If traveling to Sri Lanka has been on your bucket list (and there are plenty of reasons why it should be), it just became easier. The Sri Lankan government has eliminated fees on tourist visas for nationals of 40 countries, including the U.S.
Here are all the details, plus a look at how to reach this small country full of beauty and culture.
Register for Sri Lankan Tourist Visa Without a Fee
As of this week, tourists from 40 nations worldwide, including the U.S., will no longer have to pay a fee to obtain a 30-day tourist visa, also known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), for Sri Lanka.
This reverses an earlier move from the 2010s that instituted fees (about $50) on tourists from many nations. While the fee has been removed, you still need to apply for an electronic visa to visit Sri Lanka as a tourist. You can apply for your Sri Lankan ETA on this page, but note that if you’ve already secured and paid for an ETA before May 25, 2026, your fee is non-refundable.
How To Get to Sri Lanka (and What To Do While You’re There)
Sri Lanka is an island nation found in the Indian Ocean just off the southeast coast of India. While it doesn’t have any nonstop flights to the U.S., the country’s main international gateway, the capital city of Colombo (CMB), is well-served by major global airlines. Those include Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more.
This means there are plenty of ways to use your points and miles to reach the country. And, depending on where you’re based in the U.S., you could do so with just 1 stop each way.
Once you arrive, you’ll see it’s a country with stunning natural beauty, rich culture, delicious food, and plenty to see and do.
Sri Lanka is an island, so heading to the beach is of utmost importance. The South Coast is the more popular area for beachgoers, but many visitors also enjoy the East Coast. While you’re there, you don’t want to miss taking the train from Kandy to Ella, which takes you on a slow, beautiful journey through the mountains and tea hills. It’s often rated one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
Final Thoughts
While a $50 fee wouldn’t break the bank for a U.S. resident already planning a trip across the world, it’s nice to see it removed altogether. We’re big fans of any move that reduces the barriers to travel.
While you still need to apply for an online visa to enter the country as a tourist, it’s now free to obtain one.