This guide was last updated on 15 September 2026. Understanding Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements is crucial. The Sri Lanka ETA is free (£0) for UK citizens as of 25 May 2026; India e-Visa costs from £10. During our test application for the Sri Lanka ETA in May 2026, the form took under 10 minutes, with approval arriving in 6 hours. In contrast, an India e-Visa application required two attempts because the initial 2×2 photo was rejected due to a shadow. IMPORTANT: The fees listed apply only when applying directly via government portals. Third-party websites often add 200-300% surcharges.
Sri Lanka ETA – What UK Travellers Need to Know
The Sri Lanka ETA is a mandatory entry clearance for all foreign nationals. Since 25 May 2026, 40 countries, including the UK, benefit from a free scheme. UK travellers must hold an ordinary passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date. Note that a Diplomatic passport requires a separate gratis process, and a transit visa (Transit ETA) is free for up to 48 hours.
- Fee: £0 for UK citizens.
- Validity: 30-day validity.
- Entries: Double-entry facility.
- Biometrics: No digital photo upload required.
The Sri Lanka ETA serves as a visa waiver for standard tourism. Extensions beyond 30 days are permitted upon paying the applicable fee at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla; fee payable online via immigration.gov.lk.
India e-Visa – What UK Travellers Need to Know
The India e-Visa has three paid tiers: 30-day ~£10, 1-year ~£32, and 5-year ~£64. Unlike the Sri Lanka ETA, which is free, securing both authorisations for a dual-destination trip costs only the price of the India e-Visa (~£10 minimum). UK citizens cannot obtain an on-arrival visa for India and must apply online.
Every India e-Visa application mandates strict digital uploads. Processing takes up to 4 business days, and the authorisation is generally not extendable online. For UK travellers comparing the Sri Lanka ETA and India e-Visa, the Indian system requires significantly more preparation.
Five-Country Comparison – Sri Lanka vs India vs Australia vs US vs Canada
Comparing Sri Lanka ETA (£0) with India e-Visa (£10-£64) for UK citizens in 2026 shows clear cost differences. Canada eTA (~£4) is highly cost-effective, Australia ETA (~£10) is fastest (~1 minute via smartphone app), while US ESTA (~£17) enforces strict security checks.
| Feature | Sri Lanka ETA | India e-Visa | Australia ETA | US ESTA | Canada eTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee (GBP) | £0 | ~£10 to ~£64 | ~£10 | ~£17 | ~£4 |
| Validity Period | 30 days | 30 days, 1 or 5 years | 12 months | 2 years | 5 years |
| Entries | Double entry | Double / Multiple | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Processing Time | ~24 to 72 hours | Up to 4 business days | ~1 minute | Up to 72 hours | Minutes |
| Application Method | Web portal | Web portal | App only (NFC) | Web portal | Web portal |
| Biometrics | None required | 2×2 photo + PDF | Facial scan via app | On arrival | None required |
How to Apply – Documents, Methods and Biometrics
Application methods vary significantly. The Sri Lanka ETA and India e-Visa use standard web portals. In contrast, the Australia ETA approves in ~1 minute via app; requires NFC chip-reader – no web portal is available. Canada and the US ESTA also rely on standard website forms.
Document requirements also differ. The Sri Lanka ETA simplifies entry by requiring no digital photo upload. The India e-Visa mandates a 2×2 photo and a clear digital passport scan in PDF format, unlike the Sri Lanka ETA. The US ESTA collects physical biometrics upon arrival, while Australia scans the passport chip directly.
Validity, Extensions and Ports of Entry
While the Canada eTA lasts five years, the Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 30 days but allows in-country extensions. The India e-Visa offers 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year tiers but is not extendable online. The US ESTA grants 2 years of validity.
Regarding ports of entry, the Sri Lanka ETA, Australia ETA, and US ESTA are primarily for air and sea arrivals. The India e-Visa restricts entry to 28 designated airports and 5 seaports, whereas Canada allows air, sea, and land border crossings. Always verify your specific entry point before applying for either the Sri Lanka ETA or India e-Visa.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Sri Lanka ETA denials usually result from simple name typos, as extensive travel history disclosure is not required. The India e-Visa frequently rejects users for incorrect 2×2 inch photo uploads or blurry document scans. To avoid a processing fee loss, ensure all files meet exact specifications.
The US ESTA strictly disqualifies applicants who visited restricted countries like Iran or Syria on or after 1 March 2011. Neither the Sri Lanka ETA nor the India e-Visa imposes these specific post-2011 travel history restrictions, making them more accessible for UK citizens with diverse global travel backgrounds.
FAQ – Sri Lanka ETA vs India e-Visa
Is Sri Lanka ETA free for UK citizens in 2026?
Yes, free for UK citizens since 25 May 2026.
How does the Sri Lanka eTA vs India eTA cost compare?
The Sri Lanka ETA is £0; the India e-Visa costs between £10 and £64.
Do I need an ETA for Sri Lanka or a full visa?
An ETA is mandatory for standard tourism up to 30 days.
Which travel authorisation is the fastest to get?
Australia ETA is fastest (~1 minute); Sri Lanka ETA takes 24-72 hours, and India e-Visa up to 4 days.
Can UK citizens visit both Sri Lanka and India on one trip?
Yes, securing both costs only the India e-Visa fee (~£10).
Is the US ESTA harder to get than the Sri Lanka ETA?
Yes, US ESTA involves stricter security screening based on travel history.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka ETA beyond 30 days?
Yes, extensions are available via the Department of Immigration in Battaramulla.
Is the Australia ETA application app-only?
Yes, Australia ETA is app-only (NFC required).
