Sri Lanka has officially introduced a free tourist visa programme for nationals of 40 countries through its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, making travel to the island nation more accessible and attractive for international visitors. The initiative, which came into effect on May 25, is expected to boost tourism and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as one of South Asia’s most appealing travel destinations.
Under the new policy, travellers from countries including India, the UAE, Pakistan, China, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and several European nations can now obtain a tourist ETA without paying visa processing fees. The scheme applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports.
Eligible Countries for Sri Lanka
According to Sri Lanka’s official ETA platform, all eligible foreign nationals must still apply for the ETA before arriving in the country. Although the visa fee has been waived, obtaining prior travel authorisation remains mandatory. Authorities have clarified that travellers who paid visa charges before May 25 will not receive refunds, even if they now fall under the free visa category.
The free ETA permits tourists to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. During this period, visitors are allowed double entry from the date of their first arrival. This means travellers can leave Sri Lanka and re-enter once again within the same 30-day validity window without applying for a new visa.
Tourism officials believe the move will significantly encourage short-term holidaymakers, family visitors, and business travellers to choose Sri Lanka for vacations and quick getaways. The simplified visa process is also expected to benefit regional tourism, particularly among travellers from neighbouring countries such as India and the UAE, where demand for affordable international travel continues to rise.
For travellers wishing to remain in Sri Lanka beyond the initial 30-day period, visa extensions are still available. However, applicants seeking an extension must submit a separate request to the immigration authorities and pay the applicable visa extension fees. Approval will depend on immigration regulations and the purpose of the extended stay.
The new visa initiative also highlights Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to revive and strengthen its tourism industry after facing economic and travel-related challenges in recent years. By removing visa fees, the government aims to attract a larger number of international tourists and increase tourism-related revenue for hotels, transport services, restaurants, and local businesses.
Special provisions have also been made for Maldivian nationals. Due to existing bilateral agreements between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Maldivian citizens will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system instead of the standard 30-day entry permit. Meanwhile, nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore continue to enjoy reciprocal travel arrangements with Sri Lanka under separate agreements.
The announcement has generated positive reactions among travellers and tourism operators alike. Travel agencies across the Gulf region and South Asia expect an increase in holiday bookings to Sri Lanka, especially during the upcoming vacation seasons. Sri Lanka’s beaches, hill stations, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, heritage sites, and luxury resorts continue to attract tourists from around the world.
Industry experts say the free visa initiative could also improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness against other popular Asian destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and the Maldives. Lower travel costs often play a major role in destination selection, especially for families and budget-conscious tourists.
Visitors planning to travel under the new system are advised to apply for their ETA through Sri Lanka’s official immigration website before departure. Travellers should also ensure that their passports remain valid for the required duration and that they carry supporting travel documents, including hotel reservations and return flight tickets, if requested by immigration authorities.
The full list of 40 eligible countries has been published on Sri Lanka’s official ETA portal. The government may review or further expand the programme, depending on tourism demand and international travel trends.
With visa fees now removed for many travellers, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as an even more convenient and affordable destination for tourists seeking tropical beaches, cultural experiences, adventure travel, and warm hospitality.
40 Eligible Countries List:
Take a look at the full list of countries that are included here:
- 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
- United States