Sri Lanka ETA Visa: Fee Waiver for 33 Nations Delayed

Sri Lanka’s government has announced plans to expand its visa fee waiver program to include 40 countries in total, adding 33 new nations to the list. However, officials confirmed that the measure has not yet taken effect, meaning travelers from these countries must still pay the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee to enter.

Expansion Plan to Boost Tourism

The proposal, unveiled on July 25 by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, is part of Colombo’s strategy to revive its tourism industry, which has faced setbacks from recent economic and political crises. Authorities hope the initiative will help attract 3 million tourists and generate $5 billion in revenue this year.

The 40 eligible countries include key tourism markets such as India, China, Russia, Thailand, and Middle Eastern nations, with visitors expected to benefit from free 30-day visas on arrival once the scheme is in place.

Not Yet in Force

Despite the announcement, the free-visa policy remains pending. The change requires clearance from the Attorney General’s Department and approval by Parliament before implementation. Until then, the standard ETA application and fee remain mandatory for all travelers from the newly listed countries.

Background and Context

Sri Lanka initially trialed a visa-free entry program in October 2024 for 35 countries, but delays in parliamentary approval stalled its rollout. The government has since restructured the plan, widening it to 40 nations to capture a broader share of global tourists.

Industry observers say the waiver could make Sri Lanka more competitive compared to regional destinations like Thailand and the Maldives, which have already simplified entry rules for foreign visitors.

Looking Ahead

While the visa fee waiver is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, stakeholders remain cautious until the program is formally approved and implemented.

For now, travelers are advised to continue applying for the ETA and paying applicable fees until the government confirms the official start date of the waiver.