Sri Lanka ETA Visa Guide: How to Apply Online (2025)

Last Updated: July 2025

Introduction to Sri Lanka's ETA System

Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has revolutionized travel to this tropical paradise, making the visa application process faster and more efficient than ever before. Whether you're dreaming of exploring ancient temples in Kandy, surfing the waves at Arugam Bay, or spotting leopards in Yala National Park, obtaining your ETA is the crucial first step in your Sri Lankan adventure.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every aspect of the ETA process, from determining if you need one to navigating the application system and ensuring smooth entry upon arrival. We've included all the latest 2025 updates, insider tips, and detailed explanations to make your visa application completely stress-free.

📌 Table of Contents

1. Who Needs an ETA?

2. ETA Types: Tourist, Business & Transit

3. Required Documents

4. Step-by-Step Application

   • 4.1 Filling the Application Form

   • 4.2 Payment & Processing

5. Group Applications

6. Fees & Processing Times

7. After Approval: Entry Process

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

9. FAQs

10. Travel Tips

1. Who Needs a Sri Lanka ETA?

✅ Nationality Requirements

The Sri Lanka ETA system applies to nearly all foreign visitors, with only a few exceptions:

• Citizens of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore can enter visa-free

• Diplomatic passport holders from certain countries

• Infants under 12 months traveling on parent's passport

⚠ Important 2025 Update: The government has been gradually phasing out the "Visa on Arrival" option, making the online ETA application mandatory for most travelers. This change aims to reduce airport wait times and streamline the immigration process.

Transit Passengers

You'll need a Transit ETA if:

• Your layover exceeds 48 hours

• You plan to leave the airport during your connection

• You're switching from international to domestic flights

2. ETA Types

3. Required Documents

For All Applicants:

✔ Passport (valid 6+ months after arrival)
✔ Digital passport photo (white background)
✔ Return/onward flight ticket
✔ Credit/debit card (for payment)

For Business ETA:

✔ Invitation letter from Sri Lankan company

4. Step-by-Step Application

4.1 Filling the Application Form

1. Visit the official ETA website

2. Select:

   • Tourist/Business/Transit ETA

   • "Apply for an Individual" (or third party if applying for someone else)

3. Enter exact passport details (double-check for errors!)

4. Provide travel plans (arrival date, Sri Lankan address)

5. Review carefully – mistakes can cause delays

4.2 Payment & Processing

• Standard processing (24-48h): $50 (Tourist), $60 (Business)

• Express processing (3h): +$25

Pro Tip: The website automatically saves your progress for 30 minutes. For longer applications, consider preparing your answers in a document first.

5. Group Applications

While Sri Lanka doesn't offer a dedicated "group visa," there are efficient ways to handle multiple applications:

✅ Applying for multiple people at once (family members, tour groups)
✅ Using the "Third Party Application" option for others

How it works:

1. The main applicant fills all travelers' details

2. Single payment covers all applications

3. All ETAs arrive together via email

💡 Tip: Ensure every passport meets the 6-month validity rule!

6. Fees & Processing (2025)

7. After Approval: Entry Process

✅ What to bring:

• Printed/saved ETA approval

• Passport (same one used in application)

• Return ticket proof

🛂 At immigration:

• ETA is electronically linked to your passport

• May be asked about accommodation plans

8. Common Mistakes

9. FAQs

❓ Can I extend my Tourist ETA?

✔ Yes, twice (max 90 days total) at Sri Lankan immigration offices.

❓ What if my ETA is denied?

➡ Re-check application details or contact Sri Lankan Embassy.

Department of Immigration and Emigration
Suhurupaya, Sri Subuthipura Road, Baththaramulla

Hotline : 0094 71 9967888
Telephone : 0094 11 2777638 - Monday to Friday 09.00 – 16.00 hrs IST (except for public holidays)
Fax : 0094 11 2674621
E-Mail : controller@immigration.gov.lk
Website: www.immigration.gov.lk

Email : controller@immigration.gov.lk

❓ Can I apply at the airport?

➡ Not recommended – apply online to avoid entry issues.

10. Travel Tips

🔸 Apply early (minimum 1 week before travel)
🔸 Save ETA PDF on your phone
🔸 Check passport expiry date

✈ Enjoy your Sri Lanka adventure! 🌊

🔗 Helpful Links:

• Official ETA Application

• ETA Fee Calculator

• Sri Lanka Embassy Contacts

Last Updated: July 2025 – Always verify requirements before traveling.