What is the Sri Lanka ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. It is the electronic approval that allows you to enter Sri Lanka. The ETA replaces the sticker in your passport: the permit is digitally linked to your passport number. On arrival at Colombo airport, the immigration authority checks your details in the system.
Who is required to have an ETA?
Dutch and Belgian travellers need a valid ETA for every visit to Sri Lanka, even if you are only in transit and leave the airport. Children and babies need their own ETA, linked to their own passport.
What types of ETA are there?
- Tourist ETA — For holidays, family visits, yoga and wellness trips, and tours. Maximum 30 days per visit.
- Business ETA — For meetings, conferences and business discussions. Paid employment is not permitted.
- Transit ETA — For a short stopover where you leave the airport.
What information do you need?
Keep your passport handy. We ask for exactly the same information as the official application form, but in Dutch and divided into logical steps:
- Full name as shown in the passport
- Date of birth, place of birth and country of birth
- Nationality and occupation
- Passport number and country of issue
- Passport issue and expiry date
- Email address, phone number and home address
- Arrival date and (if known) flight number
- Address of your first overnight stay in Sri Lanka
How long does the application take?
With a standard application, you will usually receive your approved ETA within 24 to 72 hours. If you choose express processing, we aim to complete it within 24 hours. We recommend applying for your ETA at least a week before departure, so there is room to correct any inaccuracies.
How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost?
Our rates are a service fee for review, submission, Dutch-language support and VAT. You will not pay any unexpected costs on arrival afterwards.