Important information about ETA

Electronic system of ETA enables applying for an additional travel authorization entirely though an online system. The only action that is required, is to apply online for an electronic visa to Sri Lanka. This way each applicant can get an ETA; a document granted by government.

Practically each nationality is entitled to apply for an ETA online. To complete the application you only need to provide essential personal and passport information, and travel details such as planned date of entry, or intended purpose of stay.
Once the application has been fulfilled, you will be able to select the most convenient payment method.

The processing time usually takes up to a few days. Once your ETA will be granted, it will be sent to the e-mail address you have provided in the application An ETA number is electronically assigned to the applicants passport number; therefore there is no need for the printing the provided confirmation out. On arrival, in Sri Lanka you will only be requested to provide the passport you have used while applying for an ETA.

Types of ETA

An ETA can be issued as long as the traveller is intending to enter Sri Lanka in one of the mentioned purposes:

Tourism - entitles stay in Sri Lanka in tourism purposes such as vacation, family, or friends meeting. An ETA can be issued for a period of 6 months, during which applicant can spend a maximum period of 30 days in the country territory. It allows to cross the Sri Lankan border twice, as long the second entry to Sri Lanka takes place within 30 days of the first entry into Sri Lanka.

Business - authorizes a stay in Sri Lanka in business purposes such as conference, workshops or seminars attending. It can also be used for business meetings or contract negotiations. Exactly as in case of a tourist ETA, it is valid for a period of 6 months. The initial entry has to take place within the mentioned period. With a valid ETA, an applicant is entitled to enter the country territory twice, as long the second entry to Sri Lanka takes place within 30 days of the first entry into Sri Lanka.

Transit - those who apply for this document must enter Sri Lanka in transit purposes only. Is remains valid for a period of 6 months and entitles stay in the country territory for a maximum period of 2 days.

Attention! Passport has to be valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date to be a valid document allowing you to apply for an ETA.

Important information

The citizens of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles are waived from the requirement of applying for an electronic visa, and can’t apply for an ETA.

Travellers who wish to extend their stay in Sri Lanka, can apply for an extension that will authorize their stay in the country territory for an additional maximum period of 6 months. For more information, each applicant is obliged to contact Immigration Office in Sri Lanka directly.