The short answer
- Free tourist visa
- 40 countries, since 25 May 2026
- Still needed
- An ETA, applied for online
- Length of stay
- 30 days, double entry
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
What's changed recentlyShow
- 25 May 2026Tourist ETAs became free for citizens of 40 countries, including Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the UK, the US and 12 EU countries. The ETA itself is still required.
- 25 May 2026Citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore, previously exempt, now also need a (free) ETA.
Sri Lanka changed its visa rules in 2026. Visitors from 40 countries no longer pay for a tourist visa, but everyone still needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding. Apply only on the official government website to avoid agents who charge fees for something that may now be free.
Who gets the free visa
- Included: Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway, Switzerland and 12 EU countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden) are among the 40 on the official list. Other EU countries are not included.
- What you get: A free 30 day tourist visa with double entry. Re-entering uses the remaining days of the 30.
- Longer stays: Extensions are possible, for a fee, at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
- Other nationalities: Apply for an ETA the same way and pay the standard fee. Check the official site for your country.
Tip: Apply on eta.gov.lk, the official site. Several look alike sites charge large fees for the same ETA.
Money
- The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee. ATMs are common in towns; carry cash for tuk tuks, small shops and temple donations.
- Cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, sometimes with a surcharge.
- Tipping: about 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added, and about US$5 to 10 a day for your driver.
Culture and etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples, take off shoes and hats, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
- Buddha images on clothing or tattoos can cause offence and have led to visitors being refused entry.
- Full moon days (Poya) are public holidays: alcohol is not sold, and temples and Sigiriya are busy.
Your pre-trip checklist
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Frequently asked questions
Do Australians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Australians get a free 30 day tourist visa since 25 May 2026, but must still apply for an ETA online before travelling.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free?
For citizens of the 40 countries on the list, yes, since 25 May 2026. Others pay the standard fee.
Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
Generally yes. Take normal care with valuables, use registered tuk tuks or apps, and follow beach flags, as currents can be strong.
Sources we checked
Sri Lanka month by month
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