As tourist arrivals decline in 2026, Sri Lanka plans a free ETA for 40 countries.
As declining numbers force officials to move swiftly to boost tourism demand, Sri Lanka is getting ready to provide free ETA visas to visitors from 40 countries.
In an effort to boost demand following a recent decline in visitor numbers, Sri Lanka is swiftly implementing free visas for visitors from 40 countries.
It is now anticipated that the project, which was first considered in 2024, will proceed more quickly. The free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) plan will be presented to the Cabinet and may be approved by parliament as early as April, according to Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.
The timing is not coincidental. Flight routes between Europe and Asia have been affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, increasing travel expenses and resulting in cancellations. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has been directly impacted by these changes.
Decline in Tourist Arrivals
The influence is seen in recent numbers. 151,693 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka between March 1 and March 25, a 22% decrease from the same period in 2025. An average of 6,068 people arrived each day, compared to 7,407 the previous year.
Only 7,318 people visited on March 14, the strongest day of the period, which is below average performance levels.
Reduced flight connectivity and higher ticket prices, particularly on routes connecting Europe and Asia, are the main causes of the reduction, according to officials.
In general, tourism is still growing in 2026.
Overall, Sri Lanka's tourism revival is still on course despite the recent setback.
708,348 tourists visited the nation in the first three months of 2026, up 4.45% from the previous year. Prior to the escalation of travel difficulties, a robust start in January and early February helped sustain positive growth.
With 26% of arrivals in March, India remains Sri Lanka's largest source market.
Other significant markets consist of:
United Kingdom
Russia
China
Germany
Long-distance travelers from places like France and the United States have contributed to the demand for tourism.
Free ETA Visa for 40 Countries
Citizens of seven nations are already eligible for free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from Sri Lanka:
China, India, and Indonesia
Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand
The government currently intends to expand the free visa program to 33 more nations, such as:
Australia and Austria
Bahrain
Belarus
Canada and Belgium
Denmark and the Czech Republic
Finland
France
Germany
Iran
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Nepal, the Netherlands, Kuwait
The New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan and Oman
Poland
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
The South Korean
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
The United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
The United States
One popular tactic employed by locations looking to increase arrivals rapidly is the removal of ETA (Visa) costs. Travelers are often encouraged to make plans earlier while travel expenses are lower.
Can Travel Uncertainty Be Reduced by Free Visas?
After the pandemic, Sri Lanka's tourism sector has been gradually recovering, but new unpredictability has been brought about by international tensions.
Travel decisions are still influenced by changes in flight routes, increased costs, and geopolitical hazards. Sri Lanka intends to stay competitive and draw tourists seeking low-cost international travel by increasing visa-free entrance.
How swiftly international airline networks stabilize and whether travelers feel comfortable making long-haul reservations again will determine how successful the strategy is.
For now, Colombo's message is unambiguous. At a time when international travel is still unpredictable, Sri Lanka wants to make travel simpler, more affordable, and more accessible.
