The Sri Lankan government has temporarily suspended new rules for pre-application of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Tourists can now once again obtain an ETA upon arrival in the country. Find out what changes await travelers in 2025, who is eligible for a free ETA, and how the new rules will affect travel planning

Travel to Sri Lanka just got easier. The government has temporarily suspended new rules for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which were supposed to require pre-departure documents. Tourists can now apply for an ETA once they arrive in the country.

Read this article to learn about the key changes for travelers to Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka’s new ETA requirement temporarily lifted

It was previously planned that all international visitors would have to obtain an ETA before traveling from October 15, 2025. However, the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration has suspended this rule until further notice, making entry into the country easier in the run-up to the tourist season.

The government statement said that the announcement of October 13, 2025, which referred to the mandatory prior receipt of ETA, is canceled until further notice.

Services related to the issuance of ETA and visas continue to operate as usual. Travelers can still apply online or upon arrival, paying the standard fee.

How will the changes affect tourists?

This decision has become a significant relief for travelers, as now you do not need to obtain permission in advance. You can simply arrive in the country and obtain documents on the spot - as was the case before. This change will avoid confusion when planning trips and will speed up entry into Sri Lanka.

Rules of entry to Sri Lanka for visa-free travelers in 2025

Currently, the requirements for tourists remain as follows:

- ETA is required for all foreigners.

- Processing fee is $ 50.

- The permit is valid for 6 months, allows 2 entries and 30 days of stay (with the possibility of extension up to 90 days twice).

ETA Fee Waiver in Sri Lanka

In another update for foreign travelers visiting Sri Lanka, the country has announced a plan to waive the ETA fee for travelers from 33 other countries:

- Asia

Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain.

- Europe

Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom.

- Oceania

Australia, New Zealand.

- America

Canada, United States of America.

The plan has not yet been implemented, but it could come into effect within a month or two. Currently, representatives of these countries have to pay to enter Sri Lanka.

Which countries are eligible for a free ETA for Sri Lanka in 2025?

Currently, the free ETA is only available to citizens of 7 countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand.

The temporary lifting of the pre-registration ETA is good news for tourists planning to visit Sri Lanka. This move will help attract more visitors during the high season and simplify travel preparations.

Sri Lanka is once again opening its doors to the world - simply, conveniently and hospitable.

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Reminder! South Africa is moving to a digital border control format. Read all about the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system here: launch dates, implementation stages, application rules and key benefits for tourists and business travelers.

Photo – Freepik

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