Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and Integrated Border Management System (IBMS)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) is a web-based system providing 24/7 service, including speedy state of the art issuing of online visas or new passports. Produced by the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration, the modular program manages the complete life cycle of border control, as well as of travel document issuance. As the only border management system in South Asia connected to the databases of Interpol, designed to track the online movement of internationally wanted persons using lost/stolen passports, IBS has increased the efficiency of visa authorities and streamlined the online application and issuance procedure. From a cumbersome process taking months, the Decentralized Travel Document module enables the issuing of passports through DI&E Branches in hours, island wide, thus facilitating those in rural areas seeking employment overseas. In addition to the many benefits, the data generated from these applications helps tourism entities to adapt the tourism strategy for visitors to Sri Lanka.