You Can Now Travel Visa-Free to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Free Tourist ETA Is Live

From 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka's free tourist ETA scheme is officially live. Citizens of 40 countries can now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at no cost, valid for a 30-day stay with double entry. The ETA is still mandatory: you must apply before you travel, but the fee has been removed.

Following Cabinet sign-off on 30 March, and parliamentary approval on 7 May 2026. The scheme is approved to run for one year, with a review at the six-month mark to decide whether it continues on the same terms.

The change reflects a broader push to rebuild momentum in Sri Lanka's tourism sector, one of the country's most important foreign exchange earners. By removing the ETA fee while keeping the pre-travel authorisation requirement, the government is reducing the cost of entry without giving up administrative screening.

Three countries previously exempt from the ETA, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, must now use the system too. Their ETAs are also issued free of charge, and Maldivian travellers will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the system under a bilateral reciprocity agreement. One important note for anyone who applied early: ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 will not be refunded. You can apply through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The following 40 countries are eligible for the free tourist ETA:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

The circular confirms that holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports from these countries are all eligible. Citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand were already receiving free ETA issuance under existing arrangements.

What Is the Difference Between a Visa Waiver and a Fee Waiver?

This is not a visa waiver. Travellers are still required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel, but the fee itself has been removed. In practical terms, this reduces cost but does not eliminate paperwork or approval requirements. All standard eligibility criteria and security checks remain in place.

Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that the ETA requirement is being retained as a national security safeguard. The government does not intend to implement the measure in a way that creates a security risk, which is why pre-travel authorisation continues.

What the Free ETA Covers

The free tourist ETA grants a 30-day stay from the date of first arrival and permits double entry within that validity. If you leave Sri Lanka and return during the 30-day window, only the remaining balance of that initial period applies on the second entry.

Travellers who want to stay beyond 30 days can apply for a visa extension, but extensions remain subject to the usual fees. The free scheme covers tourist travel only; business and other visa categories are not included.

Why Is Sri Lanka Introducing the Free Tourist ETA?

Sri Lanka's tourism recovery has been uneven following recent economic and political challenges. While arrivals have improved, officials believe visa costs remain a barrier, particularly for budget travellers, backpackers, and families comparing destinations across Southeast and South Asia.

For price-sensitive travellers, even a relatively small visa fee can influence destination choice, especially when neighbouring countries offer simpler or cheaper entry. By removing the ETA fee, Sri Lanka hopes to reduce upfront costs, encourage longer stays, and signal that the country is open for tourism again.

Key target markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia, as well as several Middle Eastern nations, all viewed as high-value or repeat-visit markets. Authorities estimate the policy could attract around 247,000 additional tourists and generate roughly $317 million in revenue, against a forecast cost of $75 million in waived fees.

When Did the Free Visa Scheme Come Into Effect?

The free tourist ETA scheme came into effect on 25 May 2026. Cabinet approved the draft regulation on 30 March 2026, Parliament approved the underlying regulations under the Immigration and Emigration Act on 7 May 2026, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration confirmed the operational start date in a circular dated 19 May 2026.

The programme is approved to run for one year, with a review planned at the six-month mark to assess whether it should continue under the same terms. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 will not be refunded.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When did the free visa scheme start?

The scheme is live as of 25 May 2026. Citizens of the 40 eligible countries can now apply for a free tourist ETA via the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.

Am I eligible for the free ETA if I'm from one of the 40 countries?

Yes. If your country is on the approved list, you are eligible for the free tourist ETA from 25 May 2026. The circular confirms that holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports from these countries all qualify.

Do I still need to apply for a visa if the fee is waived?

Yes. The scheme waives the ETA fee, but you still need to apply online and receive approval before you travel. All security checks and eligibility requirements remain in place. The waiver removes the cost, not the application process.

How long is the free ETA valid for, and how many entries does it permit?

The free tourist ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of your first arrival in Sri Lanka and permits double entry. If you leave and return within the validity period, only the remaining balance of the initial 30-day window applies on the second entry.

What is the difference between a visa waiver and Sri Lanka's free visa scheme?

A visa waiver means citizens do not need to apply for a visa at all. Sri Lanka's scheme is a fee waiver: citizens must still apply for and receive approval for a tourist ETA, but the processing fee is removed.

How long will the free visa scheme last?

The scheme is approved for one year from 25 May 2026, with a review at the six-month mark to determine whether it should continue under the same conditions.

Do citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore still skip the ETA?

No. From 25 May 2026, citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore must use the ETA system, even though they were previously exempt. Their ETAs are also issued free of charge. Maldivian travellers receive a 90-day tourist visa through the system under a bilateral reciprocity agreement.

Will the free visa scheme apply to all types of visits?

The scheme covers tourist ETAs only, for visits of up to 30 days. Business visas and other visa categories are not included. Visa extensions beyond 30 days remain subject to the usual fees.

How do I apply for the free ETA?

Apply through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal before you travel. The process is the same as before; only the fee has been removed for the 40 eligible nationalities.

Are ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 refundable?

No. The Department of Immigration and Emigration has confirmed that ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 will not be refunded.