Frequently Asked Questions

Sri Lanka offers ETA for three main purposes:

Tourist ETA: For visitors coming to Sri Lanka for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, or medical treatment. This is the most common type of ETA and allows stays of up to 30 days initially.

Business ETA: For individuals travelling to Sri Lanka for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities. Business ETA holders cannot engage in employment or receive payment from Sri Lankan sources.

Transit ETA: For passengers who are transiting through Sri Lanka to reach their final destination. Transit passengers must have confirmed onward tickets and are not permitted to leave the airport transit area.

All ETA types are initially valid for 30 days from the date of arrival and can be extended for up to six months if required.

No, you do not need to purchase your flight ticket before applying for an ETA. The Sri Lankan ETA system allows you to apply and receive approval before booking your travel arrangements.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for travellers who want to secure their ETA approval before making non-refundable travel bookings. However, you will need to provide approximate travel dates during the application process.

While not required for ETA application, immigration officers at the airport may request to see your return or onward ticket as proof of your intention to leave Sri Lanka within the permitted period. It's advisable to have confirmed travel arrangements before arriving in Sri Lanka.

You can check your ETA status through several methods:

Online Status Check: Visit the official ETA website (eta.gov.lk) and use the "Check Status" feature. You'll need your ETA reference number and passport details to access your application status.

24/7 Call Centre: Contact the dedicated ETA helpline at +94 71 99 67 888 for immediate assistance. This service is available round the clock for urgent inquiries.

Email Confirmation: Check your email for the original ETA approval notification, which contains validity dates and reference numbers.

ETA Validity Period: Remember that ETA is valid for six months from the date of issue, allowing multiple entries during this period. Each stay is limited to 30 days unless extended.

The Sri Lankan ETA system accepts three major international payment card types:

ETA Cards: All ETA credit and debit cards with international transaction capabilities are accepted.

MasterCard: MasterCard credit and debit cards with e-commerce functionality can be used for payment.

American Express: American Express cards are also accepted for ETA fee payments.

Important considerations for payment:

• Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions
• Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees
• Have sufficient credit limit or balance for the transaction
• The payment gateway meets international security standards

No, ETA processing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances. This policy applies regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected.

Why fees are non-refundable:

• Processing costs are incurred regardless of the outcome
• Security checks and verification procedures require resources
• Administrative costs are involved in handling each application

Important reminders:

• Double-check all information before submitting your application
• Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements
• If your application is unsuccessful, you may need to apply through an embassy
• Consider travel insurance that covers ETA-related expenses

If you don't have access to international credit or debit cards, several alternative options are available:

Embassy Application: Apply for a ETA directly at the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, where you can pay using local payment methods accepted by that mission.

Third-Party Services: Some travel agencies and ETA service providers can apply on your behalf using their payment facilities, though additional service charges may apply.

Prepaid Cards: Consider obtaining a prepaid international card from your bank that can be used for online transactions.

Family/Friends Assistance: Someone with an appropriate card can apply on your behalf, ensuring all personal details match your passport exactly.

Always ensure that any third-party assistance comes from trusted sources and that your personal information is handled securely.

ETA processing times vary depending on several factors:

Standard Processing: Most ETA applications are processed within 24-72 hours of submission. Many applications receive approval much faster, sometimes within a few hours.

Peak Season Delays: During high travel seasons (December-January, April, July-August), processing may take longer due to increased application volumes.

Complex Cases: Applications requiring additional verification or those with incomplete information may take longer to process.

Recommendations:

• Apply at least one week before your intended travel date
• Ensure all information is accurate and complete
• Check your email regularly for updates
• Contact the helpline if processing exceeds normal timeframes

No, you cannot obtain a fresh ETA using the same passport while you have a valid ETA. The system prevents duplicate applications to avoid confusion and maintain security protocols.

