Sri Lanka, the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a captivating destination known for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. To explore this beautiful country, citizens from certain countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. This guide provides an updated list of these countries and practical tips to simplify the application process through the Sri Lankan Embassy.

What is an ETA, and Why Do You Need It?

An ETA serves as an official document granting short-term travel authorization to enter Sri Lanka. It is a simple and convenient alternative to traditional visas, designed for tourists, business travellers, and transiting visitors. Citizens from specific countries are required to secure an ETA to ensure a hassle-free entry into Sri Lanka while adhering to its immigration laws.

List of Countries Requiring an ETA to Visit Sri Lanka

Here’s the comprehensive alphabetical list of countries whose citizens must apply for an ETA before visiting Sri Lanka:

A Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.

B Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.

C Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoro Islands, Congo (Democratic Republic), Congo (Republic), Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia (Czech Republic).

D Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic.

E Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, eSwatini, Ethiopia.

F Fiji, Finland, France.

G Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana.

H Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR China), Hungary.

I Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.

J Jamaica, Japan, Jordan.

K Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan.

L Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.

M Macao (SAR China), Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.

N Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway.

O Oman.

P Pakistan, Palau Islands, Palestinian Territory, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal.

Q Qatar.

R Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda.

S Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.

T Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu.

U Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan.

V Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Y Yemen.

Z Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Simplify Your Application with the Sri Lankan Embassy

For a seamless and worry-free process, you can apply for an ETA directly through the Sri Lankan Embassy or their official online platforms. The embassy offers support throughout the application process, making it easy to submit documents, track your application, and get your ETA approved.

Tips for a Smooth ETA Application Process

1. Apply Early: Start your ETA application well before your travel dates to avoid any last-minute complications.
2. Ensure Valid Documents: Have your passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates.
3. Follow the Process: Use the official channels, such as the Sri Lankan Embassy website, for reliable information and application procedures.
4. Check ETA Validity: Depending on the purpose of your travel, ensure you choose the correct ETA type for tourism, business, or transit.

Why Visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient city of Sigiriya to the golden beaches of Bentota and the lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Don’t forget to indulge in its world-famous cuisine, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality.

Final Thoughts

If your country is listed above, obtaining an ETA is a straightforward but essential step in planning your journey to Sri Lanka. By applying through the Sri Lankan Embassy, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process, leaving you to focus on exploring the wonders of this beautiful island nation.