Why Do I Need an ETA Visa to Visit Sri Lanka? – A Complete Guide for UK Travellers

For those in the UK planning a trip to Sri Lanka, remember that an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is needed for entry, even for brief visits. This is a must if you hold a UK passport and intend to travel for tourism, business, or even just to transit through the country, and it helps speed up immigration.

• In 2024, more than 1.2 million ETA visas were issued around the world.
• The ETA aims to make the arrival process at Sri Lankan airports quick and easy.
• Most ETAs are processed in a day or two.
• The ETA allows a 30-day stay, with a one-time extension option.
• An ETA is valid for six months from the date it is issued.

What is the Sri Lanka ETA Visa?

The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) serves as an official travel permit, enabling foreign citizens, such as those residing in the UK, to visit Sri Lanka for brief periods. This authorization is a must for individuals traveling for leisure, brief business engagements, or those who are simply passing through the country. In contrast to conventional visas, the ETA system offers a more streamlined approach since the application and approval phases are conducted online. This digital pathway makes the process faster and simpler for travellers.

Specifically, for individuals holding UK passports, the ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days. The authorization remains valid for a period of six months from the date it is issued. One important point to note is that this travel document must be secured before the traveler arrives in Sri Lanka. The ETA system is designed to make entry procedures at border checkpoints more efficient. It removes the necessity for travelers to visit an embassy to get a visa, saving them time and effort.

ETA Details at a Glance – Sri Lanka

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is the most common entry permit for short-term visitors to Sri Lanka. It is available in two main categories: Tourist ETA and Transit ETA, each with specific validity and conditions as per the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Detail	Tourist ETA	Transit ETA
Duration	30 days from date of arrival	2 days from date of arrival
Entries	Double entry	Single entry
Who Qualifies	Most foreign nationals visiting for tourism, short business, or family visits	All travellers transiting through Sri Lanka without entering for tourism or business
Fee & Processing Time	USD 50 standard / USD 55–60 expedited (processed in minutes to hours online)	Free if transiting with proof of onward ticket

 

Why Do UK Residents Need an ETA to Visit Sri Lanka?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for most short-term visitors to Sri Lanka, as set by the Department of Immigration & Emigration. UK residents traveling to Sri Lanka need an ETA because Sri Lanka asks most foreign citizens, including those from Britain, to get permission before entering. 

It serves as prior approval for entry, allowing immigration officers to pre-screen travellers before arrival. Having an ETA helps ensure passport pre-clearance, which can speed up airport processing and reduce delays compared to arranging permission on arrival. It also ensures compliance with Sri Lanka’s entry and immigration regulations, enabling authorities to better monitor the flow of short-term visitors while maintaining secure and efficient border control. 

Benefits of the Sri Lanka ETA Visa

The Sri Lanka ETA offers the benefits given below.

• Applying online is simple and eliminates the need for embassy visits.
• Processing is fast, typically taking one to two days.
• The visa is valid for six months, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.
• It allows a 30-day stay, with a one-time extension option available once you're in Sri Lanka.
• It can be used for tourism, business, or transit, accommodating various short trips.
• You will experience quicker entry at the airport, with less waiting upon arrival.
• It is accepted at all major entry points, including Colombo and Mattala airports.

Types of Sri Lanka ETA Visas

The primary types of Sri Lanka ETA visas are given below.

Visa Type	Purpose	Validity	Stay Duration
Tourist ETA	Leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting family/friends	6 months	Up to 30 days (extendable once)
Business ETA	Attending meetings, conferences, short-term professional visits	6 months	Up to 30 days (extendable once)
Transit ETA	Transit through Sri Lanka to another country	6 months	Up to 2 days (non-extendable)

Who Needs an ETA to Enter Sri Lanka?

Most foreign nationals, including UK residents, who plan to visit Sri Lanka need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Regardless of the purpose of your visit—tourism, business, or transit, you need to get an ETA before you arrive.

The following individuals need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka:

• UK passport holders staying for short periods (up to 30 days).
• Residents of countries that require visas, even if they are traveling from the UK.
• Tourists, business travellers, and transit passengers (unless they are exempt).
• Children of all ages must possess a valid ETA.
• Travellers entering Sri Lanka via cruise ship or airplane through Sri Lankan ports or airports.

Only a few nationalities are exempt from the ETA requirement, but UK citizens must apply for an ETA.

Global ETA Requirements for Sri Lanka

Under Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration & Emigration regulations, most foreign nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. This requirement applies to both tourism and short business visits, with only a few nationalities exempt under visa-free agreements.

Nationality	ETA Required?
Maldives, Singapore, Seychelles	No
EU Member States, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia	Yes
All other nationalities	Yes

 

Sri Lanka ETA Visa Eligibility for UK Residents

The eligibility criteria for Sri Lanka ETA are given below:

• A valid UK or British passport is required.
• The planned stay should be no more than 30 days, with a potential for one extension.
• Travellers must have a return or onward ticket.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay, such as hotel bookings, may be requested.

