Starting today (Feb 25), visitors to Britain from 85 countries must obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip, or they will be barred from travelling, the UK interior ministry said.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Britain to purchase a pre-travel permit online at a cost of 16 pounds (US$21.57).

The scheme was introduced in 2023 and extended to European visitors in April last year, but has not been strictly enforced.

However, from Feb 25, it will be mandatory for visitors to the UK to have obtained an ETA to travel.

This means that airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not have an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation, the interior ministry said.

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, as well as those with the right to live in the UK, are exempt from needing an ETA.

“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public,” migration minister Mike Tapp said.

In October last year, the European Union (EU) began rolling out its much-delayed post-Brexit border security checks for UK nationals entering the bloc. Britain formally left the EU in 2020.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System removes the requirement to manually stamp passports at the EU’s external borders and instead creates digital records.

However, travellers have complained that the new system’s introduction has caused delays at some airports, and industry leaders have expressed concern that full implementation at Easter could cause widespread disruption.

List of countries required to obtain ETA to travel to the UK : 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-eta-national-list (CNA)

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The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced temporary measures for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applicants due to an ongoing system issue affecting the ETA platform.

Under the revised arrangements, all travellers applying for Tourist or Business ETAs — except nationals of Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Ghana, Syria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — must submit their applications through the official website, www.eta.gov.lk

Authorities said that even if an approval notice is not issued because of the system issue, applicants must present their ETA reference notice at the Immigration Counter upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Upon verification of the ETA acknowledgment notice, the relevant Tourist or Business ETA will be issued at the airport.

Travellers have been advised to carry all required supporting documents and ensure that standard entry requirements are met.

Meanwhile, passengers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Ghana and Syria are required to submit short-term visa applications through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Passengers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must obtain a recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submitting short-term visa applications.

Authorities said further updates will be communicated through official announcements. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan High Commission in the United Kingdom has announced a temporary service disruption affecting the delivery of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval notices issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka.

In a notice, the Consular Section of the High Commission in London said the disruption is due to unforeseen technical circumstances and is being addressed on priority by the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka.

Travelers who have already applied for an ETA may proceed with their travel to Sri Lanka even if they have not received the ETA approval notice, the statement said.

Airlines and relevant authorities have been officially informed to facilitate boarding without requiring presentation of the ETA approval notice.

ETA verification and necessary facilitation will be provided upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration is working to restore normal services at the earliest, the notice said, adding that any inconvenience caused is regretted. (Newswire)

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The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that all foreign nationals arriving in Sri Lanka for short stays (tourism and business) are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival.

According to the department, this requirement will come into effect starting tomorrow, the 15th of October 2025.

Tourists can obtain the Electronic Travel Authorization via the Immigration Department’s website, www.eta.gov.lk.

Passport holders of Seychelles, Maldives, Singapore, China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan shall be exempted from fees per existing regulations. (Newswire) 

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