Sri Lanka Free Tourist Visa (ETA) for 40 Countries Starts from May 2026

Traveling to Sri Lanka just became easier and cheaper for millions of travelers around the world.

Starting from May 25, 2026, the Sri Lankan government has officially introduced a free tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for citizens of 40 countries. The new policy allows eligible travelers to obtain a 30-day Sri Lanka tourist ETA without paying visa fees.

The move is expected to boost tourism, encourage regional travel, and make Sri Lanka one of the most attractive destinations in South Asia for holidays, family trips, and short vacations.

For travelers planning a beach holiday, honeymoon, wellness retreat, or cultural adventure, this is one of the biggest Sri Lanka travel updates of 2026.

Sri Lanka Free ETA 2026 – What Travelers Need to Know

Under the new policy, eligible travelers can apply for a Sri Lanka tourist ETA free of charge before arrival.

However, travelers should understand one important detail:

Sri Lanka is not offering visa-free entry on arrival.

All foreign nationals, including citizens of the eligible 40 countries, must still obtain an approved ETA before traveling to Sri Lanka.

The good news is that the ETA processing fee has now been waived for eligible nationalities.

The free ETA applies to:

• Ordinary passport holders
• Diplomatic passport holders
• Official passport holders
• Service passport holders

Countries Eligible for Free Sri Lanka ETA

Citizens of the following 40 countries can now apply for a free 30-day Sri Lanka 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
• United States of America

Maldives, Singapore, and Seychelles Travelers Also Included

Travelers from Maldives, Singapore, and Seychelles are also required to obtain ETA approval before entering Sri Lanka.

Under the bilateral agreement between Sri Lanka and Maldives, Maldivian nationals will continue receiving a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system.

The ETA process for these countries will also remain free of charge.

Already Paid for Sri Lanka ETA? Here’s Important Information

Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that ETA fees paid before May 25, 2026 are non-refundable.

This means travelers who submitted and paid for their Sri Lanka ETA before the new policy came into effect will not receive refunds.

Why This Is Big News for Travelers

Sri Lanka has always been one of the most beautiful and affordable travel destinations in Asia. With the removal of ETA fees, the country is becoming even more attractive for international tourists.

Travelers from Nepal, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other nearby countries can now plan short vacations to Sri Lanka more easily without additional visa expenses.

This new policy is expected to increase:

• Family holidays
• Honeymoon travel
• Group tours
• Weekend getaways
• Wellness and luxury tourism
• Business-leisure travel

Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers a perfect mix of beaches, mountains, culture, wildlife, and luxury experiences.

Some of the most popular tourist destinations include:

Mirissa and Bentota

Famous for relaxing beaches, whale watching, and luxury resorts.

Nuwara Eliya

Known for tea plantations, cool weather, and scenic mountain views.

Sigiriya

Home to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous UNESCO heritage sites.

Kandy

A cultural city famous for temples, traditional heritage, and beautiful landscapes.

Yala National Park

One of the best wildlife safari destinations in Asia.

How Nepex Travels Can Help

Even though Sri Lanka’s ETA is now free for eligible countries, travelers still need proper travel documentation and correct application procedures.

Nepex Travels helps travelers and travel agencies with:

• Sri Lanka ETA processing assistance
• Travel consultation
• Flight booking support
• Hotel and holiday planning
• Group travel arrangements
• Family travel support
• International visa guidance

Our team ensures travelers can complete their travel plans smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays or documentation issues.