Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - FAQ

What types of ETA are available?
An ETA is issued only for Short Visits to Sri Lanka for Business, Tourism and Transit purposes.

What is the ETA website?
Please refer to  
http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp?locale=en_US

How should I submit an application?
Please go to the Home Page and click on How to submit an ETA application.

Do I need a ticket before I apply for an ETA?
ETA can be obtained even before booking your ticket.

How do I know if my ETA is still valid for travel to Sri Lanka?
If you have applied for an ETA, you can inquire through this site to find out its current status. You will need to enter your Reference Number in order to make this inquiry. You can also contact our 24/7 dedicated ETA call centre on 0094 71 99 67 888.

How does the airline know that I have a valid visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
ETA is not a per-condition to board a flight/vessel to Sri Lanka.

What can I do if I am unable to apply through this site?
If you do not possess electronic payment cards (credit cards/e-commerce enabled debit cards) that can be used to pay the ETA processing fee through this site, you may choose one of the alternative options. Follow this link for further details.

Is my personal information safe?
This site operates under the principles outlined in the Privacy Statement. Only the data required to process your application will be collected. It will be used only for this purpose. Data in your ETA application will be stored on our secured servers. Please see the Privacy Statement for more information. Privacy statement.

How secure are payments through electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) on this site?
The payment gateway has been designed in accordance with the international standards.

Which electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) are accepted?
American Express, Master and Visa cards only.

What happens if I already possess a valid visa?
If you already possess a valid Residence Visa or Multiple Entry Visa, a fresh ETA application cannot be lodged until that visa expires or is cancelled.
If I already possess a valid ETA, can I apply for a fresh ETA again?
ETA is valid for three months and a fresh ETA cannot be obtained using the same passport until that ETA expires. If you lose the passport which contains the valid ETA you may apply for a fresh ETA by paying the relevant fee again.


Can I apply for a fresh ETA while being in Sri Lanka?
You cannot obtain a fresh ETA while being in Sri Lanka irrespective of whether your ETA is valid or expired.


What happens if my application is not approved?
If your ETA application is not approved it will be referred to the nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission. which you may contact for further assistance.

If my application for ETA was unsuccessful can I get my processing fee back?
It is non-refundable.

What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?
Once an application is submitted processed and payment is made, you cannot cancel the transaction and the payment cannot be reimbursed. Therefore, please ensure that you enter your personal details correctly. If you have made an error, it is important that you correct it before confirmation. Once you have confirmed the details, your electronic payment card (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit card) will be debited for the non-refundable service charge. If you find out later that you have made a mistake, then you will have to submit a fresh application and pay the relevant fee again.