Sri Lanka eTA Fee Waiver for Select Nations postponed again

Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system is the main entry requirement for most international visitors. It streamlines border control and supports tourism, a key sector for the country’s economy. On July 25, authorities announced plans to expand the eTA visa fee waiver to 33 new countries, in addition to the current seven eligible nations. This move generated wide media coverage and excitement among travelers seeking cost savings.

Media reports have implied that this ETA visa fee exemption is already active. This is incorrect.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital entry permit required for short-term visits to Sri Lanka. The ETA streamlines the visa process for tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers from most countries. Key facts about the Sri Lanka ETA:

1. Role in Immigration

The ETA acts as a pre-approval, allowing eligible travelers to board flights and enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit without visiting an embassy.

2. Application Process

You must apply online through the official portal. The standard Sri Lanka ETA application involves:

• Filling out personal, passport, and trip details.
• Paying a fee of USD 50 using a credit or debit card.
• Receiving an approval confirmation by email, typically within minutes to 48 hours.

3. Validity and Entries

The visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You can enter Sri Lanka twice during this period. Each entry allows an initial stay of up to 30 days.

4. Extensions

You may extend your stay up to two times after arrival:

• First extension: up to 90 days total.
• Second extension: an additional 90 days (maximum total stay of 180 days).

Extensions require an application either online or at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.

Entry requirements Sri Lanka remain clear. Every traveler needs a valid passport, completed ETA approval, and proof of onward travel or accommodation. The visa fee payment is mandatory unless you qualify for a government-announced waiver.

This system supports efficient border management and tourism growth while ensuring compliance with Sri Lanka’s visa policies. However, recent developments have seen Sri Lanka halting its eVisa system amid allegations of corruption and procedural violations. This has impacted travelers and reinstated the ETA system as the primary method for obtaining travel authorization to Sri Lanka.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath announced at the Hotel Show Colombo 2025 that Sri Lanka intends to expand its ETA visa fee waiver. Cabinet approval was secured to extend free ETA access from the current seven countries to a total of forty.

This announcement drew swift attention from both local and international media. Many outlets reported on the planned expansion as if it were already active. Social media discussions surged, with travelers eager to benefit from the new policy. The anticipation shows how closely the travel community monitors visa changes.

No official decree has been issued to enact the expanded ETA visa fee waiver. The Sri Lankan immigration website (eta.gov.lk) shows no updates or mention of a start date for the new policy. Until authorities publish formal regulations, the ETA fee waiver for 33 new countries is not yet in effect.

For the most accurate guidance, check only the official Sri Lankan government immigration channels. Any real change will be reflected in an official decree and a visible Sri Lankan immigration website update.

Travelers planning visits should remain alert to these channels for future updates on ETA policies.

Sri Lanka’s current free ETA visa policy, which covers only a handful of countries, is set to undergo a significant revamp as part of efforts to boost tourism. Currently, travelers holding ordinary, diplomatic, official, or service passports from 7 nations are eligible for a fee waiver:

1. China
2. India
3. Indonesia
4. Japan
5. Malaysia
6. Russia
7. Thailand

However, the proposed expansion introduces a much broader list of eligible nations. If the decree is issued, travelers from 33 new countries will gain access to the free ETA scheme. The new list includes:

1. Australia
2. Austria
3. Bahrain
4. Belarus
5. Belgium
6. Canada
7. Czech Republic
8. Denmark
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Iran
13. Israel
14. Italy
15. Kazakhstan
16. Kuwait
17. Nepal
18. Netherlands
19. New Zealand
20. Norway
21. Oman
22. Pakistan
23. Poland
24. Qatar
25. Saudi Arabia
26. South Korea
27. Spain
28. Sweden
29. Switzerland
30. Türkiye
31. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
32. United Kingdom (UK)
33. United States of America (USA)

These changes remain pending until formal approval and publication by Sri Lankan authorities.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector rebounded in 2024, welcoming more than 2 million international visitors. This marks a significant recovery after the challenges of recent years. The government has set a target of 3 million tourist arrivals for 2025, signaling strong ambitions for growth.

The proposed visa fee waiver aims to attract more visitors by removing the USD 50 ETA fee for travelers from 40 countries. Sri Lankan authorities project that this measure could lead to an annual loss of about $66 million in visa revenue. The expectation is that increased tourism will offset this loss through broader economic benefits, such as higher hotel occupancy, increased spending at local businesses, and job creation in the hospitality sector.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has emphasized the government’s commitment to stabilizing the economy by focusing on tourism-friendly policies. According to Herath, “We have stabilized the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals.”

A successful visa fee waiver could create momentum for a sustained tourism boost in Sri Lanka between 2024 and 2025.

Travelers planning a trip to Sri Lanka are advised to continue following the current entry requirements. The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) remains a paid requirement for all nationalities.

To verify if the ETA fee waiver is active in Sri Lanka for your country, always rely on official channels and disregard rumors or unofficial news. Staying informed protects you from travel disruptions and unnecessary expenses.

Stay alert to official updates. Rely only on the Sri Lankan Immigration Website and recognized sources like VisasNews for accurate information about the ETA visa fee waiver expansion. The proposed free ETA for 33 new countries is not yet in effect.

• Bookmark the official Sri Lankan Immigration Website: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/
• Check eta.gov.lk for current visa requirements
• Use trusted outlets for reliable info

Misinformation spreads quickly, so verify all changes directly with official authorities before making travel plans.