Sri Lanka has a visa requirement. Since 2012, the required visa can be applied for online. The visa type that can be applied for online for Sri Lanka used to be called an ETA until April 2024. The ETA has a simple application procedure and is granted quickly, making it the most popular travel authorisation for Sri Lanka.

Difference between the physical visa and the ETA

In addition to the physical Sri Lanka visa that can be applied for at the embassy, there is also a visa that you can apply for online. This online visa is also called the Sri Lanka e-visa. Before April 2024, the travel authorisation used to be called an ETA. The abbreviation ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. The e-visa is the most modern visa type out of all Sri Lanka visas because the complete application, including the processing and issuance of this visa, happens online.

Application procedure ETA Sri Lanka

To apply for an ETA Sri Lanka, an online application form has to be completed online. In this form, the contact information, passport details and several travel details need to be entered. After the form is completed, the costs needs to be paid and each traveller has to upload a digital passport photo and a photo or scan of their passport. Subsequently, the application is processed and sent to the immigration service, where it is assessed. The visa is usually sent by email within 4 days. If you want to receive the ETA quicker, you can use the possibility of submitting an urgent application.

Stay in Sri Lanka up to 30 days

With an ETA Sri Lanka, you can stay in the country for up to 30 days. This maximum duration of stay takes effect on the date you arrive in Sri Lanka. The ETA may be used for one trip to Sri Lanka only. You can find more information about the maximum permitted duration of stay, and the validity of the ETA on the page about the validity of the ETA Sri Lanka.

The spectaculair trainroute between Kandy and Ella

The ETA costs

Generally, the cost of an ETA lower than the cost of a visa that has to be applied for at the embassy. One of the reasons for this, is that processing of ETA applications takes less time because of the use of computer systems. Are you applying for an ETA in 2024? In that case, you pay £79.95 per person. This is the total cost, including all costs and taxes. A surcharge of £17.50 is charged per visa in the case of an urgent application.

Requirements for travelling with an ETA

There are several requirements for using an ETA or Sri Lanka e-visa. For example, only travellers from certain countries are eligible for an ETA, such as those from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and EU countries such as Ireland. Travellers from other countries can check on this page if they can apply for an ETA Sri Lanka. The ETA can be used exclusively for tourist travel. Before you submit an application, you are advised to read all requirements of the ETA Sri Lanka carefully.

This is what you need for a trip to Sri Lanka
To be able to enter Sri Lanka, upon arrival, you need to be able to show various documents. Ensure that you keep these documents in your carry-on luggage, so you can always have them at hand. This way, you can start your holiday without any problems. During border control, you have to be able to show the following documents:

•A passport that is valid for six more months from the moment of arrival.
•A valid ETA or visa that has been applied using the same passport as the one used for the trip.
•A ticket for the return or onward journey from Sri Lanka.
•Proof you have sufficient financial resources for your stay in Sri Lanka.

Are you not eligible for an ETA?

Travellers who are not eligible for the online application procedure of the ETA can apply for a visa at the Embassy of Sri Lanka. In that case, you have to take into account a delivery time of several weeks because the passport has to be handed in and because these visa applications have to be assessed manually by embassy staff. In the case of a visa application at the embassy, you can choose multiple types of physical visas for Sri Lanka.