🇰🇴 Breaking Travel News — May 25, 2026

Sri Lanka Opens Its Doors:
Free Visas for 40 Nations,
Effective Today

✍ SLTrips.com Editorial📅 May 25, 2026🕐 5 min read
Great news for travellers worldwide! Starting today, May 25, 2026, Sri Lanka has officially launched a free tourist visa (ETA) programme for nationals of 40 countries. If your passport is on the list, your next island getaway just got significantly cheaper — and easier. No visa fee. No stress. Just paradise.
40
countries eligible for free ETA
30
days free tourist visa validity
2×
double entry within validity period

What's the Big Deal?

Sri Lanka has long been one of South Asia’s most beloved destinations — ancient temples, pristine beaches, misty highlands, and some of the world’s finest tea. Until today, every foreign visitor had to pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). That fee is now completely waived for nationals of 40 selected countries, eliminating one more barrier between you and this breathtaking island.

The initiative takes effect immediately from May 25, 2026, and applies to all passport types — Diplomatic, Official, Service, and Ordinary.

Is Your Country on the List?

🌍 40 Countries Eligible for Free Sri Lanka Visa 2026

🇦🇺 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
🇦🇪 UAE
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States

Key Details You Need to Know

📋

ETA Still Required

Even though the visa is free, you must obtain an ETA before arriving. It just won't cost you anything anymore.

⏳

30 Days, Double Entry

Your free ETA is valid for 30 days from first arrival, with a double-entry facility — perfect for side trips and back.

💳

No Refunds for Prior Payments

Fees paid before May 25, 2026 are non-refundable per the official immigration notice.

🔄

Want to Stay Longer?

Apply for a visa extension beyond 30 days upon payment of the applicable extension fee at any immigration office.

Special note for Maldivian travellers: Under the existing bilateral agreement, Maldivian nationals receive an extended 90-day free tourist visa via ETA. Seychelles and Singapore nationals also receive free ETA processing.

How to Get Your Free Sri Lanka Visa

✨ Exclusive www.SLTrips.com Service

We'll Apply for Your Sri Lanka Visa —
Completely Free of Charge

Whether you're booking a trip with us or planning your own independent adventure, our team will handle your ETA application from start to finish. No fees. No hassle. Just your visa, delivered.

100% FREE

This is our gift to every traveller heading to Sri Lanka. Travelling with us or not — submit your details and we'll take care of your ETA application personally.

✈️

Booking a Tour with SLTrips?

Your visa assistance is automatically included. Share your passport details when you book and we handle everything.

🌍

Travelling Independently?

No problem! We're happy to apply your ETA even if you're not booking a tour. It's our way of welcoming you to our island.

How it Works — 4 Simple Steps

1

Send Us Your Passport Details

Share a scan or photo of your passport bio page via WhatsApp, email, or our contact form. All data handled with strict privacy.

2

We Submit Your ETA Application

Our team fills in and submits your application through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal — accurately and promptly.

3

Receive Your Approved ETA

We forward your approved ETA directly to your email or WhatsApp — usually within a few hours.

4

Board Your Flight & Arrive in Paradise

Present your ETA on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Sri Lanka is waiting for you!

💬

Apply Now via WhatsApp — It's Free

Message us your passport details and we'll get started immediately · sltrips.com

→

Why Visit Sri Lanka Now?

With the Sri Lanka visa fee now completely waived for 40 countries, there has never been a better or more affordable time to visit. Spend a week exploring the Cultural Triangle — Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa. Head south to Mirissa or Unawatuna for turquoise waters and whale watching. Or lose yourself in the lush tea country of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, where train journeys are as spectacular as the destination itself.

Sri Lanka packs extraordinary diversity into a compact island — ancient ruins, wildlife safaris, surf breaks, ayurvedic wellness retreats, and some of the most flavourful cuisine in the world. And now, the only thing between you and all of that is a free visa application.

Ready to Plan Your Sri Lanka Trip?

Browse curated itineraries, travel tips, and destination guides — and let us handle your free ETA while you dream of where to explore first.

Explore Sri Lanka → www.sltrips.com

Source: Official Sri Lanka Immigration Notice — Free Tourist Visas for Nationals of 40 Selected Countries, effective May 25, 2026.
Published by www.SLTrips.com. Always verify current visa requirements at www.eta.gov.lk before travel.