Sri Lanka Grants Free 30-Day Visa to 40 Nations

COLOMBO (News 1st) Sri Lanka has granted free tourist visas to nationals of 40 selected countries, effective from May 25, 2026, in a bid to boost visitor arrivals and strengthen the country’s travel sector.

Under the new policy, eligible travellers can obtain a 30-day tourist visa through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system without any fee.

The scheme applies to individuals holding diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports from the designated countries, which include major global markets such as India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan, and several others.

Authorities have clarified that despite the waiver of visa fees, all foreign nationals, including those from the 40 eligible countries as well as nations with bilateral agreements such as the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, are still required to obtain ETA approval prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

The visa issued under this scheme will be valid for 30 days from the date of first arrival and will allow double entry during that period.  Maldivian nationals, however, will be granted a 90-day tourist visa under existing reciprocal arrangements.

Officials further noted that travellers who wish to stay beyond the initial 30-day period may apply for a visa extension by paying the applicable fees. Meanwhile, applicants who paid ETA charges prior to the launch of the scheme will not be eligible for refunds.