Most visitors to Sri Lanka need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before flying. It is applied for online, usually approved within 24 to 48 hours, and valid for 30 days from arrival with double entry.
Applying
Apply only through the official government portal. There are dozens of look-alike agent sites charging three or four times the real fee for the same form. Have your passport, return ticket details and first night's accommodation address ready.
Common mistakes
- Passport with under six months validity remaining — you will be refused boarding
- Name on the ETA not matching the passport exactly, including middle names
- No proof of onward travel, which immigration can and does ask for
Extending
A 30-day ETA can be extended to 90 days at the Department of Immigration in Battaramulla, Colombo. Go early in the morning, take photocopies of everything, and budget half a day.
Rules change. Confirm the current fee and requirements on the official portal within a week of travelling.