Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is one of the fastest travel permits in Asia — decisions typically arrive within 1–3 days. But the country offers two distinct versions, and picking the wrong one is a common (and avoidable) mistake.
Tourist ETA vs Business ETA
| Tourist ETA | Business ETA | |
|---|---|---|
| Entries | Double entry | Multiple entry |
| Stay | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Purpose | Holidays, visiting family | Meetings, conferences, short-term work discussions |
The double-entry tourist ETA suits the classic itinerary: fly into Colombo, side-trip to the Maldives or India, and return. If your work requires repeated visits in a short period, the multiple-entry business ETA is the right profile — attending meetings on a tourist ETA can cause questions at immigration.
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival, one blank page
- A scan of the passport bio page
- A passport-style photo — see what passes and what gets rejected
- Onward or return flight details
- First accommodation address
How long does it take?
Most Sri Lanka ETA decisions arrive in 1–3 days, making it one of the more forgiving permits for last-minute trips. Still, "usually fast" is not "guaranteed fast" — around holidays and peak season (December–March on the south coast) processing can stretch. Our processing-time guide covers how to plan around it.
Extending your stay
The initial ETA allows 30 days. Extensions are possible in-country through the Department of Immigration in Colombo — but they're an in-person process. If you know you'll stay longer than 30 days, budget time for that appointment early in your trip rather than in the final week.
Applying
Apply through the official portal, or apply with Vuvgo and we'll review the application before submission — matching your details to the passport MRZ and validating the photo. Fees are always itemised: government fee and service fee shown separately before payment.
One final tip: the ETA is linked electronically to the exact passport you apply with. If you renew your passport between approval and travel, the ETA does not transfer — you'll need a new one.