Sri Lanka has officially approved its long-anticipated free visa initiative for nationals of 40 countries. Endorsed on 7th May 2026 under the nation’s Immigration and Emigration Act, the programme waives the standard Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee for eligible visitors — aiming to attract more international tourists as the island’s tourism sector continues its recovery.
The programme is expected to run for 12 months, with a review planned at the 6-month mark to assess its impact on arrivals and economic benefit.
What the Free Visa Programme Actually Means
Sri Lanka is not removing the visa requirement entirely. Nationals from the 40 qualifying countries will still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before travelling. The key change is that the application fee is waived — meaning eligible tourists can secure a one-month tourist visa at no cost.
Full List of 40 Countries Eligible for Sri Lanka’s Free Visa
The following nationals are eligible for the fee waiver under the approved programme:
- 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
The ETA Process Is Still Mandatory
Although the fee is waived, the ETA application process itself remains compulsory. Travellers from qualifying countries must still:
- Apply online before departure through Sri Lanka’s official ETA system
- Provide passport details and travel information
- Meet standard entry requirements
- Receive ETA approval before boarding
Authorities have confirmed that maintaining the ETA system is essential for immigration and security screening purposes.
ETA Details and Visa Conditions
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa validity | 1 month from date of arrival |
| Entry type | Single-entry tourist visa |
| Extension option | Extendable up to 3 months through the Department of Immigration in Colombo |
| Permitted activities | Tourism and leisure only — not valid for employment or long-term stays |
| Processing time | Typically 1 to 2 business days; apply a few days in advance |
Documents Typically Required for the ETA
- Passport valid for at least 180 days beyond the intended arrival date
- Confirmed return or onward travel ticket
- Accommodation details for the stay
- Basic travel information as required by the online form
Applicants can track their ETA status online using their passport number and reference code.
Why Sri Lanka Is Making This Move
The Sri Lankan government estimates the free visa programme could attract approximately 247,000 additional tourists over the 12-month period. While the initiative is projected to result in a loss of around $75 million in visa fee revenue, authorities anticipate that increased tourism spending on accommodation, dining, transport, and local enterprises will generate significantly higher economic returns overall.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s free visa programme for 40 countries is a well-timed and practical incentive for international travel to the island in 2026. For eligible nationals, the cost of the ETA application is now zero — but the application itself still needs to be completed online before departure. Apply a few days ahead of travel, ensure your passport is valid for at least 180 days, and carry your accommodation and return ticket details when completing the form. The programme runs for 12 months, with a formal review planned at the halfway point.