KARACHI: Sri Lanka has announced a free tourist visa facility through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for nationals of 40 countries, effective from May 25. The initiative includes citizens of Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. According to Sri Lanka’s official ETA website, the facility applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports, aiming to promote tourism and strengthen international travel ties.
Under the new policy, all eligible foreign nationals from the 40 approved countries, along with citizens of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore — which maintain bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka — are required to obtain an ETA prior to arrival. The move is expected to boost tourist arrivals and enhance Sri Lanka’s position as a key regional travel destination.
