Sri Lanka waives visa fees for tourists from more than 40 countries

By Dianne Apen-Sadler Published on 26/05/2026 - 11:29 GMT+2 Share Comments Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp

As of 25 May, you won’t pay a cent to enjoy up to 30 days in the country.

From wildlife-filled national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to dreamy beaches and walking trails, Sri Lanka has plenty to offer tourists whether you’re someone who likes to fly-and-flop or jam-pack your itinerary.

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Your next trip to the pearl of the Indian Ocean is about to get cheaper, too, as Sri Lanka has just waived visa fees for tourists from 40 countries.

In Europe, citizens from Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK will be able to obtain a visa free of charge. The visa will be valid for 30 days.

The list also includes tourists from China, Indonesia, Thailand and the US, among others. Visa fees have already previously been waived for those from countries including the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore.

It should be noted that while you won’t have to pay for your Electronic Travel Authorization, you still need to apply for it online before arrival.

The new rules came into effect on 25 May, and unfortunately those who applied prior to this date will not be able to claim a refund.

What to do in Sri Lanka

For history lovers, Sri Lanka boasts plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, and the Old Town of Galle.

If it’s beautiful landscapes you’re after, consider walking the Pekoe Trail, a 300km route launched in 2023 that takes in the central highlands passing by tea plantations and cultural sights along the way.

Sri Lanka has plenty to offer wildlife lovers, too, with elephants in Udawalawe National Park and leopards in Yala National Park. Time your trip right and you’ll also be able to go whale watching off the coast.

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