can be granted for several months.

What documents do I need for the Sri Lanka ETA?

You need a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, basic information about the travel, and a credit/debit card to pay the fee.

What happens if my Sri Lanka ETA is rejected?

If your ETA is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. Common problems include incorrect details, insufficient passport validity, or incomplete applications. You can reapply after correcting the issue.

Which countries need a Sri Lanka ETA?

Most countries require an ETA. Some travelers may qualify for a free ETA, or they might be exempted, depending on the circumstances.

Do children need a Sri Lanka ETA?

Each child requires their own separate ETA, regardless of age. Children cannot be included on a parent’s ETA (if they are below 12, they are free of charge). Parents/guardians apply on their behalf using the child’s passport details.

Can I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA twice?

If your first ETA expires or you need to re-enter Sri Lanka after the 6-month validity period, you can apply for a new ETA. There is no restriction on the number of times you can apply.

What is the penalty for overstaying the Sri Lanka ETA?

Overstaying your authorized 30-day stay without an approved extension can result in fines, detention, and deportation. You may also be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka.

eTA Sri Lanka