list.lk
Sri Lanka Introduces Free 30-Day Tourist ETA for 40 Countries
The Pulse
EconomyPoliticsHOTMonday, May 25, 2026

Sri Lanka Introduces Free 30-Day Tourist ETA for 40 Countries

TLDR

  • Free 30-day tourist ETA for 40 countries starts May 25, 2026.

  • All eligible nationals must still apply for ETA before arrival.

  • Covers diplomatic, official, service, ordinary passports.

Sri Lanka will begin offering free 30-day tourist Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) to citizens of 40 selected countries starting May 25, 2026. This initiative, which allows for double-entry, received Cabinet approval on March 30, 2026, followed by parliamentary approval for amendments to immigration regulations. The program aims to significantly promote the country's vital tourism industry. The implementation details were confirmed via a circular issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 25 · 10:47 AM

New details have emerged regarding Sri Lanka's free 30-day tourist ETA for 40 countries, effective May 25, 2026. The scheme applies to individuals holding diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports. Furthermore, it is clarified that all foreign nationals from eligible countries are still required to obtain an ETA prior to arrival, even with the waiver.

Update #2\u00b7 May 25 · 7:01 AM

The list of 40 eligible countries for Sri Lanka's free 30-day tourist ETA has been released. The countries include Australia, France, Austria, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Nepal, South Korea, Bahrain, India, Netherlands, Spain, Belarus, Indonesia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

WhatsAppPost on X

Pulse Check — How do you feel?

Sign in to vote

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!