Is an onward or return ticket checked when flying to Sri Lanka on an ETA?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 35 days ago

TL;DR

Recent reports suggest airlines are more likely to check an onward ticket at departure check-in than Sri Lankan immigration in Colombo. One traveler used a phone screenshot, while another was not asked in Moscow or on arrival.

What the community said

On an Etihad flight, proof of onward travel was checked before departure; a phone screenshot of the ticket was accepted without close scrutiny. In this experience, Colombo arrival immigration did not usually ask for it.

35 days ago Etihad

A traveler arriving on September 2 with an onward-ticket reservation said that check-in staff in Moscow did not ask to see proof of onward travel.

35 days ago Moscow

In the same recent case, Sri Lankan immigration did not request the ticket on arrival either. This is one traveler’s experience, so it is still sensible to keep a booking or itinerary available on your phone.

35 days ago Colombo