French citizens wishing to travel to Sri Lanka must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their departure. This authorisation, which replaces the short-lived visa, is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and allows a maximum stay of 30 days. You can apply for an ETA entirely online, either via the official website of the Sri Lankan Immigration Department, or through a specialist agency.
To apply, you will need to provide a copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return date), a copy of your flight or reservation ticket, and answer a few questions about your stay. The cost of the ETA will be added to the service charge if you go through an agency. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your ETA by e-mail. It is important to print this document and keep it with you during your trip.
It is important to note that the ETA for Sri Lanka cannot be used to enter India.. If you wish to combine a trip to Sri Lanka with a visit to India, you will need to obtain a visa for India separately. India requires a visa for all French citizens, and different types of visa are available depending on the reason for travel.
Before leaving for Sri Lanka, it is also advisable to take out travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation in the event of an emergency.
To sum up, to obtain an electronic authorisation for Sri Lanka as a French citizen :
- You must apply for an ETA online before your departure.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
- You will have to pay a fee for the ETA.
- Print out your ETA and keep it with you when you travel.