Sri Lanka Makes Tourist ETA Free for 40 Countries

Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for visitors from more than 40 countries, making short trips cheaper for eligible travellers. The new rules came into force on 25 May and allow tourists to obtain a 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation free of charge. The ETA is still required before arrival, but eligible applicants no longer pay the fee.

The list includes several European countries, such as Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. Travellers from China, Indonesia, Thailand and the US are also included. Some countries, including the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore, had already benefited from earlier visa-fee waivers.

The change applies only to new applications made under the updated rules. Travellers who applied before 25 May will not be able to claim a refund, so the saving will mainly help future bookings. The fee waiver also does not replace normal entry checks, meaning visitors still need to complete the online ETA process and meet the conditions attached to short tourist stays.

The fee waiver could make Sri Lanka more appealing for beach breaks, wildlife trips and cultural routes. Eligible visitors can plan itineraries around Galle’s old town, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and the island’s central highlands. The Pekoe Trail adds a longer walking option through tea country, while Udawalawe and Yala remain key stops for elephants, leopards and national park visits.

The change lowers one small cost in planning a Sri Lanka trip, which helps when flights, hotels and transport already add up. It may also make last-minute travel easier for eligible tourists, provided they still complete the ETA before departure. The main thing to remember is simple: the authorisation is free for listed countries, but it is not optional.