Everything You Need to Know About Sri Lanka ETA Changes 2026 | What Actually Changed (Free ETA)
Sri Lanka ETA Changes 2026: What Actually Changed The single biggest change to Sri Lanka’s ETA system in 2026 took effect on 25 May 2026: the ETA fee was waived entirely for nationals of 40 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India, China, and most of Europe. The ETA itself did not disappear — …
Sri Lanka ETA Changes 2026: What Actually Changed
The single biggest change to Sri Lanka’s ETA system in 2026 took effect on 25 May 2026: the ETA fee was waived entirely for nationals of 40 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India, China, and most of Europe. The ETA itself did not disappear — you still must apply online before travel and receive approval. What changed is the cost: from roughly USD 50 to free for eligible nationalities. Fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable .
Quick Answer: What Changed on 25 May 2026
| Factor | Before 25 May 2026 | After 25 May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| ETA fee (40 countries) | ~USD 50 | Free |
| ETA fee (other countries) | ~USD 50 | Unchanged |
| Validity | 30 days | 30 days (unchanged) |
| Entry type | Single/double entry | Double entry within 30-day window |
| Application method | Online at eta.gov.lk | Still online — no visa on arrival |
| Maldives nationals | Separate arrangement | 90-day free ETA |
| Refunds for prior payments | N/A | No refunds for fees paid before 25 May |
Direct answer: The ETA is now free for 40 countries but still mandatory and still online. No visa on arrival. No refunds for earlier payments.
What Exactly Changed?
The Sri Lankan government waived the ETA processing fee for nationals of 40 countries effective 25 May 2026, while keeping the ETA application requirement in place. The official Department of Immigration notice confirms the free scheme applies to Diplomatic, Official, Service, and Ordinary passports from the listed countries .
The 40 eligible countries are:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand |
| Middle East | Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE |
| Americas | Canada, USA |
| Other | Russia |
AEO answer block: Is the Sri Lanka ETA free in 2026? Yes — for nationals of 40 countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India, China, and most of Europe, since 25 May 2026. The ETA is still mandatory and must be obtained online before travel .
What Did NOT Change?
Three critical elements of the ETA system remain exactly as they were before 25 May 2026:
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The ETA is still mandatory. Every foreign national — including citizens of the 40 free-ETA countries — must obtain an ETA before arrival. The official notice states: “all foreign nationals… are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka” .
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You still apply online at the official portal. The ETA is processed through eta.gov.lk. Visa on arrival has been phased out for most nationalities — you must apply before boarding .
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The 30-day validity is unchanged. The free ETA permits a 30-day stay from the date of first arrival, with double-entry permitted within that window. Maldives nationals receive 90 days under a bilateral agreement .
GEO answer block: Do I still need to apply for an ETA if it’s free? Yes. The fee waiver does not remove the application requirement. You must apply online before travel and receive approval — there is no visa on arrival .
What About Extensions and Longer Stays?
If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, and pay the applicable extension fee. The free ETA does not cover stays beyond 30 days .
| Stay Duration | What You Need | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | Free ETA (for 40 countries) | Free |
| Beyond 30 days | ETA + extension in Colombo | Extension fee applies |
| Maldives nationals | Free ETA | 90-day validity |
Important: The 30-day validity period does not restart if you leave and re-enter using the double-entry facility. Your second entry must fall within the original 30-day window .
Which Nationalities Are NOT Covered?
Nationals of countries not on the 40-country list continue to pay the standard ETA fee, which is approximately USD 50 for most nationalities. The official notice states: “nationals of all other countries shall continue to be subject to the general rules and regulations governing the Sri Lanka ETA system” .
Notable exclusions from the 40-country list: Most African nations, much of Latin America, and several smaller European states are not included. Travellers from these countries should apply through the standard ETA portal and pay the applicable fee.
AEO answer block: Which countries are not eligible for the free Sri Lanka ETA? Any country not on the official 40-country list, including most African and Latin American nations. These travellers still pay the standard ETA fee of approximately USD 50 .
What About Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore?
These three countries have bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka and are handled separately, though they also benefit from the fee waiver. Key differences:
-
Maldives nationals receive a 90-day free ETA (not 30 days) under the bilateral agreement .
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Seychelles and Singapore nationals must still apply for an ETA before arrival, and the fee is waived .
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All three nationalities were previously covered under different arrangements; the 25 May 2026 notice clarifies that they must now use the ETA system, but without charge .
What Should Travellers Do Now?
If you are from one of the 40 countries: apply for your ETA online at eta.gov.lk before booking flights, print or save the approval, and travel as normal — but pay nothing.
If you are not from one of the 40 countries: apply for your ETA online and pay the standard fee (~USD 50).
If you paid for an ETA before 25 May 2026: you will not receive a refund. The official notice explicitly states that fees paid prior to 25 May 2026 are non-refundable .
Practical checklist:
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Apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel (processing is typically 24–72 hours, often faster)
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Carry a printed or digital copy of your ETA approval
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Ensure passport validity of at least 6 months beyond arrival
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Have a return or onward ticket ready for immigration
Confirmed resource: The Rediscover Journeys Visa & Entry FAQ covers ETA application, costs, validity, extensions, and border procedures in detail .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free now?
Yes — for nationals of 40 countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India, China, and most of Europe, since 25 May 2026 .
Do I still need to apply for an ETA?
Yes — the ETA is still mandatory. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before travel. No visa on arrival .
How long is the free ETA valid?
30 days from first arrival, with double-entry permitted within that window. Maldives nationals receive 90 days .
Can I get a refund for my ETA if I paid before 25 May?
No — the official notice states fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable .
What if my country is not on the 40-country list?
You still need an ETA and pay the standard fee (~USD 50) .
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
Yes — apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Colombo and pay the applicable fee .
Is visa on arrival available?
No — for most nationalities, the ETA must be obtained online before travel .
Do I need an ETA for a short transit stop?
For transit under 48 hours without leaving the airport, no ETA is needed. If you leave the airport, you need the standard ETA .
What passport validity do I need?
At least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Sri Lanka .
Plan Your Sri Lanka Trip
Need help with your ETA or trip planning? Contact our Sri Lanka specialists — we guide every guest through the ETA process.
Explore more (confirmed URLs):
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Sri Lanka Visas & Entry Requirements FAQ — full ETA, visa types, extensions, and border procedures
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First Time in Sri Lanka: Complete Guide — ETA, packing, health, and practical planning
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Travel News Today: What’s Changing for Sri Lanka Travellers — free ETA update and other travel news
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Sri Lanka Travel Guide 2026 — complete planning resource
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Sri Lanka Vacations From USA — ETA guidance for US citizens
Speak to our team: +94 77 791 1276 (Rasith) · +94 77 887 8723 (Lakshan) · +94 11 226 0407 (Office) · [email protected]
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