Sri Lanka ETA: Visa Fees Waived for 40 Nationalities in 2026

On 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka took a major step to reinvigorate its global appeal. Authorities have officially abolished consular fees for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travelers from 40 countries.

The initiative, discussed by the government since July 2025, is now confirmed via the official ETA application platform.

eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Key Changes: New Free ETA Criteria

The fee exemption does not alter the mandatory ETA process but significantly reduces traveler costs.

Here are the exact specifications of the free authorisation:

• Permitted duration: Up to 30 days in Sri Lanka.

• Multiple entries: Allows two entries within the 30-day validity period (countdown begins at first arrival).

• Traveler eligibility: Applies to holders of ordinary, diplomatic, official, and service passports.

Any ETA fees paid prior to 25 May 2026 will not be reimbursed.

💡 Agency Tip: Planning a trip longer than one month? You can extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days, but this will require payment of applicable government fees at immigration services.

Are You Eligible? Countries Exempt from ETA Fees

The policy targets Sri Lanka’s top source markets. For clarity, we’ve grouped the 40 eligible nationalities by region:

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Russia, Belarus.
Americas: Canada, United States.
Asia & Oceania: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Thailand.
Middle East: Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

Bilateral exemptions (historical arrangements):
Maldives: Maldivian citizens retain an ETA valid for 90 days.
Seychelles and Singapore: Nationals of these countries also continue to benefit from free ETA processing.

⚠️ Don’t Be Caught Out: “Free” doesn’t mean “No Formalities.” The ETA remains a strict requirement before departure.

If your nationality is on the list of 40 eligible countries, you’re exempt from consular fees but still must obtain the ETA before travel or face visa-on-arrival complications.

If your passport is not listed above (e.g., most African, Latin American, or other Asian countries), the standard process applies—you must apply for your ETA and pay standard consular fees.

Make your departure hassle-free: Even with zero state fees, the application must be error-free. Our experts handle your full ETA process—document verification, compliance checks, and fast-track approval. Let our team secure your Sri Lanka ETA today