Sri Lanka makes tourist entry free for 40 countries: what travellers need to know

Nationals of 40 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, China and Japan, are now eligible for a free 30-day double-entry tourist Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka. 

But while the change removes the previous US$50 fee, travellers must still obtain the required ETA before arrival. Source: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration⁠.

Which countries qualify for Sri Lanka’s free ETA?

The 40 countries are Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

The list is significant because it includes major visitor markets across Europe, Asia and the English-speaking world. It also covers travellers with different holiday preferences, from cultural and wildlife tours to beach holidays, wellness breaks and visits to family and friends.

The official notice confirms that holders of ordinary, diplomatic, official and service passports from these countries are eligible under the scheme. 

Travellers should check the current official rules before applying, particularly if their passport or travel circumstances are unusual.

Will free tourist entry encourage more people to visit Sri Lanka?

Removing the US$50 fee makes Sri Lanka less expensive to enter and removes one small administrative and financial obstacle at the beginning of the booking process.

The likely benefit will vary by market. For a couple or family, eliminating a per-person fee can make a more noticeable difference than it does for a single traveller. For visitors comparing several destinations, a simpler and cheaper entry process may also help Sri Lanka compete for attention.

But free ETA processing alone cannot guarantee increased tourist arrivals. Airfares, flight availability, accommodation prices, safety perceptions, service quality and the overall holiday experience remain important considerations.

Sri Lanka’s attraction lies in the range of experiences available within a relatively compact island: ancient cities and cultural sites, wildlife, tea-growing highlands, beaches, traditional cuisine and wellness experiences including Ayurveda. 

What does the 30-day, double-entry ETA mean?

The free tourist ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days and allows two entries within the original validity period.

For example, a visitor might arrive in Sri Lanka, travel onwards to another country and then return to Sri Lanka within the remaining validity of the original authorisation. This can be useful for travellers combining Sri Lanka with a wider Asian itinerary.

The important qualification is that the second entry does not grant a fresh 30-day stay. The official guidance specifies that only the balance of the original 30-day period is available on the second entry.

Visitors who wish to remain beyond the permitted period may apply for an extension, subject to the applicable process and fees. They should confirm the current requirements with the immigration authorities rather than assume an extension is automatic.

How to apply for Sri Lanka’s free tourist ETA?

Eligible visitors must apply through Sri Lanka’s official Electronic Travel Authorisation system before travelling. The official application website is eta.gov.lk⁠, operated by the Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Although the authorisation is free for eligible nationalities, it is not an automatic visa waiver. Applicants must complete the required process and obtain the appropriate authorisation. A confirmed airline ticket or hotel booking should not be treated as a substitute for ETA approval.

Travellers should also be cautious about unofficial websites that offer to arrange visas or charge service fees. Use the government portal to check the applicable requirements and avoid paying a third party unnecessarily.

What about travellers from other countries?

The 40-country scheme is not a universal free-entry arrangement. Nationals of countries outside the list generally remain subject to Sri Lanka’s standard ETA rules and applicable charges.

Sri Lanka also has separate reciprocal arrangements covering nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore. The official ETA notice states that these nationalities receive free ETA processing; Maldivian nationals are eligible for a 90-day tourist visa under the stated arrangement.

Because immigration requirements can change, travellers should verify their eligibility directly with the official portal before booking or departing.

Where can you check the latest Sri Lanka visa rules?

Check out the official Sri Lanka ETA portal⁠, supported by the Department of Immigration & Emigration’s official notice on free tourist visas for 40 countries⁠.

Before departure, check your nationality, apply for the required ETA, obtain approval and verify the conditions governing your stay.

In summary: Since 25 May 2026, eligible nationals of 40 countries can obtain Sri Lanka’s 30-day, double-entry tourist ETA free of charge. 

The fee waiver reduces the cost of visiting, but travellers must still follow the official authorisation process and comply with the conditions of entry.