Sri Lanka ETA Update 2026: Free Tourist ETA for Over 40 Countries

Sri Lanka has introduced an important update for short-term international visitors. Effective from 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 selected countries are eligible to obtain a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA free of charge for a stay of up to 30 days. Additional arrangements also apply to nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore.

This update is relevant for travelers planning short-term visits to Sri Lanka for tourism, leisure, or holiday purposes. While the ETA fee is waived for eligible nationalities, travelers need to complete the ETA process before their trip. For international travelers, this means the process may become more cost-effective, but the need for accurate application details remains essential.

What Has Changed Under the Sri Lanka ETA Scheme in 2026?

According to the notice, the free Tourist ETA scheme takes effect from 25 May 2026. From this date, nationals of 40 selected countries may obtain a Tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days, while nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore are also eligible for free ETA processing under separate arrangements.

Travelers who paid ETA fees before 25 May 2026 should note that the ETA fees paid prior are non-refundable.

Countries Eligible for the Free Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

The following 40 countries are included in the free Tourist ETA scheme:

1. Australia	21. Malaysia
2. Austria	22. Nepal
3. Bahrain	23. Netherlands
4. Belarus	24. New Zealand
5. Belgium	25. Norway
6. Canada	26. Oman
7. China	27. Pakistan
8. Czech Republic	28. Poland
9. Denmark	29. Qatar
10. Finland	30. Russia
11. France	31. Saudi Arabia
12. Germany	32. South Korea
13. India	33. Spain
14. Indonesia	34. Sweden
15. Iran	35. Switzerland
16. Israel	36. Thailand
17. Italy	37. Turkey
18. Japan	38. United Arab Emirates
19. Kazakhstan	39. United Kingdom
20. Kuwait	40. United States of America

Travelers should always check their nationality and passport details carefully before submitting an ETA application.

Special Condition for Maldivian Nationals

Under the bilateral reciprocal agreement between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Maldivian nationals will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system. This differs from the 30-day validity provided to nationals of the 40 countries above under the free Tourist ETA scheme.

Eligible Passport Types Under the Free ETA

The free Tourist ETA scheme applies to nationals of the listed countries who hold the following passport types:

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

According to the notice, holders of these passport types from the eligible countries may obtain the Tourist ETA under the scheme.

A Sri Lanka ETA is a required document for travelers before arriving 

Is the Sri Lanka ETA Required?

Yes, ETA approval is now required before arrival for all foreign nationals, including nationals of the 40 countries mentioned above and nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore. For this reason, travelers must complete their ETA application in advance and ensure that all submitted information is correct and consistent with their passport.

Validity and Entry Conditions of the Free Sri Lanka ETA

Under the updated scheme, eligible travelers are entitled to a Tourist ETA with the following conditions:

• Validity period: 30 days
• Entry type: Double entry
• Purpose: Tourism
• Validity starts: From the first arrival date in Sri Lanka

The double-entry facility allows eligible tourists to enter Sri Lanka twice within the permitted 30-day validity period from the date of first arrival. Maldivian nationals receive 90 days under a separate arrangement. Travelers should plan their itinerary carefully to ensure their stay and entry dates comply with the ETA validity period.

Can Travelers Stay in Sri Lanka for More Than 30 Days?

Yes. Travelers who obtain a free Tourist ETA and wish to stay in Sri Lanka beyond the initial 30-day period may apply for a visa extension.

However, the extension is subject to the applicable visa fee and the relevant approval process. Travelers are advised to apply for any required extension before their authorized stay expires.

What About Travelers Not Included in the Free ETA Scheme?

Nationals of countries not included in the 40-country list will continue to be subject to the general rules and regulations of the Sri Lanka ETA system. This means travelers from other eligible countries need to pay the applicable ETA fee and follow the standard ETA requirements.

Before applying, travelers should verify:

• Their nationality eligibility
• Passport validity
• Travel purpose
• Intended length of stay
• Entry conditions under the Sri Lanka ETA system

Key Takeaways for Travelers

From 25 May 2026, nationals of over 40 countries can obtain a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA free of charge for a stay of up to 30 days. All foreign travelers must apply for the ETA before arrival in Sri Lanka and the free-of-charge policy only applies to the eligible nationalities we have mentioned. The Tourist ETA allows double entry within its validity period, while ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable.

Travelers from countries not included in the selected list must continue to follow the general Sri Lanka ETA rules. Preparing the ETA application correctly before departure can help reduce delays and support a smoother arrival experience in Sri Lanka.

FAQs About the Sri Lanka Free Tourist ETA 2026

Is the Sri Lanka Tourist ETA free in 2026?

Yes, from 25 May 2026, nationals of over 40 countries (the list of 40 countries includes 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, UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States) are eligible to obtain a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days.

Do eligible travelers need to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA?

Yes. Eligible travelers must obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka, although the ETA fee is waived.

How long is the free Sri Lanka Tourist ETA valid?

The free Tourist ETA is valid for 30 days (Maldivian nationals will receive 90 days) and allows double entry from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.

Can the free Sri Lanka ETA be extended?

Yes. Travelers who wish to stay beyond 30 days may apply for a visa extension by paying the applicable visa fee.

Are ETA fees refundable if paid before 25 May 2026?

No. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable.

Do Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore nationals need an ETA?

Yes. Nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are also required to obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka, and their ETA is processed free of charge.