Sri Lanka Tightens Entry Rules for U.S. Passport Holders
I Sri Lanka is tightening its entry rules for U.S. passport holders, effective October 15, 2023. Visitors will now need to obtain a digital entry permit before departure, marking a change from the previous visa system.
The new requirement applies to all Americans traveling to Sri Lanka. They must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online through the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System before their trip. This digital visa, known as an ETA, will cost $50 for a double-entry permit, valid for 6 months, and allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
This change comes as Sri Lanka experiences a record-breaking first semester in tourist arrivals. Over 1.7 million tourists have visited the country in 2023, with 150,000 foreign entrants recorded in September alone. This surge in visitors could potentially surpass the 2018 record of 2.3 million. Despite the visa system's historical complexity, the government is streamlining the process with the new ETA requirement.
U.S. passport holders traveling to Sri Lanka from October 15 onwards must obtain a digital entry permit before departure. This change aims to simplify the visa process while accommodating the growing number of tourists visiting the country.
