Colombo — Sri Lanka has officially introduced a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for all international visitors, marking a major step toward digitizing the country’s tourism and border management systems. The initiative aims to simplify entry procedures, reduce wait times, and enhance the monitoring of international arrivals.
Effective immediately, travelers can obtain the ETA online or at Sri Lankan High Commissions, with authorities urging visitors to complete the process before departure to avoid delays. The system integrates with Sri Lanka’s wider digital transformation strategy, aligning with global travel modernization trends.
By replacing paper-based visa processes with digital authorization, the ETA program helps streamline immigration operations, cut down on documentation bottlenecks, and ensure faster, more secure entry for tourists. For border authorities, it enables real-time tracking of arrivals, improving data-driven management, safety, and operational planning.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry — vital to its economy — has demonstrated strong recovery following years of disruption caused by the pandemic and the 2022 financial crisis. In the first half of 2024 alone, tourism revenue reached $1.5 billion, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. International arrivals hit two million by mid-2024, led by India and the United Kingdom, highlighting renewed global confidence in Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
The country’s rich mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wellness tourism continues to attract visitors. From the golden beaches of the south to the misty highlands and ancient cities, Sri Lanka offers experiences that blend nature, adventure, and history. The new ETA requirement supports these efforts by making entry simpler and more traveler-friendly, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s status as a modern, safe, and accessible destination.
