25/05/2026
Great news for visitors to Serendipity - and the rest of Sri Lanka, of course! 😊
Tourists from 40 countries can now obtain free Sri Lanka ETA from today (May 25)
Sri Lanka has officially introduced free tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) facilities for nationals of 40 countries with effect from today, 25 May 2026, according to a circular issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
The circular, signed by Controller General I. Chaminda Pathiraja, states that the move follows Cabinet approval granted on 30 March 2026 and subsequent parliamentary approval for amendments to immigration regulations.
Under the new scheme, eligible foreign nationals can obtain a free ETA valid for 30 days with double-entry permission.
The 40 eligible countries are 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, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Nationals of Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore will continue to receive ETA processing free of charge.
Authorities noted that all foreign nationals, except certain diplomatic and official passport holders covered under bilateral arrangements, must still obtain ETA approval prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.
Visitors wishing to remain in Sri Lanka beyond the initial 30-day period may apply for a visa extension upon payment of the applicable fee.
The Department of Immigration stated that the amended regulations will be published in the Government Gazette from today.
