Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka has announced that citizens of 40 countries will be eligible for free tourist visas to enter Sri Lanka with effect from today (25).
According to a circular issued by I. Chaminda Pathiraja, the decision follows Cabinet approval granted on March 30, 2026, as well as subsequent parliamentary approval for amendments to immigration regulations.
Under the new system:
- Eligible travelers can obtain a free double-entry Electronic Travel Authorization
- The visa will remain valid for 30 days
Countries Eligible for Free Tourist Visas
The 40 eligible countries are:
- 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
- United Kingdom
- United States
Additionally:
- Citizens of Maldives
- Seychelles
- Singapore
will continue to receive free ETA processing as previously available.
Authorities emphasized that, except for certain diplomatic and official passport holders covered under bilateral agreements, all foreign nationals must obtain an ETA before entering Sri Lanka.
Tourists wishing to remain in the country beyond the initial 30-day period may apply for visa extensions after paying the relevant fees.
The Department further stated that the official gazette notification covering the revised regulations is scheduled to be published today.
