Planning a trip to Sri Lanka from the UK or Europe? There is good news for travelers in 2026.
Since 25 May 2026, citizens of the United Kingdom and a number of European countries can obtain a Sri Lankan tourist ETA free of charge for up to 30 days.
The change makes planning a holiday to Sri Lanka a little simpler and removes the usual ETA fee for eligible travelers.
However, there is one important detail to remember:
The ETA is free, but it is still required before you travel to Sri Lanka.
Here is what UK and European travelers need to know about the new Sri Lanka tourist visa rules in 2026.
Is Sri Lanka visa free for UK and European travelers?
Not exactly.
Sri Lanka has introduced a free tourist ETA for nationals of 40 countries, including the United Kingdom and several European countries.
Eligible travelers can receive a tourist ETA for 30 days without paying the ETA fee. However, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration states that travelers from these countries must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka.
So, You still need to complete the application before your trip.
Which UK and European countries are eligible?
The free 30-day tourist ETA currently applies to nationals of several major European travel markets.
These include:
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇧🇪 Belgium
- 🇦🇹 Austria
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇳🇴 Norway
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🇫🇮 Finland
- 🇵🇱 Poland
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
- 🇧🇾 Belarus
- 🇷🇺 Russia
- 🇹🇷 Turkey
The wider 40-country scheme also includes countries outside Europe, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States and others.
Travelers should check the official ETA website before applying because immigration rules and eligibility can change.
How much does a Sri Lanka tourist visa cost in 2026?
For eligible 40 nationals under the new scheme (from 25.05.2026), the 30-day tourist ETA is free of charge.
This applies to eligible travelers arriving with diplomatic, official, service or ordinary passports.
That means a British traveler, for example, does not have to pay the usual ETA fee for the qualifying 30-day tourist visit.
The same applies to eligible travelers from countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and other countries included in the scheme.
How to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA
Applying for the ETA is an online process.
1. Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website
Travelers should use the official website operated by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration:
Sri Lanka ETA: https://eta.gov.lk
The Department of Immigration specifically directs travelers to the official ETA website for applications.
2. Select the tourist ETA
Choose the appropriate tourist option and provide your passport and travel information.
Make sure the information you enter matches your passport.
3. Submit the application
Submit your ETA application online.
For eligible nationalities, the tourist ETA fee should be processed as free of charge under the current scheme.
4. Keep your ETA details
Once approved, keep your ETA information available when travelling.
It is a good idea to save a digital copy of the approval on your phone and keep a copy of your travel documents with you.
Do I need to apply before flying to Sri Lanka?
Yes
This is one of the most important parts of the new policy.
Even though the ETA is free for eligible travelers, Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities state that nationals of the 40 eligible countries must still obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Therefore, don’t wait until you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport to deal with your travel authorization unless you have specifically checked the latest official arrangements.
For most travelers, applying online before departure is the straightforward option.
How long can UK and European travelers stay in Sri Lanka?
The free tourist ETA is valid for 30 days.
There is also a double entry facility during the 30-day validity period.
If you leave Sri Lanka and return during that period, the second entry does not give you another 30 days. Only the remaining period from the original 30-day validity applies.
For example, if you spend 15 days in Sri Lanka, leave the country and return while the ETA is still valid, you would not receive another 30 days. The remaining validity would apply.
Can I stay in Sri Lanka for longer than 30 days?
Yes
Travelers who want to stay beyond the initial 30-day period can apply for a visa extension, subject to the applicable immigration requirements and fees.
If you are planning a longer backpacking trip or an extended stay around Sri Lanka, make sure you arrange the extension before your permitted stay expires.
What documents do I need to enter Sri Lanka?
Having an approved ETA is not the only entry requirement.
Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities state that travelers should meet the general visa requirements, including having:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- A return or onward ticket
- The appropriate travel authorization for your visit
Airlines may also check your travel documentation before you board your flight.
Can I work in Sri Lanka with a tourist ETA?
No
A tourist visa is intended for activities such as tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives and other permitted short-term activities.
Sri Lanka’s immigration rules state that visitors should not undertake employment, paid or unpaid work, or trade/business activities outside the conditions of their visa.
If you are planning to work remotely, volunteer, run a business or undertake another activity that may fall outside normal tourism, check the appropriate visa requirements before travelling.
What does the new Sri Lanka visa change mean for European tourists?
For travelers from the UK and eligible European countries, the biggest change is straightforward:
The cost of the 30 day tourist ETA has been removed.
That makes Sri Lanka slightly easier and cheaper to plan as a holiday destination.
And 30 days gives travelers plenty of time to experience different parts of the island rather than limiting a trip to a single region.
You could combine the beaches of the south coast with the cultural sites of the Cultural Triangle, travel through the central highlands, explore Ella and the surrounding mountains, go on safari, and finish your trip along the coast.
Planning a Sri Lanka trip from Europe?
Sri Lanka is a relatively compact island, but there is a surprising amount to see.
A two-week holiday could focus on a few regions, while a three- or four-week trip gives you considerably more flexibility.
Popular destinations for first-time visitors include:
Colombo — Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and a common starting point for international visitors.
Sigiriya — Famous for the ancient rock fortress and surrounding cultural attractions.
Kandy — A historic city in the central hills and an important cultural destination.
Ella — A mountain town known for hiking, tea country and scenic railway journeys.
Yala and other national parks — Popular for wildlife experiences and safaris.
Galle — Home to the historic Galle Fort and a popular stop on the southern coast.
Mirissa, Weligama and the south coast — Popular areas for beaches, surfing, whale watching and relaxed coastal travel.
With a 30-day tourist ETA, travelers have the option of combining several of these destinations rather than rushing through the island.
Sri Lanka visa FAQ for UK and European travelers
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka in 2026?
Yes. UK citizens still need to obtain a Sri Lankan ETA before travelling. The tourist ETA is currently free of charge for the eligible 30-day stay.
Is Sri Lanka visa-free for British citizens?
Sri Lanka is not completely visa-free for British citizens. A tourist ETA is still required, but eligible UK travelers can obtain the 30-day tourist ETA free of charge under the current scheme.
Do German citizens need an ETA for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Germany is included in the 40-country free-ETA scheme, but German travelers still need to obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Do French citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
French citizens are included in the free tourist ETA scheme. They still need to obtain the ETA before travelling, but the qualifying 30-day tourist ETA is free of charge.
Do Italian citizens need an ETA for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Italy is included in the free-ETA scheme. Eligible Italian tourists can obtain a free 30-day tourist ETA but must still obtain the ETA before arrival.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Spanish citizens are included in Sri Lanka’s 40-country free-ETA scheme. A tourist ETA is still required before travelling, but the qualifying 30-day ETA is free.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for Dutch citizens?
Yes. The Netherlands is included in the current free-ETA scheme. Dutch travelers still need to apply for an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for Swiss citizens?
Yes. Switzerland is included among the countries eligible for the free 30-day tourist ETA.
Can I extend my 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa?
Yes. Travelers who want to stay longer can apply for an extension and pay the applicable visa extension fee.
Where should I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?
Use the official Sri Lankan ETA website: https://eta.gov.lk
Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration advises travelers to use the official ETA system and to be careful when making payments through third parties.
(Visa and immigration requirements can change. This article is intended as a travel information guide. Travelers should check the latest official requirements before departure.)
