Sri Lanka Adds 40 Nations to Free-Visa List

Sunday, July 27, 2025

A traveler's-eye view of Sigiriya Rock Fortress under a clear sky, illustrating Sri Lanka free visa tourism growth.

Sri Lanka has waived its US $50 ETA fee for visitors from 40 countries-including the United States, Canada, the UAE, and Australia-allowing fee-free entry for stays up to 30 days. Officials say the move will cost the treasury about USD 66 million in lost fees but should be offset by higher arrivals and spending as the island targets 2.5 million visitors this year. Travelers must still secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure, but the system now shows a zero-dollar charge for eligible passports.

Key Points

Why it matters: Waived fees cut travel costs by $50 per person and simplify trip planning.
40 markets now qualify, expanding the program beyond last year's seven-country pilot.
ETA remains mandatory; print or save the approval to show at check-in and immigration.
Single-entry stay is 30 days, extendable in Colombo for a fee.
Government expects extra tourists to recoup the USD 66 million revenue gap.

Snapshot

The cabinet decision, announced July 25 2025, adds major long-haul markets such as the US, UK, and Australia to Sri Lanka's fee-free visa roster, alongside key regional partners like India, Japan, and the UAE. Eligible travelers apply online via eta.gov.lk, receive instant approval, and present it on arrival for a 30-day stamp. Extensions up to six months are available at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Tourism minister Vijitha Herath said the initiative aims to capitalize on pent-up demand and support economic recovery after the 2022 financial crisis.

Background

Sri Lanka first tested fee-free ETAs in 2019 and relaunched a seven-country scheme in October 2024. That pilot delivered a 58 percent jump in arrivals from the target markets, convincing officials to scale the waiver to 40 nations. The island relies on tourism for foreign exchange and jobs; visitor spending averaged $185 per day in 2024. With Hotel occupancy outside high season still below 2018 peaks, policymakers view easier entry as a low-cost stimulus.

Latest Developments

How to secure the no-cost ETA

Complete the online form at eta.gov.lk at least 48 hours before departure. Select "Gratis Visa-40 Country Program," upload a passport scan valid six months beyond travel, enter flight and accommodation details, and submit. An email approval usually arrives within minutes. Airlines may deny boarding without this document, so keep a digital and printed copy. On arrival, immigration stamps a 30-day single entry that can be extended in-country for about USD 60.

Offsetting the USD 66 million shortfall

Sri Lanka forecast $66 million in forgone visa fees but anticipates an extra 320 000 visitors whose spending could add more than $400 million to GDP through hotels, Tours, dining, and domestic transport. Officials also expect indirect gains such as rural job creation and stronger foreign-exchange reserves, key for debt servicing.

Analysis

Waiving visa fees lowers friction at the top of the booking funnel, especially for families who often balk at add-on charges. Sri Lanka is positioning itself against rivals like Thailand-which scrapped visa requirements for select markets this year-and Indonesia, which is debating a tourist tax. The 30-day limit fits typical North American and European itineraries, yet preserving the mandatory ETA lets authorities screen travelers in advance. The revenue trade-off appears modest: at 2024 spend rates, each additional tourist needs to stay just one night to offset the fee waiver. However, success hinges on marketing and airline capacity, as the island still faces limited long-haul lift and lingering safety perceptions after past unrest. If arrivals surge without straining infrastructure, the policy could become permanent and spur further liberalization, such as multi-year digital-nomad visas already under review.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka's expanded free-visa scheme removes a longstanding cost hurdle and signals that the island is open for business. Travelers who secure the no-cost ETA and plan a 30-day itinerary can now explore ancient forts, surf beaches, and wildlife parks with fewer bureaucratic steps-making the Sri Lanka free visa initiative a timely boost for both visitors and the local economy.