Frequently Asked Questions
Who are eligible for Visa Exemptions?
·
Sri Lankan dual citizens.
·
Children whose birth has been registered under section 5(2) of
Citizenship Act - 1948 upto 18 years of age.
·
Children born in Sri Lanka if they are under 18 years of age.
(even when they hold foreign passports)
What is an ETA?
It is an Electronic Travel Authorization granted online
through the web based visa system implemented by DI&E.
(For more info...)
What is the ETA website?
How should I submit an
application?
Please go to the Home Page and click on How to submit an
ETA application.
(For more info...)
2
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 pre-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.
(For more info...)
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.