Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free entry scheme for nationals of 40 countries, granting them a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourism purposes, effective May 25th.
The initiative aims to boost inbound arrivals and applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports, according to Sri Lanka’s official ETA website.
The list of eligible nations includes India, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, among others. Nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, which hold bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka, are also required to obtain the ETA prior to arrival.
Under the visa-free scheme, eligible travelers may stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days at no cost, with double entry permitted within the validity period from the date of first arrival. Maldivian nationals will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system under the existing bilateral agreement between the two countries.
Visitors who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days must apply for a visa extension and pay the applicable fee. Any ETA fees paid before May 25th remain non-refundable, the official website confirmed.
The visa-free policy is expected to ease access for travelers from key source markets and support Sri Lanka’s broader tourism recovery efforts.
