Sri Lanka has closed the door on last-minute visa arrangements at the airport. As of 14 August 2026, visitors can no longer obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo or at any other port of entry. Anyone who has not applied online before they travel will be refused boarding or turned away at immigration.
This is a significant change — and one that has caught a number of travellers off guard in the days since it came into effect.
What You Need to Do
All visitors who require an ETA — which covers most nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and European Union countries — must now apply through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal at eta.gov.lk before departure.
The process is straightforward:
- Visit eta.gov.lk and complete the online application form
- Pay the ETA fee online (currently USD 35 for tourism purposes)
- Receive your approved ETA by email, typically within a few minutes for most nationalities
- Present the approval email or printed confirmation on arrival
Applications are processed quickly for most passports, but applying at least 48–72 hours before your flight gives you time to address any issues.
Who Is Exempt
Citizens of a small number of countries — currently including Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles — are eligible for free tourist visa on arrival or visa-free entry under bilateral agreements. Check the official ETA portal or your country’s government travel advice for your specific passport.
Why the Change
Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have been working to streamline entry processing and reduce congestion at immigration counters. Requiring pre-registration before arrival allows the system to manage arrivals more efficiently and reduces wait times once you land.
What Happens If You Arrive Without One
Airlines are required to check that passengers hold a valid ETA before boarding. Most carriers serving Sri Lanka from the UK, Europe, Australia, and the Gulf will now refuse boarding without proof of approval. If you somehow reach immigration without an approved ETA, you are likely to be denied entry and returned on the next available flight at your own expense.
What Else to Know Before You Land
Processing at Colombo airport remains straightforward once you have your ETA in order. Our Colombo airport guide covers arrival procedures, transport into the city, and what to expect at immigration. For booking your flights and understanding connection options, our flights to Sri Lanka guide is a useful starting point.
Do not leave this until the night before your flight. Apply now if you have not already done so.