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 Australian Citizens
Electronic Travel Authorization Available
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The Sri Lankan government introduced the Sri Lanka ETA in 2012 to facilitate international travelers’ arrival for temporary visitors. It grants various nationalities, including Australians, to visit Sri Lanka with an electronic travel authorization.
The Sri Lankan Electronic Travel Authorization is a convenient travel permit for Australian passport holders who wish to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit onward to a third country.
Australian citizens can submit their application in less than 20 minutes, which can be done from the comfort of their home. They no longer need to schedule an appointment at an embassy or consular office and request a visa in person. The simplified process is quick and easy and only requires a few documents.
What Is the Sri Lanka ETA for Australian Citizens?
The ETA is the equivalent of an online Sri Lanka visa, although technically, it is a travel authorization. According to the Sri Lanka ETA visa policy, Australians can gain permission to travel to Sri Lanka quickly and easily by applying for an ETA online.
Australians can use the Sri Lankan ETA for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Business
- Transit
Terms of the Sri Lanka ETA for Australians
Australian tourists coming to Sri Lanka are granted 2 entries, whereas those traveling on business are allowed multiple entries. Both are allowed a stay of up to 30 days during each visit for business or tourism.
Once granted, it is valid for 6 months (180 days), offering Australian travelers the flexibility to freely plan their entry and length of visits.
Australian passengers passing by Sri Lanka en route to a third destination can use the Transit ETA to stay up to 48 hours in the country before they proceed with their travel itinerary. Australian visitors can use the ETA to enter Sri Lanka either by air or sea.
Australian citizens must note if they plan to relocate to Sri Lanka for a longer stay than a month or any other purpose such as full-time employment or higher education must note the ETA does not cover these activities. They must organize an appointment with the Sri Lankan embassy in Canberra for further information.
Sri Lanka ETA Requirements for Australian Passport Holders
Australian travelers must check they meet the Australians’ visa requirements before submitting the online ETA application. The main conditions for them to obtain the ETA for Sri Lanka include the following:
- An Australian passport with a validity of 6 months (180 days) on the date of arrival
- A valid credit or debit card
- A frequently used email address
Australians with a passport set to expire in less than 6 months on their arrival will need to renew it before their application.
They should also check their credit or debit card carries sufficient funds to pay the processing fee and is activated for online payments.
Lastly, the Sri Lankan government recommends submitting their ETA form with an email address they frequently use since all the communications will be carried out online.
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA From Australia
Australian citizens can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA by accessing and filling out a short online form. They must supply the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Residence
- Email address
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
- Purpose of visit
Australian travelers who apply for the Transit ETA must note they must have a departure ticket 48 hours or less after their arrival. If their stay exceeds 2 days, they must apply for the tourist ETA instead.
After answering all the questions in the ETA form, Australian citizens are advised to check they are correct and match the information on their travel documents. Once they submit their ETA application, the answers cannot be amended. Any mistakes could delay their approval or even lead to a rejection of their ETA.
Australian nationals must pay a small processing fee as part of the Sri Lanka ETA application. All transactions are protected by secure servers.
Sri Lankan ETA for children from Australia
Australian families planning a visit to Sri Lanka with children should be aware of the rules for children regarding the ETA.
Children under 16 years old who are included on one of their parents’ passports do not need an individual ETA. They can be included on their parent’s ETA application.
Any minors over 16 or with an individual passport, on the other hand, will require an individual ETA.
What is the Processing Time for the Sri Lankan ETA for Australian Applicants?
The majority of Australian nationals can expect their ETA for Sri Lanka to be issued within 2 business days. We recommend they submit their application in good time before their intended arrival to account for busy touristic periods.
Once approved, Australian citizens will receive their approved ETAs by email. Upon receipt, they should print out a copy and keep it with their travel documents.
Traveling to Sri Lanka from Australia with the ETA
Australians arriving in Sri Lanka must present their passports that they registered in the ETA application at border control. They may also be asked to show a printed copy of the ETA.
Visitors from Australia and other countries are also required to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their visit.
Finally, they should also have a copy of their onwards or return ticket at hand to confirm their stay will comply with the allowed 30 days.
Visa on Arrival for Australian travelers reaching Sri Lanka
Travelers arriving from Australia with a valid ETA will be given a Sri Lanka visa on arrival instantly, with no need to complete any paperwork. This will allow them to enter the country quickly and smoothly.
As well as the ETA, they must show proof of funds to support themselves (such as a bank statement) and a ticket for their return or onward journey.
Once this is done, they will be issued with a visa on arrival for Sri Lanka and will be able to clear immigration. This is considered the quickest and easiest way for Australian citizens to visit Sri Lanka.
Australian visitors may apply for a visa on arrival when they reach Sri Lanka. This involves first waiting in a separate queue to apply and filling in the necessary paperwork. This often means wasting a lot of time at border control before being allowed to enter the country.
This option is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
This is why getting the Electronic Travel Authorization for Sri Lanka in advance is the preferred and most convenient option for Australian nationals.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
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