ETA now mandatory for Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan High Commission has assured Maldivian travelers that they will continue to receive a 90-day tourist visa free of charge, despite the reintroduction of the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) effective April 25. Travelers are required to obtain this authorization via the official website at least 24 hours prior to departure, a measure reinstated to streamline the advance collection of passenger information. Consequently, the High Commission urges all Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka to complete this administrative process before their journey.
From President Muizzu’s visit to Sri Lanka. | Presidents Office
Sri Lanka has reinstated its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement effective April 25, reversing a decision made last November to suspend the system for travelers.
The Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives issued an announcement on Thursday stating that, effective October 25, all individuals traveling to the country for tourism purposes will be required to submit an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form.
However, the High Commission has assured that Maldivian citizens will continue to receive a 90-day tourist visa free of charge, in accordance with existing procedures. Applications for this authorization must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to travel to Sri Lanka through the official government website, eta.gov.lk.
The Sri Lankan government has not exempted any country from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement. According to the High Commission, it is now mandatory for citizens of all nations entering Sri Lanka for tourism purposes to complete the ETA process.
The High Commission has urged Maldivian citizens planning to travel to Sri Lanka after the 25th of this month to obtain authorization through the official website prior to their departure. Previously, Sri Lanka had granted concessions allowing Maldivians to enter the country without an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). However, under the new regulations, travelers must complete this mandatory administrative process, even though they remain exempt from paying visa fees.
