Sri Lanka waives $50 fee for 30-day ETAs across 40 countries

What Sri Lanka’s ETA waiver covers

Sri Lanka’s parliament approved rules on May 7, 2026 that make 30-day Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) free for nationals of 40 countries. The waiver keeps the online application process in place through the official ETA portal and replaces the usual $50 fee for eligible short stays.

The approval expands a smaller pilot that had covered seven countries, including China, India, Japan and Russia. The new list also includes Australia, EU states, the U.S., GCC countries and parts of Southeast Asia.

Who benefits and what stays the same

Tourists and short-term business travelers from the covered countries get the biggest break. The ETA still has to be approved before arrival and it allows double entry within the 30-day window.

The waiver doesn’t change other entry rules. Passports still need at least 6 months of validity, travelers must show a return ticket and enough money for the trip and work remains off-limits on a tourist ETA. Visa-exempt nationals such as Singapore and the Maldives aren't affected. For longer stays or remote work, nomads still need a separate option such as Sri Lanka’s Digital Nomad Visa. See our visa updates page for related policy changes.

What travelers should do next

Sri Lanka hasn't confirmed a firm rollout date for the free ETAs yet, so applicants should check the official portal before booking. Once the waiver is live, eligible travelers will still need to apply online before travel and wait for approval.

Extensions beyond 30 days remain paid and overstays can trigger penalties. Travelers whose flights are canceled can still seek free extensions under the current rules.

Read our full Sri Lanka guide for the complete picture.