Sri Lanka pauses pre‑departure ETA mandate for short‑stay travelers

October 31, 2025|Joshua

Sri Lanka has suspended its recently announced mandatory pre-departure Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement for short-stay tourists and business visitors, reverting to the previous system of online pre-booking or on-arrival eTA issuance effective until further notice.

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Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration has revoked the short‑lived plan to mandate pre‑departure Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for all short‑stay visitors. The announcement made on 13 October 2025 that ETAs would be compulsory before boarding from 15 October 2025 has been cancelled until further notice.

What changed

13 Oct 2025 – Authorities announced that all short‑stay visitors for tourism and business would need an eTA online before travel, effective 15 Oct 2025.
30 Oct 2025 – The pre‑departure mandate was suspended; the previous system – online pre‑booking or on‑arrival – is back in effect.

Who is affected

Short‑stay visitors traveling for tourism or business.
Nationals eligible for fee waivers continue to receive a free eTA under existing regulations.
Travelers from countries that are not eligible for visa‑on‑arrival must still obtain approval in advance.

Current entry practice at a glance

Pre‑departure eTA: Available and recommended for smoother entry.
eTA on arrival: Limited on‑arrival facility remains at the port of entry, subject to eligibility and higher processing fees.
Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
Initial stay: Up to 30 days on a short‑visit eTA, with the possibility to extend in‑country up to a maximum of 6 months, subject to approval.

Fees and fee waivers

Online eTA processing fees are published by the government and vary by category.
Some nationalities receive a free eTA for tourism. Business eTAs carry applicable fees for all nationalities.

How to apply

Apply online through the official eTA portal. Keep a copy of your eTA approval for inspection at border control.
Be prepared to show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds at entry.
Apply well ahead of travel dates; processing times for online eTAs are often quick but can vary.

Traveler notes and tips

On‑arrival issuance is possible only for eligible travelers and may involve queues and higher fees.
Online pre‑approval is generally faster and more reliable.
Always use the official eTA website; third‑party sites may charge extra and are not endorsed by the government.

Related policy under review

Plans to extend or adjust visa‑free or fee‑waiver arrangements for a wider set of countries remain under consideration. Officials indicated delays tied to legal and regulatory reviews. Travelers should check official channels for any future rollouts or changes.