Sri Lanka scraps visa fees for visitors from 40 countries – including the UK

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSri Lanka hopes to attract more tourists by waiving the fees (Getty/iStock)Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for visitors from the United Kingdom and 39 other countries, effective from 25 May. Visitors from these countries can now obtain a free electronic travel authorisation (ETA) allowing up to 30 days of travel. While the fee is waived, applicants must still apply for and secure an ETA to enter the country, and any fees paid before 25 May are non-refundable. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the government expects an annual loss of up to £50m from the waived fees but anticipates higher tourist numbers will offset this through economic gains. The tourism sector is seen as a key contributor to strengthening Sri Lanka's national economy, despite a recent drop in arrivals in March due to conflict in the Middle East. In fullSri Lanka waives visa fees for visitors from 40 countriesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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