As of October 15, a new regulation officially takes effect: travelers heading to Sri Lanka for tourism or business must now obtain a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. This requirement, in place for several years, can no longer be completed upon arrival.
The announcement, shared in recent days by several Sri Lankan embassies around the world, has now been confirmed by the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE):
With effect from 15 October 2025, all travelers visiting Sri Lanka for short-stay purposes (tourism or business) are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Sri Lankan immigration authorities have stated that they will take active measures to ensure the quick processing of ETAs, especially in anticipation of the upcoming peak tourist season.
The ETA remains valid for short-term stays (tourism or business), and travelers are now required to present it at the time of boarding. Airlines are responsible for verifying that passengers have obtained the authorization before check-in.
Specific regulations by nationality
According to the official website www.eta.gov.lk, certain travelers continue to benefit from preferential conditions:
- Nationals of the Seychelles, the Maldives, and Singapore are exempt from ETA fees for tourist stays, in line with existing bilateral agreements.
- Holders of passports from China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan may also obtain a free ETA for tourism purposes under current arrangements.
Travelers from other countries must pay a fee when applying for an ETA, whether for tourism or business. This includes nationals from France, the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States, Canada, and Australia, although Sri Lankan authorities announced last July their plan to soon exempt travelers from 33 additional countries from ETA fees. That measure has not yet taken effect.
The ETA application must therefore be completed online before traveling to Sri Lanka. The process is designed to be quick and user-friendly, but authorities strongly recommend applying well in advance to avoid boarding refusals or complications upon arrival.
