ETA Sri Lanka

Tourism / Business / Transit


After wanting to switch to electronic visas, Sri Lanka reintroduced its ETA (electronic travel authorization) in September 2024.

The ETA for Sri Lanka is valid for tourist trips (up to 30 days and double entry), business (30 days maximum and multiple entries) or transit (2ย days and 1 entry). Once issued, you must enter Sri Lanka with authorization within 6 months. The period of stay begins when you arrive in the country, not when the authorization is issued.

The documents must be sent once the form has been completed, so that we can check the data. The agreement is materialized by the receipt of a PDF document that must be printed and presented on arrival in Sri Lanka.

Commencer une demande de ETA Sri Lanka

Tarif unique de 39,00 € par voyageur Hors frais consulaires, si applicables

Discover Sri Lanka, an island state south-east of India. Rich in ancestral history, Sri Lanka has also been marked by colonization, first by the Portuguese, then by the Dutch and British, when it took the name of Ceylon before regaining its independence in 1948.

You want to travel to Sri Lanka, whether for business or pleasure, Find out in advance how to enter Sri Lanka, and in particular how to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

The ETA is compulsory for citizens of many countries, including France, Canada and Switzerland.. It can be obtained online via the official website of Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration, or through approved visa agencies such as Visamundi.

What are the entry requirements for obtaining a travel permit for Sri Lanka?

visa sri lanka

All foreign travellers, regardless of the purpose or duration of their stay, must obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.. The ETA is an electronic visa which allows entry into Sri Lanka and residence for a specified period.

To obtain an ETA, you must complete an online application and pay a fee. You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your intended entry into Sri Lanka. In addition, you must present a return or onward ticket and prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

Although no vaccinations are required for entry into Sri Lanka, it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis and rabies. You should also consult a health professional about yellow fever vaccination, as proof of vaccination is required for travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is prevalent.

It is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover the cost of hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation. Don't forget that entry requirements may change at any time, so it's a good idea to It is essential to check the latest information with the Sri Lankan authorities before your departure..

No ETA at the embassy

It is no longer possible to apply for an eTA at the Sri Lankan embassy. All eTA requests must be made online with the Sri Lankan authorities. The embassy does not have a visa service, and the whole process is carried out online. Several websites like ours offer a simplified online application service. These sites verify the information and documents, and then forward them to the Sri Lankan authorities.

It is important to note that many fraudulent sites offer eTAs and don't always respect the advertised delivery times. It is advisable to consult forums and travel guides to avoid scams, and to give preference to trusted sites.

The ETA allows a maximum stay of 30 days in Sri Lanka. It is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, which means you must enter Sri Lanka within 6 months of ETA approval.

The number of authorized entries depends on the type of ETA :

  • The Tourist/Family ETA is valid for 2 entries, which means you can enter Sri Lanka twice during its 6-month validity period.
  • The Business ETA allows multiple entries, authorizing you to enter and leave Sri Lanka as many times as necessary during its 6-month validity period.
  • The ETA Transit is valid for a single entry and is reserved for travelers making a short stopover in Sri Lanka by sea (cruises). It authorizes a maximum stay of 2 days.
It is important to note that the ETA can only be extended once on site, by going to the Immigration Services Centre in Colombo. You must apply for this extension 8 days before your ETA expires.

How do I obtain an ETA for Sri Lanka?

To obtain an ETA for Sri Lanka, you must follow the steps below:

  1. Gather the necessary documents: You will need a copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Sri Lanka. You will also need a copy of your airline ticket or reservation.
  2. Fill in the online application form: You can find the ETA application form on the official website of the Colombo Immigration Department or on our website. We will ask you questions about your trip, including:
    • Your detailed address in Sri Lanka
    • The name of the inviting Sri Lankan company (for a business ETA)
    • Address and telephone number of the inviting Sri Lankan company (for a business ETA)
  3. Pay ETA fees: ETA fees vary according to the type of ETA. You can pay the fees online by credit card.
  4. Receive your ETA by e-mail: Once your application has been approved, you will receive your ETA by e-mail. Print it out and keep it with you during your trip. You will need to present it when boarding your flight to Sri Lanka.

