- Sri Lanka is offering a free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation to tourists from 40 countries
- Eligible nationals, including Indians, can apply online for an an ETA without paying any fee
- The free ETA allows double-entry within 30 days. Maldivians granted 90-day visas under a bilateral agreement
Sri Lanka is now offering free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to tourists from 40 countries, including India, for 30 days. The travel update will take effect on May 25, 2026. In case of ETA eligibility, tourists do not need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. However, they must apply for a digital electronic travel authority (ETA) before arrival. Now, nationals of 40 countries can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA without any fee.
Previously, applicants were required to pay USD 20 for a 30-day double-entry tourist visa if they belonged to SAARC countries, while others paid USD 50.
Who Is Eligible For Free-Of-Cost Sri Lanka ETA?
The free ETA facility is available to nationals from 40 countries, including India. The full list 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
- the United States
In addition, nationals from the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore-countries that have bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka-must also obtain an ETA before arrival. However, they will benefit from the fee waiver.
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Free-Of-Cost ETA Validity And Entry Rules
Under the new scheme, travellers from the eligible countries will receive a free tourist visa valid for 30 days, with a double-entry facility allowed within this validity period, starting from the date of first arrival.
An exception applies to Maldivian nationals, who will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system as part of the bilateral agreement.
Travellers who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial 30 days can apply for a visa extension by paying the applicable fee.
Authorities have also clarified that any ETA fees paid before May 25, 2026, will not be refunded.
Also Read: 6 New Visa Updates Indian Passport Holders Need To Know
What About Travellers From Other Countries?
Nationals of countries not included in the list of 40 will continue to follow the existing Sri Lanka ETA rules and fee structure. The new initiative specifically targets selected countries to streamline arrivals and encourage inbound tourism.
What It Means For Indian Travellers
For Indian passport holders, the update simplifies the travel process significantly. As per the Henley Passport Index 2026 (updated in February), Indians were previously eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA) in Sri Lanka. While convenient, VOA still required travellers to complete formalities upon landing.
With the introduction of a free ETA, Indian travellers can now complete the process online before departure, making arrivals smoother and more time-efficient. The Henley Passport Index also categorises ETAs similarly to visa-free access.
Applicants can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA through the official website: https://eta.gov.lk.
A Push To Boost Tourism
Sri Lanka's decision to waive ETA fees comes as part of broader efforts to revive its tourism sector and attract more international visitors. By reducing entry barriers and simplifying procedures, the country is positioning itself as an accessible and appealing destination for short-haul as well as long-haul travellers.
