Sri Lanka extends its one-year free visa program to forty countries.
As part of a significant tourist campaign, Sri Lanka is extending its free visa program to visitors from 40 nations. The visa price will be eliminated for qualified nations, although travelers will still require an ETA before departing.
Exciting news for tourists considering a trip to Sri Lanka in 2026: the nation has finally implemented its intention to grant free visas to tourists from forty different nations.
Under the nation's Immigration and Emigration Act, the proposal which was initially considered in 2024 was authorized on May 7, 2026. As tourism continues to rebound, the initiative aims to increase the number of foreign tourists to the island.
What Is the Free Visa Policy in Sri Lanka?
Entry into Sri Lanka is not entirely free of a visa. Before departing, travelers from the 40 qualifying nations must still apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
The primary modification is that the ETA or visa fee will be waived, allowing qualified travelers to get a 30 day visa without having to pay the customary application price. The full list of 40 nations that qualify for Sri Lanka's free visa
The following 40 nations' nationals will be eligible for the free visa facility, per the list submitted to Parliament:
Australia and Austria
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
China and Canada
Denmark and the Czech Republic
Finland
France
India and Germany
Indonesia
Iran
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, and the Netherlands
Norway
The New Zealand
Pakistan and Oman
Poland
Russia and Qatar
Saudi Arabia
The South Korean
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
United Kingdom United Arab Emirates
The United States
ETA is still required prior to travel.
Travelers must still finish the ETA process online before entering Sri Lanka, according to clarification from the country's officials.
Therefore, the admission process itself will not be eliminated, even though the visa fee would become free. Visitors will still have to:
Before you leave, apply online.
Give your passport and travel information.
fulfill the requirements for entrance.
Prior to arrival, obtain ETA permission.
According to officials, maintaining the ETA system is crucial for immigration and security procedures.
How to Apply for Free ETA in Sri Lanka
Before departing, visitors from qualified nations can apply online via Sri Lanka's official ETA system. The application process is still required even though the visa fee is eliminated.
Typically Needed Documents
A passport that is at least six months old
Ticket for return or continuation
Details of the accommodations
Basic travel details
Time Spent Processing
Although it is advised to file a few days in advance, the majority of ETA applications are processed in 24 to 48 hours.
Conditions and Validity of Visas30 days from the date of arrival
Tourist visa with only one entrance
can be prolonged in Colombo for up to 90 days.
Not appropriate for long-term stays or work
Using their passport and reference number, applicants can also monitor their ETA status online.
What is the duration of the program?
It is anticipated that the free visa program will last for a year. In order to determine whether the program is benefiting tourism and whether it should be continued, the government also intends to examine it after six months.The Reasons Sri Lanka Is Launching This Program
The Sri Lankan government estimates that 247,000 more visitors may arrive if visa requirements were waived.
Although officials predict that the nation may lose roughly $75 million in visa revenue, they anticipate that tourism-related expenditures will result in significantly greater profits for local companies, hotels, airlines, and restaurants.
