Every foreign visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka, including the 40 nationalities that now get it free of charge[1]. Since 25 May 2026, nationals of those 40 countries pay nothing for a 30-day tourist ETA with double entry[1]. Everyone else pays the standard ETA fee. You apply on the Department of Immigration and Emigration's site, eta.gov.lk.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free now?
For 40 countries, yes. With effect from 25 May 2026, nationals of these countries can obtain a tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days, on diplomatic, official, service or ordinary passports[1]:
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 United States.
ETAs for nationals of Singapore and Seychelles are also processed free of charge, and Maldivian nationals receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system[1].
Free does not mean visa-free. The ETA itself is still mandatory: all foreign nationals, including the 40 countries above, must obtain an ETA before arriving[1]. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are not refunded[1].
How much is the ETA if your country is not on the list?
| Applicant | Online ETA (government fee) |
|---|---|
| Nationals of the 40 countries above | Free |
| SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries not on the list | US$20 |
| All other countries | US$50 |
| Children under 12, any nationality (up to 30 days) | Free |
If you arrive without one, the fee on arrival is US$25 for SAARC nationals and US$60 for all other countries.
How long can you stay?
- Stay: 30 days from your first arrival[1].
- Entries: double entry. Your second entry only gets whatever is left of the original 30 days[1].
- ETA validity: six months.
- One at a time: a new ETA cannot be issued on the same passport until the current one expires.
- Staying longer: you can apply for an extension after you arrive and pay the extension fee for your nationality[1]. Extensions are filed with the Department of Immigration and Emigration through eservices.immigration.gov.lk.
How do you apply?
- Check your nationality against the list above. It changes the fee, not whether you need to apply.
- Have your passport biodata page, your planned arrival date, and your travel details ready (flight or port of arrival, and your hotel or other address in Sri Lanka).
- Apply on eta.gov.lk and pay the fee if one applies.
- Keep the approval and show it on arrival.
The Department does not publish a processing time, so apply at least a week before you travel.
How to avoid look-alike ETA sites
The Department of Immigration and Emigration's ETA site is eta.gov.lk. Type the address yourself rather than following an ad, and be wary of any site that calls a charge a "government fee" when your nationality is on the free list. Our guide to choosing a visa agent for Southeast Asia e-visas covers the checks in more detail.
How Issa Compass helps
We check that your passport has no ETA still running, confirm whether your nationality is fee-free, and file the tourist ETA on eta.gov.lk for you. If you are on the free list, the government fee is US$0 and you pay only our service fee. See our Sri Lanka visas page, or book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an ETA if my country is on Sri Lanka's free list?
Yes. All foreign nationals, including the 40 fee-free countries, must obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka[1].
When did the free Sri Lanka ETA start?
The free 30-day tourist ETA for nationals of 40 countries took effect on 25 May 2026[1].
How long is the free Sri Lanka ETA?
30 days from first arrival, with double entry. A second entry uses the balance of the same 30 days[1].
How much is the Sri Lanka ETA for other nationalities?
Online, US$20 for SAARC countries not on the free list and US$50 for all other countries. Children under 12 are free.
Can I extend a Sri Lanka ETA?
Yes. You can apply for an extension after arrival and pay the extension fee for your nationality[1].
I paid for an ETA before 25 May 2026. Can I get a refund?
No. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable[1].