SL Visa/Immigration News Update

Free 30-Day Visa for Tourists Visiting Sri Lanka – What You Need to Know (July 2026 Update)


Sri Lanka Free Tourist Visa (ETA) – 40 Eligible Countries (From 25 May 2026)

From 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka offers a free 30-day Tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for nationals of 40 eligible countries. Although the visa is free, all travelers must obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.

Eligible Countries

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, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Key Information

  • Free 30-day Tourist ETA.

  • Double-entry permitted within the 30-day validity period.

  • Applies to holders of Diplomatic, Official, Service, and Ordinary passports from the eligible countries.

  • Maldivian nationals receive a 90-day tourist visa under the bilateral agreement.

  • Nationals of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore also receive their ETA free of charge.

  • ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable.

  • Travelers wishing to stay beyond 30 days may apply for a visa extension by paying the applicable fee.

Important

Nationals of countries not listed above must continue to follow the standard Sri Lanka ETA rules and pay the applicable visa fee.

Special Visa Application Requirements

Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana & Afghanistan

Applicants must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the Department of Immigration & Emigration Head Office, Battaramulla.

Required Documents

  • Request letter from the Sri Lankan sponsor

  • Sponsor's affidavit certified by a Justice of the Peace or lawyer

  • Certified copy of the sponsor's NIC or passport

  • Applicant's police clearance certificate

  • Applicant's passport copy

  • Proof of accommodation

Taiwan (China) & Kosovo

Tourist and Business visa applicants must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor.

Required Documents

  • Request letter from the Sri Lankan sponsor

  • Sponsor's affidavit

  • Certified copy of sponsor's NIC or passport

  • Applicant's passport copy

  • Proof of accommodation

Syria

Tourist and Business visa applicants must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor.

Required Documents

  • Request letter from the Sri Lankan sponsor

  • Sponsor's affidavit

  • Certified copy of sponsor's NIC or passport

  • Applicant's police clearance certificate

  • Applicant's passport copy

  • Proof of accommodation

Apply for Your Sri Lanka ETA

All eligible travelers should obtain their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure, even if the visa is issued free of charge.

If you plan to stay longer than your permitted period, you can apply for a tourist visa extension after arriving in Sri Lanka.

Last updated: Based on Sri Lanka Immigration regulations effective from 25 May 2026.

This version is brief, highly scannable, SEO-friendly, and structured with headings that target searches like "Sri Lanka free visa 2026", "Sri Lanka ETA eligible countries", and "Sri Lanka visa sponsor requirements".✅ What You Should Do Before You Travel

To avoid any issues or surprise fees:

1. Apply for an ETA online (if required)

Visit the official site:
👉 https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa

2. Bring a printed copy of your ETA approval

🧳 Don't Let Visa Confusion Ruin Your Trip!

Sri Lanka welcomes you — with world-class beaches, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. But to start your journey smoothly, it’s best to stay informed and prepared.

We’ll update this page as soon as visa-free entry becomes active.

🔁 Bookmark This Page

We’ll update this post as soon as the when there is an update of immigration procedures.

📢 Share this post to help other travelers avoid confusion.

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