Applicants should have no past immigration offenses or criminal history.

Documents Required for Sri Lanka ETA Application

The documents required to apply for Sri Lanka ETA are given below:

• A passport that's valid for at least six months after you arrive.
• Proof you're leaving, like a return or onward flight ticket.
• Where you're staying, such as a hotel booking or local address.
• An email address where they can send your ETA approval.
• A debit or credit card to pay for your visa online.
• Your basic information, like name, birthday, and where you're from.
• Document explaining your intent of travelling (tourism, business, or just passing through).

How to Apply for the Sri Lanka ETA Visa?

The detailed procedure to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA is given below:

Step 1: Determine the ETA category you need – Tourist, Business, or Transit.
Step 2: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Step 3: Apply for the ETA online before travel or through a Sri Lankan mission/authorized agent.
Step 4: Pay the applicable ETA fee during application.
Step 5: Receive ETA approval electronically, linked to your passport.
Step 6: Present your passport and ETA approval at Sri Lankan immigration upon arrival.

 

Sri Lanka ETA Visa Fees for UK Travellers

Detailed information about the fees for Sri Lanka ETA is given below.

Visa Type	Approx. Fee (GBP)
Tourist ETA	£31
Business ETA	£39
Transit ETA	£16
Urgent Processing	£66

Sri Lanka ETA Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Sri Lankan ETA is given below.

Processing Type	Estimated Timeframe
Standard Processing	24 to 48 hours
Urgent Processing	Within 12 to 24 hours
Recommended Application Time	At least 72 hours before travel

 

ETA Extension Process – Sri Lanka

Step 1: Confirm that your ETA is still valid and that your total stay will not exceed six months from your initial arrival date.

Step 2: Gather the required documents:

• Valid passport

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Confirmed return or onward ticket

• Accommodation details

Step 3: Submit your extension request either:

• Online through the official ETA system, or

• In person at the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo

Step 4: Pay the extension fee as instructed during the application process.

Step 5: Receive confirmation of approval, and check that your new validity dates are recorded correctly.

 

Validity and Duration of Stay with Sri Lanka ETA

Detailed information about the validity and duration of stay offered by the Sri Lankan ETA are given below:

Visa Type	ETA Validity	Allowed Stay Duration	Extension Possibility
Tourist ETA	6 months from issue date	Up to 30 days (single or double entry)	Yes – extendable once up to 60 days
Business ETA	6 months from issue date	Up to 30 days per visit	Yes – based on business need
Transit ETA	6 months from issue date	Up to 2 days	No – non-extendable

Can You Extend a Sri Lanka ETA Visa?

Yes, the Sri Lanka ETA visa can be extended under special cases. In some situations, you can extend your Sri Lanka ETA visa. If you have a Tourist ETA, you can ask for an extension to stay up to 60 more days, for a total of 90 days from when you arrived. You need to apply for this extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before your first 30 days are up.

To get an extension, you need a good reason, like wanting to continue your tourism activities. You'll also need to provide documents that support your reason, a current passport, proof that you have enough money, and payment for the extension. Note that Transit ETAs cannot be extended.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Sri Lanka ETA

• Providing an incorrect passport number or expiry date is a common mistake.
• A visa can be denied if your passport is not valid for at least six months.
• Ensure you choose the correct ETA category, for example, tourist or business.
• Apply well in advance of your travel date to allow time for processing.
• Make sure all personal information is accurate and complete.
• Save and print your ETA approval to show at the airport.
• Only use official government websites or trusted agents when applying.
• Make sure you have a return or onward flight ticket.
• Be aware of any entry limits on your ETA, such as single or double entry.
• Remember that each family member, child or adult, needs a separate ETA.

ETA vs. Other Visa Types for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers several visa options for short-term and special-category visitors, but the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) remains the most widely used and recommended entry method for tourism and business travel. Below is a comparison based on official information from the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration:

Visa Type	Key Features	Best For
Online ETA	Pre-approved prior to travel; valid for 30 days; allows double entry; extendable up to 6 months	Most tourists and business travellers
Visa on Arrival	Application at airport; validity similar to ETA	Travellers unable to apply online
Consular Visa	Issued by Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad; duration and conditions vary	Journalists, NGO workers, diplomatic/official travel

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA Visa?

Y-Axis, a leading visa and immigration consultancy, provides expert help to UK travellers seeking short-term visas such as the Sri Lanka ETA. We offer personalized and reliable service to ensure your application is accurate, timely, and stress-free.

Our services include:

• Helping you choose the right ETA visa type
• Providing step-by-step support for the online application
• Reviewing your documents to reduce errors or delays
• Helping with urgent or same-day ETA processing
• Giving updates and alerts on ETA approval and travel needs