If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, there’s an important update you should know before boarding your flight.

The country has issued a notice to all ETA applicants due to a technical issue affecting its online Electronic Travel Authorization platform. The system is still accepting applications, but approval emails may not be issued as usual.

What’s Happening With Sri Lanka’s ETA System?

Because of an ongoing system problem on the official ETA portal, some travellers are not receiving their ETA approval notices by email.

But this is key: you still need to apply online.

If you apply for a Tourist or Business ETA through the official website and receive an acknowledgement or reference number, you must carry that confirmation with you when you travel.

Upon arrival, immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport will verify your ETA reference. Once checked, your Tourist or Business ETA will be issued at the airport.

In simple terms, the process has shifted partly to the arrival stage.

How to Check Your Sri Lanka ETA Status Online

If you’ve already applied and are unsure about your approval because of a system issue, you can manually check your ETA status in just a few steps:

1. Go to the official ETA website at https://eta.gov.lk
2. Click on the “Check Status” section.
3. You’ll see two ways to track your application:
   • Enter the 16-character confirmation code you received when you applied.
   • If you don’t have the code, tick the box that says the confirmation code is not known. Then enter the traveller’s passport number and nationality.
4. Click “Check Status” to view your application details.

This process only takes a minute or two, but it can save you last-minute stress before departure.

Who Can Still Apply Online for a Tourist or Business ETA?

Most nationalities can continue applying online for:

• Tourist ETA
• Business ETA

However, there are exceptions. Nationals of the following countries cannot use the standard ETA process at this time:

• Cameroon
• Nigeria
• Ivory Coast
• Afghanistan
• Ghana
• Syria
• Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

If you are not from one of these countries, you should:

1. Apply online through the official ETA website.
2. Carry the ETA reference or acknowledgement notice.
3. Present it at immigration on arrival in Sri Lanka.

Make sure you also carry return tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of funds. Immigration may still ask for standard entry documents.

Special Visa Rules for Certain Nationalities

Travellers from the following countries must apply for a short-term visa through a Sri Lankan sponsor.

• Cameroon
• Nigeria
• Ivory Coast
• Afghanistan
• Ghana
• Syria

The application must be submitted to the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka. Online ETA is not available under the temporary arrangement.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Travellers holding passports from North Korea must first obtain a recommendation from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying for a short-term visa.

What About Indian Travellers?

This is important. Indian citizens no longer need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonné, confirmed on February 14, 2026, that Indians can travel to Sri Lanka visa-free. The rule applies to Indian passport holders travelling from anywhere in the world.

That means:

• No visa application
• No ETA application
• No ETA fee

Indian travellers simply need a valid passport and must meet standard entry requirements, such as return tickets and proof of stay.

Even with the current technical issue affecting the ETA platform, this does not impact Indian citizens, since they are exempt from both visa and ETA requirements at the moment.

As always, we recommended to carry basic travel documents and checking for any last-minute airline advisories before departure.

Why This Matters for Travellers

Here’s the thing. Airline staff often check visa and ETA approvals before boarding. If you don’t have proof of application or reference details, you could face delays.

Since approval emails may not arrive due to a system issue, the acknowledgement notice becomes your most important document.

Print it. Save a digital copy. Keep it accessible.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka is still welcoming tourists and business visitors. The ETA system is working, but with a temporary workaround.

Apply online. Carry your reference. Be prepared upon arrival.

If you’re travelling from India, take note of the visa exemption scheme, but don’t assume zero paperwork. Always check what is required before you fly.

When systems glitch, preparation becomes your best travel insurance.

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