{
  "id": 16248176,
  "title": "Lanka introduces sponsor-based ETA process for five countries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/lanka-introduces-sponsor-based-eta-process-for-five-countries",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T23:45:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/lanka-introduces-sponsor-based-eta-process-for-five-countries/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sri Lanka has implemented a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process for citizens of five countries, mandating the involvement of a Sri Lankan sponsor in the application process. The Department of Immigration and Emigration announced the revised requirements, affecting nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Afghanistan. Travellers from these nations will no longer be able to utilize the standard self-service online ETA application method. Instead, they must obtain the assistance of a Sri Lankan citizen or resident to submit the application on their behalf. The sponsor must provide a request letter, an affidavit sworn before a Justice of the Peace or lawyer, and a certified copy of their National Identity Card or passport. Additionally, applicants from the five countries need to submit a police clearance report, a copy of their passport, and proof of accommodation. This mandatory sponsor requirement sets a distinct process for these travellers, requiring them to identify an eligible local sponsor before initiating the ETA application. Prospective travellers are advised to confirm the most recent requirements before finalising their travel plans.",
  "summary": "Sri Lanka has introduced a special Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application process for nationals of five countries, requiring them to obtain the support of a Sri Lankan citizen or resident when applying to enter the country. According to updated requirements issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}