Sri Lanka Free ETA 2026: New Visa Rules for 40 Countries Explained

From 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries no longer pay the ETA fee to enter Sri Lanka. This is the biggest change to Sri Lanka's entry rules in a decade — and it directly replaces the old $35–$50 electronic travel authority charge. Here is exactly who qualifies, what changed, and how to apply.

What Changed on 25 May 2026?

Sri Lanka's government announced the ETA fee waiver effective 25 May 2026 as part of its push toward 3 million tourist arrivals in the year. Previously, all foreign nationals (except holders of certain diplomatic passports) paid between $35 and $50 USD for an Electronic Travel Authority before visiting. The 40 qualifying countries now receive this permit at zero cost.

The ETA itself still exists — it has not been abolished. It remains a mandatory pre-travel authorisation obtained online. The only change is that the fee has been waived entirely for nationals of the qualifying countries.

Which 40 Countries Get the Free Sri Lanka ETA?

The full list includes major tourist-sending nations. Key qualifying countries include:

Region	Countries with Free ETA
Europe	UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic
Americas	USA, Canada
Asia-Pacific	Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Middle East	UAE, Saudi Arabia (tourist)

Countries not on the free list — including India, China, Russia, and most of South/Southeast Asia — continue to pay the standard ETA fee. Always verify the current list at eta.gov.lk before travelling, as the government may update it.

How to Apply for the Free Sri Lanka ETA

Even though the fee is waived, you must still apply before you travel. The process is fully online:

1. Go to eta.gov.lk (official Sri Lanka ETA portal)
2. Select "Tourist ETA" and enter your passport details
3. Upload a passport-size photo and the bio-data page of your passport
4. Complete the arrival/accommodation details form
5. Submit — if your nationality is on the waiver list, no payment screen will appear
6. Receive your ETA approval by email (typically within 24–72 hours)
7. Print the ETA approval or save it on your phone to present at immigration

ETA Validity and Stay Duration

Detail	Standard Tourist ETA (free for 40 countries)
Validity from issue	6 months (enter anytime within 6 months)
Initial permitted stay	30 days from entry
Maximum extendable stay	Up to 6 months (via Dept. of Immigration, Colombo)
Entry type	Double entry (enter twice within validity)
Purpose	Tourism, transit, visiting family

What Remains the Same

• A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining is still required
• Immigration officers at the airport may ask for proof of onward travel (return flight booking)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay may be requested (approximately $50 USD per day is the unofficial guideline)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country
• Business travel still requires a separate business visa — the tourist ETA does not permit paid work in Sri Lanka

ETA vs Visa on Arrival: What's the Difference?

Sri Lanka does not technically offer a "visa on arrival" in the traditional sense. All tourists must obtain the ETA before arriving — it cannot be obtained at the airport immigration counter. The ETA is Sri Lanka's equivalent system to pre-approved electronic travel authorisation, similar to Australia's ETA or the US ESTA. "Visa on arrival" is a common misnomer used in older travel guides — from 2026, the correct term is simply Tourist ETA (fee-free for eligible nationalities).

Can I Extend My Stay Beyond 30 Days?

Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, Colombo (open weekdays 8:30am–4:30pm). Bring your passport, ETA approval, onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to a maximum of 6 months. There is a fee for each extension — currently around LKR 10,000–15,000 per extension.

Arriving in Sri Lanka: Your First Steps

Once you clear immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Negombo, the next step is getting to your hotel or destination. The airport is located 35km north of Colombo — a 45-minute to 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic.

Pre-booking a Colombo airport taxi is strongly recommended. Fixed-rate private taxis avoid the haggling and metered surprises common with unbooked taxis outside the arrivals terminal. Sri Lanka Taxi Service transfers from CMB include:

• Airport to Negombo — LKR 2,500 (25 min)
• Airport to Colombo city — LKR 4,000–5,000 (45–60 min)
• Airport to Kandy — LKR 9,000 (3 hours)
• Airport to Galle — LKR 11,000 (2.5 hours)

Frequently Asked Questions