An external electrode fluorescent lamp and its fabrication method are disclosed. The method for fabricating the external electrode fluorescent lamp includes providing a cylindrical glass tube having a phosphor layer coated at its inner circumferential surface, a discharge gas injected therein and sealed at its ends, forming external electrodes at both end portions of the glass tube, and forming insulation films for sealing the external electrodes each insulation film having an opening exposing a portion of the corresponding external electrode.