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Sri Lanka to Offer Free ETA to 40 Countries in Response to Declining Tourist Arrivals in 2026

April 2, 2026 6:06 am

Sri Lanka to Offer Free ETA to 40 Countries in Response to Declining Tourist Arrivals in 2026

Tourism trends can shift quickly, especially when global travel conditions become uncertain and unpredictable. Sri Lanka is responding with a bold plan to attract more international visitors. Authorities are preparing to introduce free visa access to boost demand and support recovery. As a result, travelers may soon benefit from lower entry costs and easier access.

Sri Lanka Plans Free ETA for 40 Countries

Sri Lanka is preparing to offer free Electronic Travel Authorization to travelers from forty countries. The proposal is expected to move forward quickly following recent government-level discussions. Vijitha Herath confirmed that the plan will be submitted for approval soon. If approved, implementation could begin as early as April 2026. This initiative aims to revive demand for tourism following a noticeable drop in arrivals.

Tourist Arrivals Show Recent Decline

Recent data highlights a significant drop in visitor numbers across Sri Lanka. Between March 1 and March 25, the country recorded just over 151,000 arrivals. This represents a decline of approximately twenty-two percent compared to the same period last year. Daily visitor averages also dropped significantly during this time.

Officials attribute the decline mainly to disruptions in global flight routes and rising travel costs.

Tourism Growth Still Positive in 2026

Despite the recent slowdown, overall tourism performance in Sri Lanka remains positive. During the first quarter of 2026, total arrivals exceeded 700,000 visitors. This reflects moderate growth compared to the same period in the previous year. Strong performance earlier in the year helped offset recent declines.

India continues to be the largest source of visitors, contributing a significant share. Other key markets include the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Germany.

Expansion of Free ETA Visa Program

Currently, Sri Lanka offers free ETA visas to travelers from seven countries. These include China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand. The government now plans to expand this list to thirty-three additional countries worldwide. These include major markets such as the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

By removing visa fees, authorities hope to encourage more travelers to finalize their plans.

Can Free Visas Boost Tourism Recovery

Offering free visas is a common strategy used by destinations to increase visitor numbers quickly. Lower travel costs often make destinations more attractive to international tourists. However, global challenges such as flight disruptions and rising airfares still influence travel decisions. These factors may limit the immediate impact of the policy.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka aims to remain competitive by reducing barriers to entry for travelers.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to revive its tourism sector during uncertain global conditions. Expanding free visa access demonstrates a strong commitment to attracting international visitors. While challenges remain, this move could help restore travel demand and strengthen the country’s tourism recovery.