Sri Lanka Introduces Free Tourist Visas for 40 Countries

Starting May 25, 2026, Sri Lanka has launched a new initiative offering free tourist Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) to citizens of 40 countries. This change aims to simplify the entry process for many international visitors. The electronic application system remains in place, but the associated fee has been waived for eligible nationalities.

Eligible Countries and Passport Types

The free tourist ETA applies to nationals from a specific list of 40 countries. This includes major travel markets like India, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The waiver extends to individuals holding diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports from these nations. This broadens the scope beyond just leisure travelers, also covering official and business trips.

The official list of eligible countries includes: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Visa Duration and Entry Privileges

For most eligible travelers, the free tourist ETA grants a stay of 30 days. A key feature of this authorization is the double-entry privilege, allowing visitors to enter Sri Lanka twice within the 30-day validity period. This offers flexibility for travelers who might need to leave and re-enter the country during their trip.

However, nationals of Maldives are provided with a different duration. They are eligible for a 90-day tourist visa under this arrangement, offering a longer period of stay compared to the standard 30 days.

Application Process and Fee Policy

While the fee for the tourist ETA has been removed for eligible nationalities starting May 25, 2026, the electronic application process itself is still mandatory. Travelers must still obtain the ETA through the official electronic system before their journey. The change focuses on the cost of entry, not the method of authorization.

It is important to note that any fees paid for ETAs before May 25, 2026, are strictly non-refundable. The new policy applies only to applications processed on or after this date. This creates a clear cutoff for the fee waiver, with no exceptions for prior payments.

Impact on Travel

The introduction of free tourist ETAs is expected to make travel to Sri Lanka more accessible and affordable for citizens of the 40 designated countries. By removing the application fee, the government aims to encourage tourism and strengthen international ties. The continued use of the electronic system ensures a streamlined and efficient approval process for visitors.

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