With effect from 15 October 2025, it will be mandatory for all foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism purposes to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka.1, 2 The government anticipates that the changes under the ETA system will boost tourism.
The announcement was officially released through Sri Lanka’s overseas missions in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and France.
The new ETA policy makes advance travel compliance mandatory for all tourists. Travellers need to make sure their ETA applications are completed, submitted, and approved before departure, as ‘on-arrival’ options will be discontinued from 15 October 2025.
The ETA application should only be done through the official ETA website, visit: https://eta.gov.lk . Early applications are encouraged to help pave the way for a smooth, convenient entry into the country.
Travellers to Sri Lanka and other affected stakeholders should reach out to their usual global mobility professionals or immigration counsel or a member of the global immigration team with KPMG in Sri Lanka (see the Contacts section) with any questions or concerns.
KPMG in Sri Lanka will continue to monitor developments and endeavour to provide updates to readers of GMS Flash Alert.
FOOTNOTES:
1 See Sri Lankan embassies’ announcements:
See Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha, Qatar (in English): ”Visa Notice for all Foreign Tourists” (08 October 2025).
See Embassy of Sri Lanka-Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (in English): ”Sri Lanka Visa Notice” (08 October 2025).
See Embassy of Sri Lanka in Indonesia (in English): ”Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for all foreigners visiting Sri Lanka for tourist purposes effective – 15 October 2025” (29 September 2025).
See Embassy of Sri Lanka in France (in English and French): ”Mandatory ETA requirement for foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism purposes” (06 October 2025).
2 See ”New ETA system to attract more international visitors” published in The Morning (07 October 2025) at: https://www.themorning.lk/articles/nttJBwvBLfxkH6c0cDoc .
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Partner- Head of Management Consulting & Technology, Deputy Head of Advisory & PPC
KPMG in Sri Lanka
* 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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