UK's ETA rollout reaches its final phase — but not for Sri Lankans

The UK officially opened ETA applications on 27 November 2024 for nationals of all remaining visa-exempt countries, for travel to the UK from 8 January 2025. This completed the rollout of the UK's digital travel permit, following earlier phases for the US, EU, Gulf states and others.

This is a good moment for a clarification we hear often: the ETA is only for nationalities that already travel to the UK without a visa. Sri Lanka is not on that list — Sri Lankan passport holders need a full UK Standard Visitor visa regardless of this rollout, the same requirement as before.

If you're planning UK travel, don't let ETA headlines confuse your own requirements — check our UK visa guide for the process that actually applies to Sri Lankan applicants.