The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka (DIESL) issued a formal advisory on 18 February 2026 regarding a system issue with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) platform. The notice outlines temporary entry processing arrangements that could remain in effect until a future official update.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The temporary service disruption affects the delivery of approval notices in the ETA platform. This may affect travellers’ ability to enter Sri Lanka seamlessly. DIESL has implemented interim procedures to allow travellers to enter Sri Lanka while the system is being restored.2
Key Highlights
The temporary arrangements below may be applied until further notice from DIESL.
Tourist Visa and Business Visa (except nationals of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Ghana, Syria, and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea))
- All passengers—except nationals of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Ghana, Syria, and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)—travelling for tourism and business purposes are required to apply for a Tourist/Business ETA through the official ETA website: www.eta.gov.lk.
- While the approval notices are not being issued due to the ongoing system problem, applicants are expected to present their ETA reference notice at the Immigration Counter upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Upon verification of the ETA acknowledgement notice, the Tourist/Business ETA could be issued at the airport.
- Travellers are advised to carry all required supporting documents and meet standard entry requirements.
Passengers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Ghana, and Syria
All passengers who are nationals of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Ghana, and Syria intending to visit should submit their short-term visa applications through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka.
Passengers from Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
Passengers who are nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) are required to obtain a recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for short-term visa applications.
KPMG INSIGHTS
KPMG in Sri Lanka will continue to monitor developments and endeavour to provide updates to readers of GMS Flash Alert.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the changes, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professionals with KPMG in Sri Lanka (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTES:
1 Department of Immigration & Emigration Sri Lanka, “Notice to all ETA applicants,” published on 18 February 2026.
2 Consular Section, Sri Lanka High Commission, London, “Notice : Temporary disruption in ETA approval notice,” published on 17 February 2026.
Contacts
Kamaya Perera
Partner- Head of Management Consulting & Technology, Deputy Head of Advisory & PPC
KPMG in Sri Lanka
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Sri Lanka.
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