Update - October 3, 2024: As a temporary
resolution to this matter, foreign nationals can now use the old ETA system to apply
for tourist and business visas. It is not clear if the new system
will be restored. We will update this news brief when more
information is available.
August 9, 2024: Sri Lanka's Department of
Immigration and Emigration (DOIE) has temporarily suspended
operations of the new online eVisa platform to improve the
system. Until further notice, foreign nationals intending to travel
to Sri Lanka should instead apply for an on-arrival tourist visa
that allows a 30-day stay (though foreign nationals with a passport
from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Ivory
Coast, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, or Türkiye are not
eligible for the on-arrival tourist visa). Since the government is
not currently issuing business visas, foreign business travelers
should hold their travel plans until the DOIE resumes issuance of
business visas
