Sri Lanka: ETA now mandatory before travel

From October 15, 2025, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) becomes mandatory for all foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Previously, some travelers could obtain an ETA upon arrival, but the new rule completely cancels this possibility: without a pre-arranged document, entry into the country is impossible.

This measure applies to all foreign nationals, including countries that previously had partial exemption from the ETA fee, such as Russia, India, China, Indonesia, and others. Even if there is a plan to expand the list of exempt countries in the future, at the moment, standard fees remain mandatory for all tourists.

Countries that potentially have the right to be exempt from the ETA fee in the future include: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the USA.

Sri Lanka continues to actively welcome foreign guests: in 2025 alone, the country has already met more than 1.7 million tourists, and the number of arrivals continues to grow. The main sources of travelers remain India, China, and European countries, confirming a steady interest in the island's resorts.

To avoid problems when boarding the flight and to save time, experts advise to arrange ETA in advance. Our managers will help you quickly and safely obtain an electronic travel authorization online, without errors and unnecessary complications, ensuring a peaceful start to your trip to Sri Lanka.