Sri Lanka has announced an extension of its visa-free entry initiative for visitors from 7 countries until April 30, 2024. Citizens of India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand were first approved for visa-free entry by the Cabinet of Ministers in October 2023. The program was initially due to last until March 31. However,
Sri Lanka ETA for American Citizens
Electronic Travel Authorization Available
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The Sri Lankan government introduced the Sri Lankan ETA in 2012 to make it easier for travelers from certain countries, including the United States, to authorize their visits.
US nationals do not need a visa in advance of the trip and can visit Sri Lanka simply with this electronic travel authorization.
The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization, also known as ETA, is fully available online. US passport holders are not required to schedule an appointment at an embassy or consular office. They can easily request and obtain the ETA from the comfort of their homes.
What Is a Sri Lanka ETA for American Nationals?
The Sri Lanka ETA for US citizens is a digital travel permit. According to the Sri Lankan visa policy, Americans can apply online for the ETA to get permission to travel to Sri Lanka for tourism or business, or to transit through the country.
The streamlined, user-friendly system allows travelers from the United States to apply in a matter of minutes.
By filling in the ETA form online, American visitors can avoid having to deal with visa application paperwork at an embassy or at border control on arrival. For this reason, it is regarded as the quickest and easiest way to authorize your trip to Sri Lanka.
Conditions of the Sri Lanka ETA for US citizens
The ETA for Sri Lanka is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. Americans can use it to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transiting through any international airport or seaport.
US nationals with the Tourist ETA can enter Sri Lanka twice, whereas Americans traveling on business are allowed multiple entries. Both permits allow for a maximum stay of a month (30 days) for each visit.
American passengers transiting through Sri Lanka on their way to a third country can request the Transit ETA. The conditions for this travel permit are very straightforward. US travelers must confirm their stay does not exceed 48 hours. If their stay is for longer than 2 days, they should apply for an alternative ETA.
US passport holders interested in staying in Sri Lanka for longer than a month or planning to relocate for job-seeking purposes or higher education should organize an in-person visit to the Sri Lankan embassy in Washington DC for further information. They can also contact a consular office in New York, New Orleans, Honolulu, or Bakersfield based on their location.
Sri Lanka ETA Requirements for American Citizens
Like many countries, Sri Lanka has a few basic requirements for international travel for Americans to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA. The requirements for the Sri Lankan ETA for US nationals are straightforward to meet and include the following:
- A US passport valid for at least 180 days (6 months) on their arrival date in Sri Lanka
- A frequently used email address
- A valid debit or credit card
Americans with a passport that will expire in less than 6 months from the date they plan to arrive in Sri Lanka must renew it before applying.
All communications regarding their request will be carried out online, so we recommend they apply with an email account they frequently use.
The credit or debit card must be activated for online payments.
Application Process for the Sri Lankan ETA for Americans
American travelers who confirm they meet the ETA requirements can proceed to the online form. The ETA application is a quick and straightforward questionnaire that usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, where they will be required to share the following personal information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Home Address
- Email address
- Nationality
Applicants from the US must also provide details about their travel plans, including:
- Purpose of visit
- Ports of entry and departure
They will next supply the following passport details:
- Passport number
- Passport issuance country and date
- Passport expiry date
American applicants must take care when answering the “purpose of visit” question between tourism or business since each travel authorization allows a different number of entries into Sri Lanka.
American Underage Citizens visiting Sri Lanka
Any traveling party reaching Sri Lanka with minors should note that any visitor aged 16 or less and sharing the same passport with one of their parents or legal guardians can be included on their ETA application. If they are over 16 years old or have their individual passport, they will need their own individual ETA approved.
Payment of the Sri Lankan ETA for US Applicants
Once US citizens have answered all the questions in the application form, they should verify all of the answers are correct and match the information published on their passports. Any mistake or typo could lead to delays in their evaluation or even a rejection. They will conclude the ETA application process by paying the processing fee.
What Is the Processing Time for an ETA for Sri Lanka for US Travelers?
Once American applicants have submitted their request, they will receive an answer within 2 business days. Occasionally, there may be delays due to high volumes of applications or errors or inconsistencies in the information provided. Therefore, it is recommended to apply in good time before the trip.
US applicants will receive their approved ETAs by email. Upon receipt, they should print out a copy and keep it next to the rest of their travel documents.
US Visitors reaching Sri Lanka with the approved ETA
American citizens must present the passport registered in the ETA application upon arrival. The ETA is electronically linked to this passport. The traveler may also be asked to present a printed copy of their approved ETA at border control.
Arrivals from the US must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and details of onward travel such as a return or outgoing ticket to another destination.
Likewise, Americans who wish to extend their stay in Sri Lanka past the 30-day limit may apply for an ETA extension. They can obtain it by scheduling a visit to the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration.
Visa on Arrival for American travelers reaching Sri Lanka
Travelers from the US arriving in Sri Lanka with an ETA will be given a visa on arrival immediately at border control once they present the passport registered to the ETA, an onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
This avoids having to fill out paperwork to apply for the visa at the border and makes the whole process much quicker and smoother.
US passport holders are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival when they reach Sri Lanka. However, this is only an option at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It also entails having to queue for long hours after a lengthy flight and then deal with the paperwork.
The Sri Lankan ETA is a much more preferred and convenient travel authorization for US citizens.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
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