Sri Lanka has removed tourist ETA application fees for visitors from 40 countries from May 25, 2026, but travelers still need to apply for an ETA before arrival. This is the detail many people miss. The fee is gone for eligible passport holders, but the entry approval is not gone. The official Sri Lanka ETA portal says nationals of these 40 countries can obtain a tourist visa ETA free of charge for 30 days.

For travelers, the update is simple: you may save the visa fee, but you still need the ETA approval, a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of funds. The UK is included in the 40-country list, and the change was reported as part of Sri Lanka’s push to bring in more tourists after a slower period for arrivals.

What Changed in Sri Lanka ETA Fees From May 25, 2026?

Sri Lanka removed the tourist ETA fee for 40 eligible countries for a 30-day stay. The free ETA applies to tourist visits, not every type of visa or every traveler. The official ETA fee page clearly says the free tourist ETA is for a 30-day period.

This means eligible travelers can visit Sri Lanka for common tourism reasons such as:

• Sightseeing and holidays
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Medical treatment, including Ayurvedic and yoga-related treatment
• Sporting events or cultural performances

Sri Lanka’s ETA page lists these as short-visit tourist purposes, while business and transit are treated separately.

Full Country List: 40 Countries Eligible for Free Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

The free Sri Lanka tourist ETA applies to passport holders from these 40 countries. The list below follows the official ETA portal order and spelling as closely as possible.

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Is Sri Lanka Now Visa-Free for These Countries?

Sri Lanka is not fully visa-free in the casual sense because eligible travelers still need an ETA. The better way to explain the rule is: Sri Lanka has made the tourist ETA free for 40 countries for 30 days.

That difference matters at the airport. A traveler who says, “I don’t need anything now,” may still run into trouble if they arrive without ETA approval or the right travel documents.

Think of it this way:

Do UK, US, Indian and Canadian Travelers Still Need ETA for Sri Lanka?

Yes, UK, US, Indian and Canadian travelers still need ETA approval even though the tourist ETA fee is removed. These countries are included in the 40-country free ETA list, but the application process still matters.

A practical example: a UK traveler flying from London to Colombo for two weeks should still apply on the official ETA portal, save the approval email, and keep a return ticket ready. The same applies to an Indian family flying from Chennai, a US traveler visiting the south coast, or a Canadian traveler planning a 30-day route through Colombo, Kandy, Ella and Galle.

The fee waiver makes the trip cheaper. It does not remove immigration checks.

Sri Lanka Free ETA Rules Travelers Must Follow

Travelers must still meet Sri Lanka’s entry requirements even when the ETA is free. The official ETA terms say ETA holders should be able to prove a round-trip ticket when traveling by air and show evidence of sufficient funds for the stay.

Before flying, keep these ready:

1. ETA approval notice
   Save it on your phone and keep a printed copy if possible.
2. Passport valid for at least six months
   Sri Lanka’s immigration guidance says the passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival.
3. Return or onward ticket
   This is especially important for air travelers.
4. Proof of funds
   A bank card, bank statement, or other reasonable proof can help if asked.
5. Same passport used for ETA application
   If you apply with one passport and arrive with another, you may have to pay again or face delays.

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What the Free Sri Lanka ETA Allows for Tourists

The free tourist ETA allows a 30-day short visit with double-entry facility. The ETA portal says a tourist ETA is for 30 days, and double entries can be made from the date of initial arrival within that given 30-day period. The balance of the original 30 days applies to the second visit.

This is useful for travelers planning a small regional trip. For example, someone may fly into Colombo, spend 10 days in Sri Lanka, visit the Maldives for a few days, then return to Sri Lanka before flying home. The key is that the second entry must fit within the allowed 30-day window.

What the Free ETA Does Not Allow

The free tourist ETA does not allow travelers to work in Sri Lanka. The official ETA terms say ETA holders should not engage in employment, paid or unpaid, or in trade or business beyond what is specified in the ETA.

Do not use a tourist ETA for:

• Taking a job in Sri Lanka
• Freelancing for a Sri Lankan company
• Running local business operations
• NGO or INGO work without approval
• Media or journalist activities without proper permission

Sri Lanka’s ETA guidance also says online ETA is not available for some media, political, NGO and INGO-related activities, and those travelers need approval from the relevant Sri Lankan authorities.

Are Singapore, Seychelles and Maldives Included?

Singapore, Seychelles and Maldives have separate free ETA treatment under reciprocal or bilateral arrangements. The official ETA fee page says Singapore and Seychelles are eligible for free tourist ETA for 30 days, while Maldives nationals are eligible for 90 days.

This is separate from the 40-country list, so travelers should not mix the categories.

What Are Sri Lanka ETA Fees for Countries Not on the Free List?

Travelers from countries outside the free ETA list still pay the regular ETA fees. The ETA fee page lists tourist ETA charges for other nationalities and separates South Asian countries from all other countries.

Children under 12 of any nationality are eligible for a free tourist ETA up to 30 days. If the stay goes beyond 30 days, extension fees apply according to nationality.

Are Fees Paid Before May 25, 2026 Refundable?

No, ETA fees paid before May 25, 2026 are not refundable. The official ETA application terms state that fees paid before 25.05.2026 are non-refundable, and ETA processing fees are not refundable or transferable.

This is important for travelers who applied early. If someone paid for a July trip before the fee removal started, they should not expect an automatic refund.

Can Travelers Extend the Free Sri Lanka ETA Beyond 30 Days?

Yes, a short-visit ETA may be extended, but the free ETA only covers the initial 30-day tourist period. Sri Lanka’s ETA guidance says the ETA is initially limited to 30 days from arrival and may be extended up to six months.

For a longer stay, do not leave this until the final day. A smart traveler applies for an extension early, keeps hotel details ready, and checks the official immigration extension portal after arriving.

Best Travel Advice Before Applying for Sri Lanka ETA

Apply through the official ETA website and double-check every passport detail before submission. The ETA terms warn that incorrect passport number, nationality, or date of birth can create problems, and travelers may need to pay again on arrival if details do not match.

A simple pre-flight checklist:

• Use the official ETA portal.
• Match your passport number exactly.
• Select the correct nationality.
• Use the same passport when entering Sri Lanka.
• Save the approval notice offline.
• Carry a return ticket and proof of funds.
• Do not use tourist ETA for work or restricted activities.

Quick FAQs on Sri Lanka ETA Application Fees Removal

Final Takeaway: Free ETA Makes Sri Lanka Easier, Not Rule-Free

Sri Lanka’s ETA fee removal is good news for travelers from 40 countries, but it is not a reason to skip the application. The biggest benefit is cost saving. The biggest mistake is assuming “free” means “no approval needed.”

For a smooth Sri Lanka trip, apply early, use the correct passport details, keep your approval notice handy, and remember the free ETA is for 30 days of tourism. That small bit of preparation can save you stress at check-in, immigration, and arrival in Colombo.