ETA Validity Rules:

• Each ETA is valid for six months from the date of issue
• You can make multiple entries during this six-month period
• Each stay is limited to 30 days unless extended
• A new ETA can only be obtained after the current one expires

Exception: If you lose your passport containing a valid ETA, you may apply for a fresh ETA with your new passport by paying the relevant fee again. You'll need to provide documentation about the lost passport.

Existing ETA Holders: If you already possess a valid Residence ETA or Multiple Entry ETA, you cannot apply for an ETA until that ETA expires or is cancelled.

No, you cannot obtain a fresh ETA while physically present in Sri Lanka, regardless of whether your current ETA is valid or has expired.

Why this restriction exists:

• ETA is designed as a pre-arrival authorization system
• Security protocols require advance screening before entry
• Immigration procedures are structured around pre-approved travel

If your ETA expires while in Sri Lanka:

• Apply for a ETA extension through the Department of Immigration & Emigration
• Visit their office in Colombo with required documentation
• Pay the appropriate extension fees
• Avoid overstaying, which can result in penalties and future travel restrictions

For future travel: You must leave Sri Lanka and apply for a new ETA from outside the country if you wish to return.

If your ETA application is not approved, it will be automatically referred to the nearest Sri Lankan overseas mission (embassy or consulate) for further processing.

Next Steps:

• Contact the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate
• Provide your ETA reference number and passport details
• Submit additional documentation as requested
• Attend an interview if required

Common reasons for referral:

• Incomplete or inconsistent information
• Previous immigration violations
• Security concerns requiring additional verification
• Passport or documentation issues

Important: The processing fee paid for the unsuccessful ETA application is non-refundable, but embassy processing may involve additional fees.

Once an ETA application is submitted and payment is processed, you cannot cancel the transaction or modify the information. This is why careful review before submission is crucial.

Before Confirmation:

• Carefully review all information on the confirmation page
• Check passport details, travel dates, and personal information
• Verify spelling of names matches passport exactly
• Ensure all mandatory fields are completed accurately

After Submission with Errors:

• You must submit a completely new application
• Pay the full processing fee again
• The original application cannot be refunded or transferred
• Ensure accuracy in the new application to avoid further issues

Prevention Tips:

• Have your passport ready while filling the application
• Double-check all entries before proceeding
• Use copy-paste for complex information to avoid typos
• Take your time and avoid rushing through the process

ETA is not a pre-condition for boarding flights to Sri Lanka. Airlines do not have direct access to the ETA database, and ETA verification occurs at Sri Lankan immigration upon arrival.

Airline Procedures:

• Airlines may ask to see your ETA approval printout
• They verify that you have some form of ETA documentation
• Final ETA validity is confirmed by Sri Lankan immigration officers
• Airlines are not responsible for ETA verification

What to carry:

• Printed copy of your ETA approval email
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation (if requested)

At Sri Lankan Immigration: Officers will verify your ETA electronically using your passport details and may ask for the printed approval as backup documentation.

Yes, the Sri Lankan ETA system operates under strict privacy and security protocols to protect your personal information.

Data Protection Measures:

• All data is stored on secured government servers
• Information is encrypted during transmission
• Access is restricted to authorized personnel only
• Data is used solely for immigration and security purposes

Information Collection:

• Only necessary data for processing your application is collected
• Personal details are used exclusively for ETA processing
• Information is not shared with third parties without legal requirement
• Data retention follows government privacy policies

Your Rights: The system operates under the principles outlined in the official Privacy Statement, which details how your information is collected, used, and protected.

The ETA payment gateway has been designed and implemented in accordance with international security standards to ensure safe online transactions.

Security Features:

• SSL encryption for all payment transactions
• PCI DSS compliance for card data protection
• Secure tokenization of payment information
• Real-time fraud detection systems

Payment Safety Tips:

• Always verify you're on the official eta.gov.lk website
• Look for the padlock icon in your browser address bar
• Never share your payment details via email or phone
• Use secure internet connections, avoid public Wi-Fi for payments

Card Information: Your credit card details are processed securely and are not stored on Sri Lankan government servers after transaction completion.