Tourists arriving at Colombo Airport

Sri Lanka Activates ‘Free Visa’ For 40 Countries

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Sri Lanka implemented the ‘Free Visa’ policy for 40 countries as announced earlier with effect from Monday, 25th May.

Accordingly, the nationals of the following countries will be eligible to obtain tourist visas (ETA) Free-Of-Charge.

This will be applicable for 30 days, except for Maldivians, who will receive 90 days, as per an bilateral agreement.

  • AUSTRALIA
  • AUSTRIA
  • BAHARAIN
  • BELARUS
  • BELGIUM
  • CANADA
  • CHINA
  • CZECH REPUBLIC
  • DENMARK
  • FINLAND
  • FRANCE
  • GERMANY
  • INDIA
  • INDONESIA
  • IRAN
  • ISRAEL
  • ITALY
  • JAPAN
  • KAZAKAZTHAN
  • KUWAIT
  • MALAYSIA
  • NEPAL
  • NETHERLAND
  • NEW ZEALAND
  • NORWAY
  • OMAN
  • PAKISTAN
  • POLAND
  • QATAR
  • RUSSIA
  • SAUDI ARABIA
  • SOUTH KOREA
  • SPAIN
  • SWEDEN
  • SWISTZERLAND
  • THAILAND
  • TURKEY
  • UAE
  • UNITED KINGDOM
  • UNITED SATATES OF AMERICA

  • Nationals of the above-mentioned countries holding Diplomatic, Official, Service, or Ordinary passports are eligible to obtain tourist visa (ETA)free-of-charge under this scheme. 

  • All foreign nationals, including nationals of the above-mentioned 40 countries and nationals with the bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka (Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore) are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka.

  • As per the bilateral reciprocal agreement between Sri Lanka and Maldives, Maldivian nationals will receive 90 days’ tourist visa through ETA system.

  • The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for nationals of the above-mentioned 40 countries and for nationals of Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore will be processed free of charge.

However, ETA fee paid by the applicants prior to 25.05.2026 are non-refundable

  • Tourists are entitled to a tourist visa (ETA) free of charge valid for 30 days (Maldivian nationals will receive 90 days), with double-entry facility permitted from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka within the 30-day validity period. 

  • Applicants who have obtained a free visa and wish to remain in Sri Lanka beyond 30 days may apply for a visa extension upon payment of the applicable visa fee. 

  • Except the national eligible to apply ETA free of Charge mentioned above, nationals of all other countries shall continue to be subject to the general rules and regulations governing the Sri Lanka ETA system.

Click to Read the Government Announcement

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