October 14, Colombo (LNW): Starting from tomorrow (15), all foreign nationals who qualify for a free tourist visa will be required to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to entering the country, under a newly introduced immigration regulation.
This mandatory pre-arrival procedure applies even to those eligible for visa-free entry, signalling a significant change in the nation’s border control and visitor management policy.
Authorities state that the move is aimed at streamlining the entry process, enhancing national security, and ensuring better tracking of inbound tourists.
The ETA, which must be obtained online before travel, will serve as a preliminary clearance for entry and is expected to reduce delays at immigration checkpoints. Travellers who arrive without this authorisation may be denied entry or face administrative delays.
