Published: 23.10.2026
From 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries can obtain a free tourist ETA for stays of up to 30 days in Sri Lanka. Obtaining an ETA before arrival remains mandatory, while extensions are available for an additional fee.
According to the sources, citizens of Australia, the UK, the US, Russia, India, China, Japan and other listed countries no longer pay the tourist ETA fee, but the prior application requirement remains. This reduces the direct cost of a short visit, while the standard permitted stay generally remains limited to 30 days. People planning a long-term relocation should note that a tourist ETA does not replace a long-term visa or another immigration status, and extensions require a separate fee. The change is most relevant to tourists and people making an initial exploratory trip.