ETA portal restored: e-permit processing for Sri Lanka available again

The Government of Sri Lanka has announced the restoration of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) portal, which is now active again.

It is noted that the system is fully available for applications and despite possible technical delays, foreign nationals can now use the portal to obtain an electronic entry permit. This in turn eliminates the need for a visa on arrival.

It is also worth noting that the previously approved Visa Waiver Program for 35 countries, which was initially scheduled to come into effect on October 1, 2024, and was later urgently announced as officially effective, has been temporarily suspended for 38 countries as of September 3. However, Sri Lankan authorities have not confirmed a complete withdrawal of the measure and plan to revisit the program.

At the moment, only citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand are eligible for the free ETA. Thus, foreign nationals of the remaining countries still have to apply for a paid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to Sri Lanka in advance.

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