What is the Sri Lanka ETA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is Sri Lanka’s online visa system for short-term visitors.1 For British citizens, the ETA is the standard way to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, visiting friends and family, or short business trips. The system is simple: apply online, pay the fee, and receive your authorization by email, typically within 24 hours.

Sri Lanka welcomed over 178,000 UK visitors in 2024, making British tourists the second-largest group of international arrivals after India.2 The ETA system is designed to facilitate this tourism while maintaining border security.

Application Process

Step 1: Go to the official ETA website

Visit eta.gov.lk to access the official application portal.2 Avoid third-party websites that may charge higher fees.

Step 2: Select “Apply as Individual”

Choose whether you are applying for yourself, as a third party for someone else, or as a group. For most tourists, select “Apply as Individual” and then “Tourist ETA.”

Step 3: Complete the application form

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport:

• Full name (first, middle, last)
• Passport number and expiry date
• Date of birth and nationality
• Travel dates and flight details
• Accommodation address in Sri Lanka
• Contact email address

Step 4: Pay the fee

The fee is USD $50 for online applications.3 Payment is accepted via Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 5: Receive your ETA

After payment, you will receive a reference number. Check your email (including spam folder) for the ETA approval. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. Print the approval notice or save it to your phone.

Step 6: Present on arrival

Show your passport and ETA approval at immigration upon arrival in Sri Lanka. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.

Fees

The processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.3 Payment at the airport can be made in major currencies equivalent to USD, with change given in Sri Lankan Rupees.

Processing Times

The standard processing time for online ETA applications is 1-3 working days, though most applications receive approval within 24 hours.2 Factors that may affect processing time include:

• Peak travel seasons: December to April sees higher application volumes
• Application accuracy: Errors may require additional review
• Security checks: Random additional screening may cause delays

To avoid any issues, apply at least one week before your travel date. If you need faster processing, some authorized agents offer expedited services, but these come with additional fees.

What You Need to Prove

Sri Lanka’s ETA system focuses on three main areas:

1. Identity verification

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.1 The information on your application must match your passport exactly. Any discrepancies, even minor spelling differences, can cause rejection.

2. Travel purpose

The tourist ETA is for tourism, visiting friends or family, attending events, or short business meetings. You cannot work or study on this visa. If your purpose is different, you may need a Business ETA or other visa type.

3. Means of support

While not always checked, immigration officers can ask for proof that you can support yourself during your stay. Having a return ticket and access to funds (credit cards, cash, or bank statements) demonstrates you will not overstay or become a burden.

After Your ETA is Approved

Once you receive your ETA approval:

Print or save your approval notice: While the ETA is electronically linked to your passport, having a copy speeds up the immigration process.

At Bandaranaike International Airport: After landing, proceed to immigration and join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport and ETA approval. The officer will verify your details and stamp your passport with the entry date and 30-day stay limit.

Entry stamp matters: Ensure you receive an entry stamp. This stamp is your proof of legal entry and shows your permitted stay duration. Without it, you may face issues later.

During your stay: Keep your passport and ETA approval accessible. You may be asked to show identification when checking into hotels or using domestic transport.

Extending Your Stay

If 30 days is not enough, you can extend your tourist visa while in Sri Lanka:4

How to extend:

1. Apply online: Visit the Immigration Department’s e-Visa portal and submit an extension application
2. Or apply in person: Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla, Colombo

Required documents for extension:

• Valid passport
• Current ETA approval
• Completed extension application form
• Proof of sufficient funds for extended stay
• Extension fee (varies by duration)

Apply for extensions before your current authorized stay expires. Overstaying results in fines, potential detention, and future entry bans.

If Your ETA is Refused

ETA refusals for British citizens are uncommon given the automated nature of the system, but they do happen.2 If refused:

1. Check the refusal notice: You will receive a “Referral Notice” explaining that your application requires further review or has been denied.

2. Contact the Sri Lanka High Commission: The High Commission in London can provide guidance on your specific situation. Email: consular.london@mfa.gov.lk5

3. Correct and reapply: If the refusal was due to application errors (typos, incorrect details), you can submit a new application with corrected information.

4. Apply through the Embassy: For complex cases, you may need to apply for a visa directly through the Sri Lanka High Commission rather than the online ETA system.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Passport details entered incorrectly
• Payment failure or declined card
• Previous immigration violations
• Security check flags

Most refusals can be resolved by correcting errors and reapplying. Allow extra time if you need to go through embassy channels.