Sri Lanka Plans Free ETA for 40 Countries as Tourist Arrivals Drop in 2026

Sri Lanka is moving quickly to introduce free visas for travellers from 40 countries, hoping to revive demand after a recent drop in visitor numbers.

The proposal, first discussed in 2024, is now expected to move faster. Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said the free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) plan will be submitted to the Cabinet and could receive parliamentary approval as early as April.

The timing is not accidental. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have disrupted flight routes between Europe and Asia, pushing up travel costs and causing cancellations. These changes have directly affected Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

Tourist Arrivals Decline

Recent figures show the impact clearly. Between March 1 and March 25, Sri Lanka recorded 151,693 tourist arrivals, a 22% drop compared to the same period in 2025. Daily arrivals averaged 6,068 visitors, down from 7,407 last year.

Even the strongest day during this period, March 14, saw only 7,318 visitors, below normal performance levels.

Officials say the decline is largely linked to reduced flight connectivity and rising ticket prices, especially on routes connecting Europe and Asia.

Tourism Still Growing Overall in 2026

Despite the recent slowdown, Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery remains on track overall.

During the first three months of 2026, the country welcomed 708,348 visitors, reflecting a 4.45% increase compared to last year. A strong start in January and early February helped maintain positive growth before travel disruptions intensified.

India continues to lead as Sri Lanka’s biggest source market, accounting for 26% of arrivals during March.

Other major markets include:

• United Kingdom
• Russia
• China
• Germany

Travellers from long-haul destinations such as the United States and France also helped support tourism demand.

Free ETA Visa to Cover 40 Countries

Sri Lanka already offers free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to citizens of seven countries:

1. China
2. India
3. Indonesia
4. Japan
5. Malaysia
6. Russia
7. Thailand

The government now plans to extend the free visa facility to 33 additional countries, including:

8. Australia,
9. Austria
10. Bahrain
11. Belarus
12. Belgium
13. Canada
14. Czech Republic
15. Denmark
16. Finland
17. France
18. Germany
19. Iran
20. Israel
21. Italy
22. Kazakhstan
23. Kuwait
24. Nepal
25. Netherlands
26. New Zealand
27. Norway
28. Oman
29. Pakistan
30. Poland
31. Qatar
32. Saudi Arabia
33. South Korea
34. Spain
35. Sweden
36. Switzerland
37. Turkey
38. United Arab Emirates
39. United Kingdom
40. United States

Removing ETA (Visa) fees is a common strategy used by destinations trying to boost arrivals quickly. Lower travel costs often encourage travellers to finalise plans sooner.

Can Free Visas Offset Travel Uncertainty?

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been steadily recovering after the pandemic, but global tensions have created fresh uncertainty.

Flight route changes, higher fares, and geopolitical risks continue to influence travel decisions. By expanding visa-free entry, Sri Lanka hopes to remain competitive and attract travellers looking for affordable international trips.

The success of the policy will depend on how quickly global flight networks stabilise and whether travellers feel confident booking long-haul trips again.

For now, the message from Colombo is clear. Sri Lanka wants to make travel easier, cheaper, and more accessible at a time when global travel remains unpredictable.