Sri Lanka Eases Entry Rules: Apply ETA on Arrival, Not Before Travel

If you plan to travel to Sri Lanka soon, here is an important update you should be aware of. Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration & Emigration recently announced the suspension of its ETA requirement before travel.

It is worth noting that the new requirement, which was to take effect on October 15, 2025, required all travellers to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they start their travel to Sri Lanka.

Official Statement

The Department of Immigration & Emigration also issued an official statement regarding this and said,

“The announcement issued on 13 October 2025, which declared that obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) would be mandatory for all short-stay visitors to Sri Lanka with effect from 15 October 2025, is hereby revoked until further notice.”

ETA and Visa Services Continue

The statement also stated that all ETA-related services and other visa issuance procedures will continue to operate as they were prior to 15 October 2025 without any change.

Relief for Travellers Visiting Sri Lanka

The decision comes as a major relief since travellers to Sri Lanka no longer need to obtain a pre-departure ETA; they can simply apply for it upon arrival, just like before the restrictions.

This temporary relaxation of the earlier ETA rules is a surprising turnaround, especially as the country heads into its peak tourist season.

ETA Fee Exemption

In another update for foreign travellers visiting Sri Lanka, the country announced a plan to exempt ETA fees for travellers from 33 other countries. The plan is not yet implemented, but this could take effect within one or two months. Until now, all visitors must still follow the current paid ETA process until further notice.

So What’s the Rule For Now?

Right now, the rules for travelling to Sri Lanka are quite simple:

• You must apply for an ETA to travelling.
• The fee is still USD 50.
• ETA is valid for 6 months, allows 2 entries, and gives a 30-day stay (extendable up to 90 days, twice).

Who Gets the Free ETA Right Now?

As of now, only travellers from the following 7 countries are eligible for a free ETA. This includes holders of ordinary, diplomatic, official, or service passports from these countries.

• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Russia
• Thailand

Final Thoughts

This temporary pause of the ETA rule comes at an important time for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The country seems to be balancing security and convenience, offering travellers an easier way to enter while getting ready for a strong rebound in tourism.