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 and encourage short-term visits to the island nation. The electronic application process remains a requirement for all travelers.

Eligible Countries and Passport Types

The free tourist ETA is available to nationals from a specific list of 40 countries. This includes major travel markets like India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The waiver applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports. This broadens the scope beyond just leisure travelers, also covering government and business visitors.

The official list of eligible nations encompasses countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and the Middle East. Some of the countries explicitly mentioned include 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 the United States of America.

Visa Duration and Entry Rules

For most eligible travelers, the free tourist ETA will be valid for 30 days. This authorization allows for double entry, meaning visitors can enter Sri Lanka twice within the 30-day period. However, there is a special provision for nationals of Maldives. They will receive a tourist visa valid for 90 days, offering a longer duration of stay.

Important Dates and Fee Information

The new policy officially took effect on May 25, 2026. It is important for travelers to note that any ETA fees paid before this date are strictly non-refundable. The fee waiver applies only to applications processed on or after May 25, 2026. This date serves as a clear cutoff between the previous paid system and the current free authorization scheme.

The Electronic Travel Authorization System

While the fee for the tourist ETA has been removed for citizens of the 40 eligible countries, the requirement to obtain an ETA remains in place. Travelers must still apply through the official electronic portal. This ensures that the entry process is managed efficiently and securely. The system continues to be electronic, even though the cost has been eliminated for many nationalities.