Sri Lanka has announced that all short-stay travelers—including Bangladeshi citizens—will need to secure an *Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)* before entering the country starting *October 15, 2025*. The new measure, similar to an electronic visa, is part of Colombo’s efforts to modernize border management and enhance travel security through digital systems.

 A digital permit replacing visa-free entry

The *ETA* is a simple online authorization that travelers must obtain before boarding their flights to Sri Lanka. Applicants will complete the process on the official government portal, where they provide passport details, pay a small processing fee, and receive electronic approval—usually within hours.

For Bangladeshi travelers, this change marks the end of informal visa-on-arrival arrangements. Airlines have been instructed not to allow passengers to board without proof of ETA approval, making pre-authorization an essential step before departure.

 Streamlined entry and security upgrades

Officials say the move aims to improve travel facilitation while strengthening border oversight. “The ETA reduces airport congestion and allows authorities to identify travelers in advance,” said a Sri Lankan immigration spokesperson. The system also helps the government maintain accurate visitor data and enhance safety screening at entry points.

Travel agents in Dhaka view the change as a modernization rather than a restriction. “It’s straightforward—similar to India’s e-visa or Thailand’s online pre-arrival form,” explained a senior tour operator. “Travelers just need internet access and a valid passport. The process takes minutes.”

 Validity and application guidelines

Each ETA will permit stays of up to *30 days* and remain valid for *six months* from issuance, allowing multiple entries during that period. The Sri Lankan government has advised travelers to apply at least *three to five days before travel* to avoid last-minute delays.

The official application portal—[www.eta.gov.lk*—will](http://www.eta.gov.lk—will) open for Bangladeshi citizens on **October 15, 2025*. Tourism authorities expect the digital system to speed up entry processing and create a smoother experience for visitors, particularly from South Asian markets.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, a key pillar of its post-pandemic recovery, anticipates that the new ETA requirement will help manage arrivals more efficiently while ensuring national security and compliance with international travel standards.