Many websites have been published articles stating that the visa requirement for Sri Lanka has been eliminated, but this information is not correct. European travellers must still apply for a visa for Sri Lanka (ETA). The Sri Lankan authorities are considering the possibility to make the ETA available for free to travellers of certain nationalities. However, this has not been officially confirmed yet.
The visa requirement is still in force
In recent weeks, many articles have been published on the internet stating that the visa requirement for Sri Lanka had been eliminated for European citizens. This is not correct. The Sri Lankan government is actually considering the possibility to make the ETA available for free to certain travellers. However, they must still submit an application to comply with the visa requirement. The visa requirement for Sri Lanka is, therefore, still in force.
The Sri Lankan authorities haven't confirmed either that the ETA will be granted for free. The Sri Lankan Immigration service annouced at the end of July a plan to grant the ETA free of charge to certain travellers, but up to the present date, this is still an announcement without an official starting date. Before this measure actually comes into force, it must first be approved by the public prosecutor. In recent years, announcements by the Sri Lankan government have been reversed later on. Whether the ETA will actually be available free of charge remains to be seen.
Eligible countries for the free ETA
Since September 2024, travellers from a series of countries, like China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand, can already apply for a gratis Sri Lanka ETA. The Sri Lankan government has announced that 33 new countries, among which many European, could be eligible for a free ETA in the near future. This would bring to 40 the total number of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA free of charge.
Boost for tourism
If the ETA becomes available free of charge, the Sri Lankan government would have a significant loss of revenue. The immigration services charge 50 USD in consular fees for reviewing and processing ETA applications. This loss of revenue would be compensated with the income generated by international tourists. By offering the ETA free of charge, the Sri Lankan authorities hope make it easier for tourist to visit the country. Attracting more international tourists would boost the country's tourism sector and this would also benefit the country's economy.
Visa still required
For the time being, travellers must still apply for the Sri Lanka visa, unless they have a passport issued by China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia or Thailand. This can be done easily online using the digital application form on this website. Fill in your contact and passport details, as well as some information about your trip. You can use only one form to apply for a Sri Lanka visa for several travellers at the same time. After completing it, you will receive your visa by email within 4 days on average. The visa is digitally linked to your passport, thus it is not necessary to print it.