Sri Lanka has extended its visa fee waiver to nationals of 40 countries in the latest phase of its tourism recovery drive. The waiver means eligible travellers pay USD 0 for the standard Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that permits a 30-day stay with a single extension allowed.
Which Countries Are Included
The confirmed list includes visitors from India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, and Kenya.
The United Kingdom and the United States are not on the waiver list — travellers from those countries continue to pay the standard ETA fee (currently around USD 20 per person). Always verify the current status directly with the Sri Lanka ETA portal before booking, as the policy has been adjusted multiple times over the past 18 months.
How to Apply
The ETA is applied for online through the official portal at eta.gov.lk. The process takes around 10 to 15 minutes and approval typically comes within 24 hours, though the system can take up to 72 hours during peak periods. The ETA must be obtained before travel — there is no visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, and border officials do check for a confirmed ETA on arrival.
Key details for the standard tourist ETA:
- Length of stay: 30 days from first entry, extendable once for another 30 days
- Entry type: Double entry permitted within the 30-day window
- Fee for waiver-eligible nationalities: USD 0 (a nominal processing charge may apply)
- Application: Online only via eta.gov.lk
Why This Matters for Trip Planning
The fee waiver is part of Sri Lanka’s Rs 1.5bn international tourism campaign, which targets six key markets with promotional activity through the end of 2026. The broader goal is to reach 3 million annual arrivals before the end of the year — a target that requires sustained growth in the second half of 2026.
For travellers already considering Sri Lanka, this removes one small barrier. More importantly, it signals that the tourism authorities are in active outreach mode, which tends to translate into better onward service and infrastructure investment.
Practical Considerations
Colombo’s main entry airport is Bandaranaike International (CMB), located in Katunayake, about 30 kilometres north of the city centre. Most international flights arrive here. A small number of charter flights use Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota.
Our Sri Lanka visa guide includes a full breakdown of entry requirements, health documentation, and current insurance recommendations for travellers arriving in 2026.