Having the right documents ready when applying for and traveling with a Sri Lanka ETA prevents delays, rejections, and entry problems at the airport. This guide lists every document you need for the application, at the port of entry, and for specific visa categories.
Documents for the ETA Application
When you sit down to fill out the online application at eta.gov.lk, have these documents and details at hand:
Primary Documents
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity from arrival date, machine-readable, good condition |
| Passport details | Full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, date of issue, date of expiry |
| Travel itinerary | Planned arrival date, departure date, flight numbers if available |
| Accommodation details | Hotel name and address, or host contact information in Sri Lanka |
| Payment card | Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit or debit card |
| Email address | Active email for receiving the ETA approval notice |
Supporting Documents
While not always required during the online application, keep these ready:
- Return or onward flight booking confirmation
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds (recommended for non-free-ETA nationalities)
- Travel insurance policy (recommended but not mandatory)
Documents Required at the Port of Entry
When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport or any other Sri Lankan port of entry, immigration officers will request:
- ETA Approval Notice
- Printed copy (strongly recommended)
- Digital copy on your phone (accepted as backup)
- Must match the passport you are traveling on
- Valid Passport
- Same passport used for the ETA application
- At least 6 months remaining validity from arrival date
- At least one blank page for entry stamps
- Return or Onward Ticket
- Confirmed booking showing departure from Sri Lanka
- Must be within your visa validity period
- Airlines may check this before boarding
- Proof of Sufficient Funds
- Recent bank statements
- Credit cards
- Cash (US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees)
- There is no fixed minimum, but be prepared to show you can cover your stay
- Accommodation Proof
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Letter of invitation from a host (if staying with friends or family)
Documents for Business ETA
In addition to the standard documents, business travelers need:
- Invitation letter from the Sri Lankan business partner or company
- Letter from your employer stating the purpose of the trip
- Business registration documents of the inviting company
- Details of business activities (meetings, conferences, trade events)
- Conference or event registration confirmation (if applicable)
Documents for Transit ETA
Transit travelers need:
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Visa for the final destination (if required)
Transit ETAs are free for all nationalities and valid for 2 days.
Documents for Restricted Nationalities
Citizens of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, North Korea, and Syria must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor with these additional documents:
- Request letter from the Sri Lankan sponsor
- Affidavit from the sponsor signed before a Justice of the Peace or lawyer
- Certified copy of the sponsor’s national identity card or passport
- Applicant’s police clearance report
- Applicant’s passport photocopy
- Proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka
Documents for Visa Extension
If you want to extend your stay beyond 30 days:
- Current valid passport
- Original ETA approval notice
- Proof of sufficient funds for the extended stay
- Reason for extension (may be requested)
- Extension fee payment
Extensions can be applied for online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk or in person at the Department of Immigration in Battaramulla.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, you must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement applies to citizens of over 40 countries across Africa and South America. Check the complete list before traveling.
Online Arrival Card
Separate from the ETA, all passengers must complete an online arrival card at immigration.gov.lk within 3 days before departure to Sri Lanka. This requires:
- Passport details
- Flight information
- Accommodation address in Sri Lanka
- Duration of stay
Document Checklist Before Travel
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything:
- Passport valid for 6+ months from arrival date
- ETA Approval Notice (printed and digital copies)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Proof of funds (bank statement, credit cards, cash)
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
- Online arrival card completed at immigration.gov.lk
- Business documents (if traveling for business)
- Travel insurance documents (recommended)
- Passport photocopy stored separately from the original (recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for Sri Lanka ETA?
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), travel dates, accommodation details, and a payment card for the online application. At entry, carry the ETA approval notice, passport, return ticket, and proof of funds.
Do I need to print my ETA for Sri Lanka?
Yes. While digital copies are accepted, a printed ETA approval notice is strongly recommended. Airlines may check it at check-in and immigration officers may request a physical copy at arrival.
What information do I need to apply for ETA?
You need your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date, travel dates, accommodation in Sri Lanka, and a valid email address.
Do children need separate documents for Sri Lanka ETA?
Yes. Every traveler, including children and infants, needs a separate ETA with their own passport details. Children under 12 get free ETAs regardless of nationality.
Is a return ticket mandatory for Sri Lanka?
Yes. A confirmed return or onward ticket is required. Airlines may deny boarding without it, and immigration officers can refuse entry at the port of arrival.
Do I need a visa photo for Sri Lanka ETA?
The online ETA application does not require a photo upload. However, embassy or consulate applications may require passport-size photographs with a white background.
