Noida, May 26 (APAC Media): The Sri Lankan government has announced free on-arrival visas for tourists from 40 countries, including India.
This travel-friendly policy was announced by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration on Monday, which stated that the free visa facility will be valid for 30 days and will allow double entry from the date of first arrival.
Indian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka for short tourist visits can now obtain the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) without any visa fee, making travel to the island nation more affordable and convenient.
Countries Eligible for Sri Lanka’s Free 30-Day Tourist ETA (From May 25, 2026)
| S.No | Country | S.No | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 21 | Malaysia |
| 2 | Austria | 22 | Nepal |
| 3 | Bahrain | 23 | Netherlands |
| 4 | Belarus | 24 | New Zealand |
| 5 | Belgium | 25 | Norway |
| 6 | Canada | 26 | Oman |
| 7 | China | 27 | Pakistan |
| 8 | Czech Republic | 28 | Poland |
| 9 | Denmark | 29 | Qatar |
| 10 | Finland | 30 | Russia |
| 11 | France | 31 | Saudi Arabia |
| 12 | Germany | 32 | South Korea |
| 13 | India | 33 | Spain |
| 14 | Indonesia | 34 | Sweden |
| 15 | Iran | 35 | Switzerland |
| 16 | Israel | 36 | Thailand |
| 17 | Italy | 37 | Turkey |
| 18 | Japan | 38 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| 19 | Kazakhstan | 39 | United Kingdom |
| 20 | Kuwait | 40 | United States of America |
Despite the free visa arrangement, the Sri Lankan government clarified that all foreign travelers, including those from the eligible 40 nations and countries having reciprocal bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, such as Singapore, the Maldives, and Seychelles, must still complete the ETA process online before departure through Sri Lanka’s official ETA portal.
Officials said the initiative is necessary to revive and strengthen the tourism sector, which remains a key contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy.
The country has been aggressively promoting tourism after facing severe economic challenges in recent years, including a foreign exchange crisis and a decline in visitor arrivals during the pandemic period.
India continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s most important tourism markets due to its geographical proximity, cultural ties, and frequent flight connectivity.
Visa relaxation could lead to a significant rise in Indian travelers during the upcoming holiday season.
Disclaimer:Â Views expressed are those of experts and do not reflect APAC Media. This is for informational purposes only, not financial advice. We are not responsible for investment decisions. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before investing.
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