In July 2025, Sri Lanka made a significant announcement regarding its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa fee policy, exciting many travelers. The country revealed plans to extend its Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver to 33 more countries, making it easier and cheaper for travelers from these regions to visit Sri Lanka. However, confusion has arisen as the change has not yet taken effect. Here’s everything you need to know about the situation, the expected changes, and how you should proceed with your travel plans.
Current Status of the Sri Lanka ETA Visa Fee Waiver
As of now, the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver applies only to travelers from seven countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand. Citizens of these countries can visit Sri Lanka without having to pay the usual ETA fee of USD 50. Travelers from other nations, including popular destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, still need to apply for a paid ETA.
The current Sri Lanka ETA visa allows two entries and is valid for six months. The initial stay is 30 days, with the possibility of extending the visa for up to 90 days either online or at an immigration office. However, travelers from countries outside the seven exempted ones must continue to pay the standard fee and follow the application process via the official website, eta.gov.lk.
The 2025 Announcement: Expanding the ETA Visa Fee Waiver
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vijitha Herath, announced in July 2025 that the country’s Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver would soon be expanded to 40 countries, including some major global players. Countries from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia would benefit from this expansion, which is expected to make travel to Sri Lanka much easier and more affordable for citizens of those regions. Notably, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and several Middle Eastern countries are among those expected to be included in the new list.
This proposed change has generated a lot of excitement among travelers from these regions, who would enjoy the financial benefits of a fee-free ETA. However, it’s important to note that the waiver is still in the planning stages. No official decree has been issued, and the Sri Lankan government has not updated its immigration website with the changes. Therefore, travelers must still follow the current process and pay the necessary fee until the new policy is formally implemented.
Why the ETA Visa Fee Waiver Matters for Sri Lanka’s Tourism
Tourism is a vital part of Sri Lanka’s economy. In 2024, the country welcomed over 2 million foreign visitors, and officials are targeting 3 million in 2025. With global competition for tourism dollars increasing, making it easier for international visitors to access Sri Lanka can provide a significant boost to the country’s economy.
Removing the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee for citizens of 40 countries could result in a notable increase in tourism. Even a small reduction in travel expenses can significantly impact a potential tourist’s decision. With Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, eliminating the visa fee could make the destination even more attractive.
That being said, the government may face some challenges. It’s estimated that Sri Lanka could lose around $66 million annually in visa fees if the expansion is fully implemented. However, officials believe the long-term economic benefits, such as increased hotel bookings, dining, transportation, and local shopping, will more than offset the loss in revenue.
Traveler Confusion: Announcements vs. Implementation
It’s crucial to understand that while announcements are exciting, official changes often take time. This is not the first time that confusion has arisen around the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver. A similar announcement was made in 2024, and many travelers mistakenly believed the change had already taken effect. As a result, some travelers have been left wondering if they can benefit from the waiver.
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it’s essential to stay updated through official government channels, particularly the ETA website (eta.gov.lk). Until the government publishes a formal decree, the rules remain the same: travelers from countries other than the seven exempted ones will still need to pay the usual fee.
Countries That Could Soon Benefit from the ETA Visa Fee Waiver
If the proposed expansion of the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver goes into effect, it would include citizens from the following countries:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- Germany
- Iran
- Israel
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
This expansion would significantly impact the tourism landscape, especially in countries with a high volume of travelers, like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. These nations represent substantial sources of international visitors, and the elimination of visa fees could encourage more people to explore Sri Lanka.
What Travelers Need to Do Now
Until the formal changes are implemented, here’s what travelers should do:
- Apply for Your Sri Lanka ETA visa: If you are not a citizen of one of the seven exempted countries, apply for your ETA through the official website (eta.gov.lk). Pay the $50 fee as required.
- Check Validity: Your ETA will be valid for six months, allowing two entries and an initial 30-day stay in Sri Lanka. Make sure your travel dates align with the ETA’s validity.
- Plan for Extensions: If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, ensure you apply for an extension. You can extend your ETA for an additional 90 days, either online or at immigration offices.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official ETA website for any updates regarding the visa fee waiver. Be cautious of rumors or misleading reports on social media.
A Promising Future for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
The expansion of the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver holds the potential to significantly boost the country’s tourism sector. Sri Lanka is already a popular destination due to its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and history, and removing visa costs for citizens of 40 countries could attract more tourists and help rejuvenate the economy.
However, travelers should not assume that the new policy is in effect until it is officially confirmed. Until then, the current visa process remains in place. It’s always wise to verify travel requirements with the official government portal and avoid relying on unofficial sources.
Final Thoughts on Sri Lanka ETA Visa Fee Waiver
While the potential expansion of the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee waiver is exciting, it’s important to remember that announcements do not always mean immediate changes. As of now, travelers from countries other than the seven exempted ones must still pay the ETA fee. Keep an eye on official government channels for updates, and continue with the current visa process until the change is confirmed.
The proposed reforms could revolutionize the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, making it more accessible to a larger number of travelers and boosting the country’s economy. However, until official confirmation is given, ensure you stay informed and follow the current process when planning your visit.
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