Sri Lanka Withdraws Mandatory ETA Requirement for Tourists Ahead of Arrival

Tourists travelling to Sri Lanka will no longer need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in the country, authorities announced on Thursday.

In a statement, the Department of Immigration and Emigration said it has withdrawn the ETA requirement, which had been in effect since October 15.

According to the new directive, all ETA and visa issuance services will continue to function under the previous procedures until further notice.

“Travellers may therefore apply for visas under the same process that existed before October 15,” the department said in its statement.

The decision comes as India remains Sri Lanka’s largest inbound tourism market for the third consecutive month, from July to September, underscoring the growing travel ties between the two countries.