Published: Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at 12:18 pm| Dubai | Edited: Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at 12:21 pm
Are you planning your next holiday destination from the Middle East or South Asia? Sri Lanka has just made your vacation planning much cheaper and easier. Let us explore the details of this exciting updates below.
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Travel Visa to Sri Lanka is Now Free for 40 Countries
An overview of Sri Lanka’s major announcement regarding the waiver of tourist visa fees for international visitors.
Sri Lanka has officially announced a completely free travel visa scheme for citizens of 40 countries. Starting May 25, tourists from these selected nations can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) without paying any processing fees.
This new policy applies to ordinary, diplomatic, official, and service passport holders. This move aims to boost international tourism by making travel more affordable for global holidaymakers, especially families and budget travelers from the Gulf region and neighboring Asian countries.
Which Countries Eligible for Free Entry?
The complete list of the 40 nations that can now benefit from the zero cost visa scheme.
To help you check your eligibility, the Sri Lankan government has published the list of countries included in this fee waiver. Travelers from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia can benefit from this option.
Here is the full list of the 40 approved nations
- Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran.
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Turkey.
- Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Belarus, and Russia.
- Americas & Oceania: United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Additionally, citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore will continue to enjoy their existing bilateral visa free reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka.
Key Terms of the Free Visa Scheme
Important rules regarding the validity period, stay extensions, and past fee refunds.
Before you book your flights from Dubai, Mumbai, or anywhere else, you must understand the rules of this new policy. The rules ensure you do not face any surprises at the immigration counter.
- 30-Day Stay Limit: The free travel visa allows you to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days from your arrival date.
- Double Entry Benefits: Tourists can enter Sri Lanka twice within that 30 day validity window. This is perfect if you want to take a quick side trip to a nearby island and return.
- Non-Refundable Past Fees: If you paid your ETA application fees before May 25, the government will not refund your money.
- Visa Extension Rules: If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you must apply for an extension and pay the standard visa extension fees.
- Maldives Exception: Thanks to a special bilateral agreement, Maldivian citizens will automatically get a 90 day tourist visa through the online system.
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Step by Step Guide to Apply for Sri Lanka ET
A clear, easy to follow guide on how to complete your online registration before flying.
You do not need to visit an embassy or stand in long airport queues. You can easily register your travel visa online from the comfort of your home.
Follow these simple steps to complete your registration
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open your browser and go directly to the official government portal at eta.gov.lk. Make sure you only use this official link to avoid third-party agency scams and unwanted extra charges.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Click on the ‘Apply’ section and select the tourist category. Enter your personal, passport, and travel details carefully:
- Provide your full name, date of birth, and nationality exactly as shown in your passport.
- Type your passport number and passport expiration date.
- Input your expected arrival date in Sri Lanka and your local hotel address.
Step 3: Complete the Form at Zero Cost
When you reach the payment section of the application, the system will recognize your nationality. For the 40 approved countries, the visa processing fee will display as zero. Submit the form without paying anything.
Step 4: Receive Your Approval Email
After submission, the authorities will process your application. Within a few hours or days, you will receive an official approval document directly in your email inbox.
Step 5: Ready to Travel
Print out the email approval or save the digital copy on your smartphone. When you land in Sri Lanka, present this document along with your passport to the immigration officer to get your passport stamped.
Middle East Travelers Benefit from New Rules
How expatriates and citizens in the UAE and Gulf region can maximize this travel opportunity.
This update is excellent news for the large expatriate population living in the Gulf. For people living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar, Sri Lanka is just a short four-to-five-hour flight away.
Since flight connections from major hubs like Dubai and Doha are frequent, removing the visa fee makes Sri Lanka an affordable choice for weekend getaways. A family of four can now save a significant amount on entry fees alone, leaving them with more money to spend on hotels, sightseeing, and local experiences.
Conclusion
Planning a tropical vacation has never been more budget friendly. Go ahead, check your passport validity, and secure your free travel visa online to explore the beautiful beaches and heritage sites of Sri Lanka today.
FAQ
- Is the Sri Lanka visa completely free for Indian and UAE citizens now?
- Yes. Under the new scheme, eligible passport holders receive a free tourist visa via the online system without paying any registration costs.
- Can I complete my online registration on any travel website?
- No. You should only use the official government portal at eta.gov.lk to submit your application and ensure your data is secure.
- Do I have to pay a visa processing fee if I want to stay for two months?
- The free entry scheme is valid only for up to 30 days. If you want to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you must apply for an official extension and pay the regular visa processing fee.
- Can I board my flight without doing any prior online registration?
- No. Even though the visa is free, you must complete your online registration and receive your electronic approval before arriving at the airport.
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