Sri Lanka's Parliament approved free visas for 40 countries on 7 May 2026. If you're from the US, UK, UAE, Australia, or 36 other nations, you'll soon pay $0 for your ETA. Here's what changes, what stays the same, and how to plan your trip.
Big News for Travellers: Sri Lanka Just Made Getting Even Easier
If you have been thinking about visiting Sri Lanka now is the best time to plan your trip. On 7 May 2026 the Parliament of Sri Lanka approved a rule that makes it easier for people from 40 countries to visit Sri Lanka. These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, UAE, Australia, Germany, France, India and many others.
Before this rule only people from seven countries. China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand. Did not have to pay a fee to visit Sri Lanka. Now many more countries are included.
In this guide we will tell you what this new rule means for you, which countries are included and how to apply for a visa. We will also explain why Sri Lanka made this change and what it means for your trip.
What You'll Find in This Guide
Which 40 countries do not have to pay a visa fee
What has. What is still the same
How to apply for a visa step by step
Why Sri Lanka made this change
What this means for your trip
Answers to frequently asked questions
Which 40 Countries Do Not Have to Pay a Visa Fee?
The full list of countries that do not have to pay a visa fee is below:
Europe: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
North America and Oceania: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States
East and South Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Thailand
Middle East: Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
If your country is on this list, you do not have to pay a visa fee. You still need to apply for a visa before you travel.
What Has Changed and What Is Still the Same
The new rule means that people from the 40 included countries do not have to pay a visa fee. This fee used to be $50 for people.
However you still need to apply for a visa before you travel. This is not a visa- rule. It just means you do not have to pay a fee. You still need to meet all the requirements, such as having a valid passport and enough money.
The government of Sri Lanka wants to make it easier for people to visit. They still need to make sure everyone is safe.
How to Apply for a Visa
To apply for a visa you need to visit the website at eta.gov.lk. Do not use websites as they may charge you extra fees.
Select "Tourist" as the type of visa you want
Fill in your passport details, travel dates and where you will stay
If you are from one of the 40 included countries you will not have to pay a fee
Pay any fees that you need to pay and submit your application
You will receive an email with your visa approval. Within 24 to 72 hours
Why Did Sri Lanka Make This Change?
Sri Lanka wants more people to visit. The country has been having a time with fewer visitors and the government thinks this new rule will help.
They believe that if they make it easier and cheaper for people to visit more people will come. This will help the economy. Create more jobs.
What Does This Mean for Your Trip?
If you are from one of the 40 included countries you now have one thing to worry about when planning your trip. You do not have to pay a visa fee, which can save you $50.
Sri Lanka is already a great value destination. You can have a holiday with a private tour, nice accommodation and activities for a relatively low price.
Some things you can do in Sri Lanka include:
Visiting the rock fortress at Sigiriya
Going on a safari in Yala National Park
Taking the train through the tea country from Kandy to Ella
Exploring the colonial-era Galle Fort and the south coast beaches
Whale watching in Mirissa
Visiting the rock fortress at Sigiriya
Going on a safari in Yala National Park
Taking the train through the tea country from Kandy to Ella
Exploring the colonial-era Galle Fort and the south coast beaches
Whale watching in Mirissa
Visiting the rock fortress at Sigiriya
Going on a safari in Yala National Park
Taking the train through the tea country from Kandy to Ella
Exploring the colonial-era Galle Fort and the south coast beaches
Whale watching in Mirissa
Visiting the rock fortress at Sigiriya
Going on a safari in Yala National Park
Taking the train through the tea country from Kandy to Ella
Exploring the colonial-era Galle Fort and the south coast beaches
Whale watching in Mirissa
Visiting the rock fortress at Sigiriya
Going on a safari in Yala National Park
Taking the train through the tea country from Kandy to Ella
Exploring the colonial-era Galle Fort and the south coast beaches
Whale watching in Mirissa
Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka in 2026?
No you do not need to pay a visa fee if you're from one of the 40 included countries. However you still need to apply for a visa online before you travel.
When does the new rule start?
The Parliament of Sri Lanka approved the rule on 7 May 2026 but they have not yet said when it will start. Check the website for updates.
Do I still need to apply for a visa if my country's on the list?
Yes, you still need to apply for a visa before you travel. The change is that you do not have to pay a fee.
Which countries are not included?
If your country is not on the list you will still have to pay the visa fee of $50.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka on a free tourist visa?
You can stay for 30 days with entry. You can apply to extend your stay for up to 270 days.
Is Sri Lanka safe to visit in 2026?
Yes, Sri Lanka is generally a country to visit. However as, with any country you should take precautions to stay safe.
Sri Lanka is a place for tourists to visit. The country is getting back on its feet after the problems it faced in 2022. It has been investing in its infrastructure. Improving its services, which has helped to boost confidence from other countries. The travel advisories from the UK, US and Australia say that Sri Lanka is an safe place to travel to.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The answer to this question depends on where you want to go in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has two seasons. If you want to visit the south and west coasts the best time is from December to March. If you want to visit the east coast the best time is from May to September. The Hill Country and Cultural Triangle are great to visit at any time of the year. Time to visit Sri Lanka. Month-by-month guide
Now is a great time to visit Sri Lanka.
The government of Sri Lanka has approved a policy to give visas to people from 40 countries. This is a sign that Sri Lanka is open and welcoming to tourists. Sri Lanka is a diverse country with a lot to offer including ancient cities, amazing wildlife, beautiful tea plantations and stunning beaches. So there is no time to visit Sri Lanka than now.
When the new visa policy starts people from the US, UK, UAE, Australia, Germany, France, India and 33 other countries can apply for a 30-day tourist visa without paying any fees. The process is very simple.. The experience of visiting Sri Lanka is one you will never forget.
Are you ready to plan your trip to Sri Lanka?
With the visa fees waived for your country this is the time to visit Sri Lanka. Whether you want to visit the tea plantations in the Hill Country see leopards in Yala or watch the sunset at a colonial fort, in Galle we can help you plan the perfect trip.
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