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 United Kingdom Citizens
Electronic Travel Authorization Available
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Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can authorize their trip to Sri Lanka quickly and easily thanks to the online ETA system.
The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) allows short-term visits to the island country for holidays or business trips. It also allows you to transit through the country to a third destination.
You must simply fill out a short online form and meet a few basic Sri Lanka ETA requirements for British citizens to get your travel authorization.
What Is the Sri Lanka ETA for British Citizens?
The Sri Lanka ETA for Brits is a digital travel permit. It functions as the equivalent of a Sri Lanka visa for UK citizens, although technically it is a travel authorization rather than a visa.
Applying takes a matter of minutes. By registering your details in a quick online questionnaire, you will receive confirmation of your ETA by email.
The ETA itself is electronically linked to your UK passport. When you present it on arrival, you will be allowed to enter Sri Lanka.
It is regarded as the quickest and easiest way for British travelers to authorize their visit to Sri Lanka.
The ETA is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued. British travelers can use it to enter Sri Lanka at any international airport and seaport.
Types of Sri Lanka ETAs for British visitors
UK nationals can choose between different types of Sri Lanka ETAs to suit their travel needs. The Sri Lankan visa policy details the following three:
- Tourist ETA for Sri Lanka – UK tourists can use this travel authorization to visit Sri Lanka for leisure and relaxation. It is valid for 180 days and grants a dual entry, where Britishers can enter Sri Lanka twice during these allowed 6 months. The maximum number of days they are allowed during each stay is 30 days.
- Sri Lanka Business ETA – British professionals can visit Sri Lanka for business meetings, investment opportunities, and professional events. It is also valid for 180 days and allows a maximum stay of 30 consecutive days maximum per visit. The difference with the Tourist ETA is that it allows multiple visits during the ETA’s validity period.
- Sri Lanka Transit ETA – UK travelers can apply for a transit ETA if they have a stopover in Sri Lanka en route to a third destination. It is valid for 6 months and grants a single entry. The conditions are that their stopover does not exceed 48 hours. In case it does, we recommend they apply for the Tourist or Business ETA.
The process to apply for any type of Sri Lanka ETA is done entirely online and, unlike traditional visas, does not require the applicant to visit an embassy.
What Are the Sri Lanka ETA Requirements for UK Citizens?
Like most countries, Sri Lanka has a few simple visa requirements for UK nationals. The Electronic Travel Authorization is available by completing a straightforward online form that can be completed rapidly. UK travelers must check they meet the following ETA requirements before logging on:
- United Kingdom passport valid for at least 180 days (6 months) on their arrival date
- Valid debit or credit card to pay for the application fee
- Regularly used email address for their registration
How Do UK Citizens Apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?
Once travelers have gathered the required documents mentioned above, they are now ready to apply for a British citizens’ Sri Lanka ETA.
The process is done entirely online by filling out the Sri Lanka ETA application form. When filling out the form, applicants will be asked questions about their personal information, passport data, and contact information, including the following:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- Gender
- Residence
- Email address
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Passport issue date and expiration date
- Purpose of visit
Before submitting the application, British travelers are encouraged to go through the form and double-check to make sure the information is accurate and spelled correctly.
During the application process, UK citizens must may a small processing fee for the ETA. You will be prompted to enter your card details at the appropriate time. All transactions are processed by secure servers.
Applicants traveling with family should note that children under 16 can be included on the parent’s application as long as they are listed on the parent or guardian’s passport. Those over 16 and who have their own passport will need to apply separately for their individual ETA.
How will UK Citizens receive their Sri Lanka ETA?
Once UK passport holders have submitted their ETA request, the Sri Lankan government evaluates their application. The analysis takes up to 2 business days, after which UK applicants will receive a confirmation email with their approved ETA attached.
Upon receipt, we recommend Brits to print out a copy and keep it securely with the rest of their travel documents. We also recommend submitting their application in good time before their intended arrival date to account for possible busy touristic periods in the future.
Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
British citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Sri Lanka.
Travelers who have got the ETA online before traveling and present the passport they registered will be issued with a Sri Lanka visa on arrival and will be allowed to enter the country.
There is no need to deal with any further paperwork, since the British passenger already provided the relevant visa information during the ETA application.
In this way, the ETA makes the process of clearing Sri Lankan border control as quick and smooth as possible.
UK nationals who need to stay in Sri Lanka for over a month consecutively or plan to relocate for a more stable period of time for employment or academic reasons are recommended to schedule a visit at the Sri Lankan embassy in London to inquire which travel authorization suits them more.
Visa on Arrival for UK travelers in Sri Lanka
UK citizens with an ETA will automatically be issued with a Sri Lanka visa on arrival.
Brits simply need to show their passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, a return or onward ticket and, if asked, a copy of their ETA. When the documentation is verified, the border control officer will give the traveler a visa on arrival and allow them to enter the country.
It is possible to apply for a visa on arrival without an ETA at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo only. This is not recommended as it means waiting in a different queue to fill out the paperwork and then joining the main queue to clear immigration.
Most travelers prefer not to waste time at border control after a long flight. This is why the Sri Lankan ETA is a much more convenient option for Sri Lanka travel authorization for British visitors.
Traveling to Sri Lanka with the ETA from Britain
British citizens with the ETA are legally authorized to travel to Sri Lanka. As mentioned previously, the ETA is compatible with border controls at any international airport or seaport. They should plan both their arrival and departure to meet the allowed 30 days period and use the ETA within 6 months of issuance.
When they reach Sri Lanka, they must simply present the following documents and information at border control:
- UK passport
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay
- Proof of onward travel such as a return or outbound ticket
If asked, they must also show a copy of the approved ETA. This is why it is highly advisable to print a copy before traveling.
Sub-block TETA extensions for UK nationals in Sri Lankaitle
If, for any reason, UK visitors need to prolong their stay in Sri Lanka, they can request an extension at the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration in Colombo.
However, this can be a lengthy and complicated process.
Most travelers find it easier to simply leave the country for a few days, apply for a new ETA online, and then return.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
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