FOL Church Group

Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a captivating destination with a rich history, pristine beaches, and lush tea plantations.1 For most foreign nationals, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory requirement to enter the country for a short visit.2 This digital travel document simplifies the visa process, making it easier than ever to plan your trip.3 This article will provide a detailed guide on how to apply for Sri Lanka ETA online and clarify the specific Sri Lanka ETA photo requirements and specifications, ensuring a smooth and successful application.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA Online

The process for obtaining a Sri Lanka ETA is designed to be user-friendly and efficient.4 The entire application can be completed from the comfort of your home, and most approvals are granted within a few hours.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin, ensure you are eligible for a short-visit ETA. Most nationalities are eligible, but it is always wise to check the official Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration website for the latest list of eligible countries. Citizens of a few countries, such as Singapore, the Maldives, and Seychelles, are visa-exempt due to reciprocal agreements.5

Step 2: Visit the Official Website

The first and most critical step in learning how to apply for Sri Lanka ETA online is to use the official government website. This is paramount to avoid third-party websites that may charge excessive fees or are not legitimate. The official website for the ETA application is eta.gov.lk.6

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

On the website, you will find a simple and intuitive application form. You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Personal Details: Your full name, date of birth, and nationality as they appear on your passport.

• Passport Information: Your passport number, date of issue, and expiry date. It is crucial to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

• Travel Details: Your intended date of arrival, flight details, and purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business).

• Contact Information: A valid email address is required, as the ETA approval notice will be sent to this address.

Step 4: Pay the ETA Fee

The application fee for the ETA must be paid online using a credit or debit card.7 The official website accepts major cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check all your information before making the payment.

Step 5: Receive and Print Your ETA Approval

After submitting the application and payment, you will receive an acknowledgment notice. Most applications are processed within a few hours. Once approved, you will receive an ETA approval notice via email. It is highly recommended to print a copy of this notice and carry it with you, as you may be asked to present it to immigration officials upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

Clarifying Sri Lanka ETA Photo Requirements and Specifications

One of the most common points of confusion for visa applicants around the world is the photo requirements. For the Sri Lanka ETA, there is some very good news that simplifies the process for most travelers.

The No-Photo Advantage:

The primary and most significant detail to understand about Sri Lanka ETA photo requirements and specifications is that for the online application, you do not need to upload a photograph. The ETA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport details, and the online application form does not have a field to upload a photo. This is a major advantage that streamlines the application and eliminates a common source of errors and rejections.

When a Photo Might Be Required:

While an online ETA application does not require a photo, a physical photo may be necessary in a few specific scenarios:

• Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay in Sri Lanka beyond the initial 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.8 This process requires a physical visa application form, which has a section for a photograph.

• On-Arrival Applications: In certain limited cases, some nationalities may be eligible to apply for an ETA on arrival at the airport. This method may require a physical photo to be submitted with the application form provided at the airport.

• Traditional Visa Applications: If you are from a country that is not eligible for the ETA and must apply for a traditional visa at a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, you will need to submit physical passport photos that meet the specific requirements of that mission.

Specifications for Physical Photos (If Required):

For the scenarios where a photo is necessary, it is important to adhere to the official guidelines. While the online ETA application is photo-free, the general specifications for Sri Lankan visa photos are as follows:

• Size: The photo should be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (35mm x 45mm).

• Background: The background must be plain, light-colored (white, light blue, or light gray) and contrast with your face and clothing.9

• Facial Expression: You should have a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open and looking straight at the camera.

• Head Position: Your head should be centered and not tilted.

• Clarity: The photo must be of high resolution, in sharp focus, and with no shadows on your face or the background.

• Recency: The photo should have been taken within the last six months.

By understanding the straightforward process of how to apply for Sri Lanka ETA online and the fact that there are no Sri Lanka ETA photo requirements and specifications for the online application, you can confidently prepare for your journey to this tropical paradise.