How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA

If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your arrival. The Sri Lanka ETA is an electronic visa that grants entry into the country for tourism, business, or transit purposes. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about the Sri Lanka ETA application process.

First of all, it's important to note that not everyone needs to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA. Citizens of certain countries, such as Singapore and the Maldives, are exempt from the requirement. You can check if your country is on the list of ETA-exempt nations on the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration website.

If your country is not exempt, you'll need to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA before your trip. The application process is entirely online, which means you don't need to visit an embassy or consulate in person. You can apply for the ETA from the comfort of your own home, as long as you have a reliable internet connection.

To start your application, you'll need to visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website. You'll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and your trip, such as your name, passport number, and travel dates. You'll also need to answer some security-related questions and pay a processing fee. The fee varies depending on your country of citizenship and the type of ETA you're applying for (tourist, business, or transit).

After you've submitted your application and paid the fee, you'll receive an email confirming that your application has been received. Your ETA should be processed within 24 hours, although it can sometimes take longer during busy periods. Once your ETA is approved, you'll receive a second email with a link to download and print your ETA confirmation. You'll need to present this confirmation at immigration when you arrive in Sri Lanka.

It's important to note that the Sri Lanka ETA is valid for three months from the date of issue. This means that you must enter Sri Lanka within three months of receiving your ETA confirmation. You can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days with a tourist or business ETA, or up to two days with a transit ETA. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa extension.    

How to submit an ETA application.

ETA application can be submitted using one of the following options:

  • By the applicant

  • By Third party

  • At Sri Lanka Overseas Missions

  • At the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Colombo

  • On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka

By the applicant

The applicant can submit an ETA application online through the official Sri Lanka ETA website. The process is straightforward and involves the following steps:

  • Visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website at www.eta.gov.lk

  • Click on the "Apply" button and select the appropriate ETA category (tourism, business, or transit).

  • Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and travel information.

  • Pay the ETA processing fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal account.

  • Submit the application and wait for the ETA approval, which usually takes up to 24 hours.

It is important to ensure that all the information provided in the application form is accurate and matches the details on the applicant's passport. Any discrepancies may result in the ETA application being rejected or the applicant being denied entry into Sri Lanka.

In case of any issues or errors during the application process, the applicant can contact the Sri Lanka ETA helpdesk via email or phone for assistance.

It is recommended to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA at least 72 hours before the intended travel date to allow sufficient processing time. However, it is possible to apply for an urgent ETA for an additional fee if the travel is required sooner.

By Third party

Submitting an ETA application through a third party is another option available for those who cannot apply online or prefer to have assistance with the application process. Third-party services may include travel agencies, visa processing companies, or other authorized agents.

To submit an ETA application through a third party, follow these steps:

Choose a reliable and authorized third-party service provider: It is important to choose a reputable and authorized third-party service provider to avoid any fraudulent activity or unnecessary delays.

Provide the required information: The third-party service provider will require the same information as the online application process, such as personal details, passport information, travel details, and other relevant information.

Submit the application and pay the service fee: Once the application is complete, the third-party service provider will submit it on your behalf and collect the necessary fees, including the ETA processing fee and any additional service fees.

Wait for the ETA approval: The third-party service provider will notify you when your ETA is approved, and you will receive a copy of the ETA approval.

Print out the ETA approval: As with the online application process, it is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you when traveling to Sri Lanka.

It is important to note that submitting an ETA application through a third party may incur additional fees, and the processing time may be longer than the online application process. Therefore, it is advisable to plan accordingly and submit the application well in advance of the intended travel date.

At Sri Lanka Overseas Missions

Submitting an ETA application at a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission involves the following steps:

Contact the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission: To begin the application process, contact the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission. The mission will provide you with the necessary information regarding the application process and required documentation.

Fill out the ETA application form: The ETA application form can be obtained from the Sri Lanka Overseas Mission or downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Emigration website. The form should be completed with accurate and up-to-date information.

Provide supporting documents: Along with the completed ETA application form, you will need to provide supporting documents such as a copy of your passport, and your travel itinerary.

Pay the ETA processing fee: The ETA processing fee can be paid at the Sri Lanka Overseas Mission in the local currency or in US dollars. The fee can also be paid online using a credit or debit card.

Wait for the approval: After submitting your ETA application, you will need to wait for approval from the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The processing time can take up to 24 hours.

Collect your ETA: Once your ETA is approved, you can collect it from the Sri Lanka Overseas Mission. Make sure to carry a copy of the approval with you when you travel to Sri Lanka.

It is important to note that third-party submission of ETA applications may not be allowed by all Sri Lanka Overseas Missions. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm the application process with the mission before proceeding with the application.

At the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Colombo

To submit an ETA application on your own at the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E) in Colombo, you should follow these steps:

  • Visit the head office of DI&E in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

  • Obtain an ETA application form from the designated counter.

  • Fill in the ETA application form with accurate and complete details.

  • Pay the relevant fee for ETA processing at the designated payment counter.

  • Submit the completed ETA application form along with the payment receipt to the designated visa officer.

The visa officer will then verify your application and inform you of the ETA processing status. If your application is approved, you will receive an ETA approval notice. It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval notice with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. 

All ETA holders should fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry:

  • A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival.

  • A confirmed return ticket.

  • Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.

The ETA is initially limited up to 30 days from the date of arrival and it can be extended up to six months.

On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka

Travellers who have not obtained prior ETA approval may apply for an ETA upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Sri Lanka. However, additional fees will apply.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Upon arrival at BIA, go to the ETA issuing counter.

  • Fill in the ETA application form and pay the relevant ETA processing fee only in US$. Please note that only electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and cash in US$ are accepted.

  • If your application is approved, the ETA will be issued for up to 30 days.

  • Receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice. If you receive a referral notice, you will be refused entry and returned to your original destination.

  • After receiving your ETA, proceed to the Immigration Counter and submit your passport.

Sri Lanka ETA as proof to be presented at the port of entry

It is recommended to retain a copy of the approved Sri Lanka ETA as proof to be presented at the port of entry. 

ETA holders are required to meet the following conditions upon arrival:

  • Possess a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry.

  • Possess a confirmed return ticket.

  • Have enough financial resources to cover expenses during their stay.

The ETA is initially granted for a period of 30 days from the arrival date, with the option to extend it up to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for a short-term stay, usually up to 30 days.

Yes, foreign nationals are required to obtain a Sri Lanka ETA before traveling to Sri Lanka, except for citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles.

You can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA online through the Sri Lanka ETA website or through a third-party visa application service. Alternatively, you can apply in person at a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission or at the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

To apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, you will need a valid passport, a confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka ETA processing time is usually 24 to 72 hours, but it may take longer during peak travel periods.

A Sri Lanka ETA is initially valid for up to 30 days from the date of arrival, and it can be extended up to six months.

Yes, a limited facility to obtain ETA at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is available for travellers who wish to visit Sri Lanka without prior ETA approval. However, additional fees will apply.