Sri Lanka Suspends Its New ETA Rule — Just Two Weeks After Launching It
Well, that was fast. Sri Lanka has hit the pause button on its brand-new travel rule that required everyone to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding a flight.
The measure officially took effect on October 15, 2025 — and was suspended almost as quickly as it appeared. The Department of Immigration and Emigration confirmed the U-turn in a statement on October 30, clarifying that “the announcement issued on 13 October 2025… is hereby revoked until further notice.”
In other words: if you were frantically refreshing eta.gov.lk before your flight, you can relax. Things are back to how they were before October 15 — no pre-departure scramble required.
A Quick Turnaround (Even by Bureaucratic Standards)
The now-suspended rule had required travelers to present a valid ETA before boarding, which left quite a few passengers — and airlines — in a mild state of confusion. Several embassies had even sent out reminders… only for the policy to be scrapped days later.
It’s a rare case of immigration déjà vu — Sri Lanka introduced a system, tested it for two weeks, then said, “Actually, never mind.”
For now, ETA and visa procedures remain unchanged. Travelers can still apply online or even get their ETA upon arrival, just like before.
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Free Visas on the Horizon?
Here’s the good news: Sri Lanka is reportedly considering waiving ETA fees for visitors from 33 countries — a move that could take effect “within one or two months.”
It’s all part of a plan to make the island more tourist-friendly (and perhaps make up for the recent rollercoaster of travel rule changes).
So if you’ve been dreaming of palm-fringed beaches, tea plantations, or spotting elephants in the wild, this might be your sign to start planning. The rules are back to normal, and with a bit of luck, your next ETA might even come free of charge.
The Bottom Line
After a brief flirtation with tighter travel rules, Sri Lanka seems to have decided that simplicity — and sunshine — is the better tourism strategy.
So pack your bags, check your passport, and if you happen to visit soon, raise a coconut in honor of the government’s speedy reversal. Bureaucracies rarely move this fast — especially on island time.
