Sri Lanka is changing its rules on Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for foreign arrivals. From 15 October 2025, all foreign visitors will be required to obtain their ETA online prior to arrival in the South Asian island republic.
The new measure represents a shift away from the previous Sri Lankan policy that allowed some visitors to obtain their travel authorization on arrival. The change will apply, according to embassy sources, to all foreign citizens, even those hailing from the seven nations (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand) that are exempt from ETA fees. The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka & Mission to the EU told Travel Tomorrow that their fee exemption is still active, as is a fee waiver under reciprocal/bilateral agreements for passport holders of the Seychelles, Maldives, and Singapore.
Sri Lanka announced in July 2025 that it would be extending that ETA fee waiver to a further 33 countries in what industry figures such as Amrit Rajaratnam, Managing Director of hospitality company Island Life, called “a strong step forward in making Sri Lanka more accessible and competitive as a destination.” Rajaratnam hoped at the time that the move would “generate a meaningful boost in arrivals. Globally, the current trend in tourism-driven countries is to adapt the visa-free format.”
New Update on issuance of Visa
— SRI LANKA DHC (@SLDHCinChennai) October 14, 2025
Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from 15 October 2025#DiplomacyLk pic.twitter.com/2XeX9zlU8B
At the time of writing, countries on that fee waiver waiting list still need to await parliamentary approval for their exemption, according to the Sri Lankan Ambassador Chandana Weerasena, speaking to Travel Tomorrow. Until that green light, they will still have to obtain the ETA and pay the $50 fee, doing so, according to the latest news, prior to arrival.
Nonetheless, at a business and tourism promotion event at Brussels Press Club, Weeraseena told Travel Tomorrow that visitors who arrive without a prepaid and pre-approved ETA will usually still be able to obtain one after arrival. Emphasising how quick and easy the pre-approval process is, Weeraseena said the new rules are designed to give visitors certainty and remove administrative hassle from their holiday. “Some tourists really want to get everything in hand and go,” he said. “It’s just about five minutes to get the approval, so then you have a print-out.”
Once obtained, the ETA is valid for six months from the date of issue, with stays of up to 30 days authorised within that period (extensions can be obtained via local authorities). In the words of Malik J. Fernando, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, speaking this summer: “For most visitors, what truly matters is an efficient online visa process.”
However, the ongoing lack of clarity over which countries will benefit from a fee waiver could be argued to introduce a degree of uncertainty that Sri Lankan travel and tourism stakeholders may not welcome. They are being encouraged to ensure the new rules are clearly and promptly communicated to visitors.
Sri Lankan authorities, meanwhile, insist the new ETA process will simplify and strengthen border security and make tourists’ lives easier by aligning with best practices from around the world. The country is aiming for three million visitors and $5 billion in tourism revenue for 2025, and has so far reached in excess of 1.7 million visitors.