Important tips:

  • Beware of scams: Many fraudulent websites offer eTAs at exorbitant prices. Make sure you apply on the official Colombo Immigration Department website or on a trusted website.
  • Processing time: The average processing time for an ETA application is 48 hours, but it can sometimes take a little longer. It is advisable to apply at least 15 days before departure.
  • Documents on arrival: In addition to your ETA, you'll need a passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry, a return ticket and proof of income for the duration of your stay.

How much does an eTA for Sri Lanka cost?

The cost of a travel authorization for Sri Lanka varies according to the category you choose. Consular fees vary from 48 € ร  53 € for Tourism or the Business.

When should I apply for an eVisa for Sri Lanka?

You must apply for an ETA at least 2 days before your arrival. If you are arriving a long way in advance, we accept applications but will send you your eVisa when it becomes available.

Can I get my eVisa in Sri Lanka?

Yes, the ETA can be requested on site for certain nationalities.

Can I use my ETA for several trips to Sri Lanka?

Only the ETA Transit is valid for single entry on Sri Lankan territory, the others are valid for two or more inputsdepending on the document selected..

How long is the ETA valid for Sri Lanka?

The ETA is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

How do I know if my authorization is still valid?

If the request was made via our services, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can help you.

Will I be reimbursed for consular fees if my application is rejected?

If the administration refuses, a reimbursement can be set up if you request it via our services.

What is the difference between ETA and e-Visa?

The ETA - which replaces the short-lived e-Visa - is now the only document required for visa-exempt nationalities in Sri Lanka.

By applying for an ETA before you leave, you avoid waiting at immigration on arrival, and sometimes additional costs. All you need to do is print out the PDF document in color and present it at boarding or on arrival.

How long can I stay in the country with an ETA?

It is possible to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days with an ETA, depending on the document requested.

My ETA has been issued. How long do I have to enter the country?

From the date of approval of your ETA, you have the following rights 180 days to enter Sri Lanka. It is important to note that the validity of your ETA does not determine the length of your stay in Sri Lanka, which is subject to immigration rules.

Do minors need to apply for an ETA to travel to Sri Lanka?

Yes, minors must also obtain an electronic travel authorization.

Can I apply for an ETA for several people at the same time?

By using our services, you can complete the same form for several travelers. The eVisa sent will be nominative and associated with the passport number of each traveler.

For what reasons do I need to apply for an ETA to travel to Sri Lanka?

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka for some tourismand business or a transityou must request an electronic authorization.

I'm doing a stopover/transit in Sri Lanka, do I need to apply for an ETA?

Travelers on stopovers or in transit must apply for an ETA if they are re-entering the country for 48 hours.

Can I extend my ETA for Sri Lanka?

The ETA CAN be extended. You will have to contact local immigration for all the details...

What documents do I need to present at immigration in Sri Lanka?

You'll need ETAย printed as well as your passportwhich must be valid for 6 months after your arrival. You may also be asked for your return ticket and proof that your income is sufficient for your stay (certificate from your bank, bank statements...).

Are there any compulsory vaccinations for travel to Sri Lanka?

The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for nationals of the following countries: Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central Africa, Chad, Colombia, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mayotte, Niger, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela, Zaire.

Do I need to have booked my round-trip tickets before applying for an ETA?

The ETA can be obtained even before you book your flight, but is not a mandatory part of the application process.

My travel dates have changed. Can I modify my Sri Lanka ETA?

Once issued, your ETA cannot be modified. In the event of a change in the dates of your stay, it is a new application is required.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

Like many countries, Sri Lanka has its own safety issues, but overall it is considered a relatively safe place to travel and live. Taking the necessary precautions and keeping abreast of the local situation can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Can a child travel alone to Sri Lanka?

Yes, a child can travel to Sri Lanka without a legal guardian. However, if they are French, they must have an AST (authorization to leave the country). This document can be requested online, and must be completed by one of the holders of parental authority. When traveling, this form must be accompanied by a copy of the legal guardian's identity document.

Sri Lanka: mandatory and recommended vaccines

Mandatory vaccinations

  • Yellow fever

    Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers aged 9 months or over from countries at risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in a country at risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended vaccines

  • Hepatitis A

  • Hepatitis B

    For long or repeated stays
  • Rage

    In case of prolonged stay in isolation
  • Typhoid fever

    In case of prolonged stay or precarious hygienic conditions
  • Japanese encephalitis

    From the age of 2 months, for expatriates or people who must remain in rural areas during the transmission period