Since going into effect January 1, 2012, the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) has become a travel tool that both tourists and business travelers absolutely love. Initially introduced with the intention of providing an efficient, reliable, and simplified service to those who visit the country, it has definitely lived up to expectations.

With us and 5-7 minutes of your time, you can have your ETA and be on your way to Sri Lanka faster and easier than ever before.

What is the Sri Lanka ETA?

The ETA to Sri Lanka is an online authorization that bypasses the formal visa application process. This method helps streamline the entry process for most visitors wanting to enter Sri Lanka.

The ETA online is extremely easy to obtain and the actual processing time is minimal. Most applicants can apply for the ETA and have the official document printed out in the same day.

This entry document is specific to the purpose of visit in Sri Lanka. Visitors cannot go outside of what they are permitted to do, and they cannot exceed the maximun stay allowed in Sri Lanka

Who Needs a Visa?

If a stay that exceeds the allowed number of days, or falls outside the allowed activities is wanted, a visa to Sri Lanka may be needed.

This may be a long term stay visa, employment visa, student visa or a journalist visa. These types of visits will require a more formal visa process. Contacting the Sri Lanka embassy will be needed for further guidance.

Applying for a Sri Lanka visa may require the applicant to gather some information and documents in order to complete the application. This may be a visa application, employment history, financial statements and passport. Upon completion of the application process, a visa will be issued and travel to Sri Lanka will be granted for a specific purpose; this depends on what visa category was applied for.

Requirements

In addition to the items discussed above, in order to apply online for the Sri Lanka ETA you must meet the following conditions:

• Currently be outside of Sri Lanka.
• Have a valid passport.
• Have a valid email address.
• Provide payment via a major credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover or PayPal.

Your Sri Lanka ETA application information must match your passport information. Furthermore, you need to remember the following:

• You must present the same passport that is linked to your ETA application when you arrive in Sri Lanka.
• Even if your children travel on your passport, they'll need an individual ETA. All family members must complete separate ETA applications.
• You must depart Sri Lanka before your authorized time (30-days) expires. If not, you may be detained and/or removed from the country and it could affect your ETA eligibility in the future.

Purpose of Visit with ETA

You must obtain a Sri Lanka ETA if you're visiting the country for any of the following reasons:

• Sightseeing, vacationing, holidaying.
• Visiting family and friends.
• Medical treatment (including Ayurvedic and yoga).
• Participating in sporting events, competitions and cultural performance activities such as art, music, and dance events.
• Attending business meetings.
• Participating in business negotiations.
• Attending business conferences, workshops, symposiums, or seminars.
• Short-term employment training (less than 30-days).
• Participating in religious events.
• Transiting through Sri Lanka.

Another thing of importance to note is that Diplomatic and Official passport holders are not exempt from the ETA processing fee through this site. If you'd like to utilize your exemption, you must submit your application through state agencies such as Sri Lanka Overseas Missions, Ministries, Statutory Bodies, etc.

Applying Online

Submitting an application online is the first step to get an ETA for Sri Lanka. The applicant will be asked to provide their basic information. This includes name, date of birth, passport number, address, etc.

Once this information is provided on the online form, make sure to double check the information; details cannot be edited once the ETA visa has been issued.

The online form will be followed a payment screen. Once the payment is successfully captured, the application will be sent for processing.

Receiving the ETA

Once the SRi Lanka ETA is approved, an approval email will be sent out to the email on file. This email will include all the ETA details, including approval number. Make sure to print this document and keep it with your passport.

Immigration officials in Sri Lanka will ask to see the ETA document upun arrival.

Applicants will also be able to download the ETA from their Natvisa dashboard. This is automatically created once the ETA is purchased.

Upon Arrival

Upon ETA application acceptance, when you arrive at the port of entry in Sri Lanka, produce your passport and a copy of your ETA approval notice to the immigration officer and you'll be issued a 30-day Short Visit visa. However, this Short Visit visa may be extended for up to six (06) months.

In addition to your ETA, upon arrival in Sri Lanka you must also be able to prove the following:

I. If traveling by air, you must have a round trip ticket.
II. Sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the entire time you're in Sri Lanka.

There are three types of the ETA for Sri Lanka:

• Tourist ETA with double entry valid for 30 (thirty) days.
• Business ETA with double entry valid for 30 (thirty) days.
• Transit ETA - this is provided free of charge (processing fee still applies) for up to 2 days transit but documentary proof is required.

With your Sri Lanka ETA, double entries can be made from the date of your initial arrival, within the 30 days of course. When you return for your second visit, the balance of your 30 days of the initial entry will be granted.

Sri Lanka ETA exemption

In the interest of reciprocity citizens from the following countries/territories are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an ETA to visit Sri Lanka:

• The Republic of Singapore.
• The Republic of Maldives.
• The Republic of Seychelles.