Is Sri Lanka waiving visa fees for visitors?

Sri Lanka’s visa-fee waiver for some travelers

Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for visitors from the United Kingdom and dozens of other countries. The change is aimed at making entry easier for short-term travelers and comes through a free electronic travel authorization process.

Who benefits

The waiver applies to nationals of 40 countries, meaning eligible travelers can obtain a free electronic travel authorization rather than paying visa fees.

What travelers should do next

If you’re planning a trip, check whether your passport country is among the 40 eligible nationalities and confirm the exact steps required for the electronic authorization before you book nonrefundable flights or accommodation. Because entry processes can involve online form filling and verification, it’s worth completing the authorization as soon as the window opens for your travel dates.

Why it matters

For budget-focused travelers, the fee waiver reduces a common “last-mile” cost that can affect overall trip planning. For others, the electronic format can simplify logistics compared with more complex or in-person visa applications.

Before departure, keep screenshots or confirmation documents for the electronic authorization and verify whether any additional requirements (like proof of onward travel or passport validity rules) still apply for your nationality.