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Sri Lanka tourist ETA visa: official portal, processing times, and scam warning?

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C
Chloe Visa•890 rep

How do travelers apply for the official 30-day tourist visa online, what is the legitimate government fee, and how do you avoid third-party copycat sites?

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5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

All international visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival. Apply exclusively via the official government portal (eta.gov.lk) administered by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Standard tourist ETAs grant 30 days double entry (standard fee approx. 50 USD for non-SAARC nationals; 20 USD for SAARC). Avoid third-party commercial websites appearing as sponsored search ads that charge 100+ USD in unnecessary processing markups. Official approval confirmations are usually emailed within 2 to 24 hours.

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C
Chandana Border•1830 rep

Passports must possess at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival; print a hard copy of your ETA approval slip for airport check-in.

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C
Chloe Visa•890 rep

On-arrival tourist visas are available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) counters for an additional 10 USD fee, but online pre-approval bypasses lines.

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Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

Tourist ETAs can be extended up to a maximum of 270 days online through the official immigration extension portal or at the Battaramulla headquarters.

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Eng Jayasinghe SLR•1870 rep

Keep proof of a return flight ticket and basic hotel booking confirmation ready for border control inspection at airport immigration gates.

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A
Amila Street•935 rep

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