Technical Delays Impacting Sri Lanka Visa Processing

Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration is currently managing a persistent system failure within its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) platform. While the country recently stabilized its immigration offerings by launching a dedicated 12-month Digital Nomad Visa and extending tourist stays up to 180 days, this technical glitch has forced officials to revert to manual processing for many applicants.

The issue has been ongoing since late February, causing delays for those trying to secure digital approvals before arrival. While the government has a history of resolving these technical hiccups within a few days, the current disruption has lingered longer than expected, making it necessary for travelers to prepare for slower turnarounds at border control.

Who is affected

This disruption impacts all inbound travelers, but it is particularly relevant for:

• Digital nomads applying for the one-year remote work visa.
• Expats seeking monthly extensions on existing tourist visas.
• Business visitors and tourists who typically rely on the instant online ETA.

What to do

If you are planning a move to the island soon, continue to submit your ETA application online even if you do not receive an immediate confirmation. Keep a record of your reference number and print all supporting documents, such as proof of your $2,000 monthly income and health insurance, to present for manual verification at the airport.

For those already in the country needing extensions, you can still coordinate via email at dcvisa@immigration.gov.lk. Most short-term travelers can still utilize on-arrival visa facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport, though you should expect longer queues. You can check for the latest visa updates as the situation evolves.

Read our full Sri Lanka guide for the complete picture.