The government of Sri Lanka has announced that it’s decision to restart the on-arrival ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) service at its airports. However, this option would only be available to the fully vaccinated international travelers. Mr. Sarath Rupasiri, the Immigration and Emigration Department Controller General, stated that the issuance of on-arrival Sri Lankan visas/ETAs would facilitate tourists who are unable to obtain an ETA online due to time constraints or any other reason while arranging their journey to the beautiful island.
Mr. Rupasiri also stated that the facility would be available at both international airports; the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota. However, he also advised that despite the facility travel operators should encourage incoming international tourists to obtain the ETA online, prior to their departure in order to avoid any unnecessary delays at the airport.
Sri Lanka saw the highest tourist arrivals growth since the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2021 with 44,294 arrivals while the country recorded 104,989 visitors from January to November.
