25/05/2026
🚨 OFFICIAL UPDATE: Free Sri Lanka ETA for Tourists from 40 Countries Starting TODAY (May 25)! 🇱🇰✈️
Fantastic news for international travelers planning to visit Sri Lanka! According to an official circular issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka has officially introduced a free tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) facility for nationals of 40 countries, effective today, 25 May 2026.
📌 Key Details of the New Scheme:
Validity: 30 Days from the date of entry.
Entry Type: Double-Entry Permission.
Background: This initiative follows Cabinet approval granted on 30 March 2026 and subsequent parliamentary approval for amendments to immigration regulations.
🌍 List of the 40 Eligible Countries:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), and United States of America (USA).
(Note: Nationals of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore will continue to receive ETA processing free of charge as usual).
⚠️ Important Guidelines for Visitors:
Pre-Arrival Approval: All foreign nationals (except certain diplomatic and official passport holders covered under bilateral agreements) must still obtain official ETA approval prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.
Visa Extensions: Visitors wishing to remain in Sri Lanka beyond the initial 30-day period may apply for an extension upon payment of the applicable fee.
📍 The amended regulations, signed by Controller General I. Chaminda Pathiraja, will be officially published in the Government Gazette today.
