From Oct 15, tourists to Sri Lanka required to secure ETA before arrival

Colombo: Starting October 15, all travellers visiting Sri Lanka will once again need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.

The requirement, reinstated after a Supreme Court order, replaces the short-lived eVisa platform introduced earlier this year. Tourists are advised to apply online in advance to avoid entry delays at ports of arrival.

ETA, which was previously applicable, was replaced by a new eVisa platform in April 2024.

Four months later, the Supreme Court suspended the new platform and ordered reverting to the ETA.

The noncompliance with the court order resulted in the imprisonment of the former emigration and immigration chief last month on a contempt of court conviction.