World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Sri Lanka introduces sponsor requirement for ETA applicants from five African nations
Sri Lanka has implemented a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process requiring nationals from five African countries to secure a local sponsor when applying for entry. The Department of Immigration and Emigration has updated its requirements to include this additional step for visitors from Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and one additional nation.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration has rolled out a revised ETA application framework that introduces a sponsorship requirement for nationals of five African countries seeking to visit the island nation. Under the new arrangement, citizens and residents of Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cameroon must now secure support from a Sri Lankan citizen or resident as part of their travel authorisation process.
The sponsor-based system represents a departure from the standard ETA procedure and applies exclusively to applicants from the designated nations. The updated requirements are aimed at strengthening the country's immigration screening mechanisms while processing applications from these specific countries.
The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued formal notification of these revised protocols, which came into effect following the policy update. Prospective visitors from the affected nations are advised to identify a local sponsor—either a Sri Lankan citizen or resident—before initiating their ETA application process.
The introduction of the sponsor-based requirement is the latest adjustment to Sri Lanka's immigration procedures as the country continues to refine its travel authorisation systems. Travellers from other nations continue to follow the standard ETA application procedures without requiring local sponsorship.