Sri Lanka has officially opened an initiative for tourists to visit the country under its wide and new policy of free tourist visa for visitors from 40 countries for free for 30 days, including citizens from all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. From May 25, 2026, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain will be included as eligible countries for UAE’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation, the service now allows visa-free travelers to book their trips to the island nation.
The relocation is expected to sharply increase the amount of traffic to the country, particularly from the Gulf, in the lead-up to the summer holiday season. Even though the visa is free, Sri Lankan officials have confirmed that travellers will need to apply for their visa online prior to their flights anyway.
Who Qualifies for Sri Lanka’s Free Visa Scheme?
The new visa exemptions policy will be in effect for GCC passports issued to GCC nationals, who have been issued with an ordinary, diplomatic, and service passport. Also, many foreigners residing in the countries of the Gulf coast enjoy a free ETA system according to their country of origin.
The passport owners of India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the U.S.A. and most European countries of the European Union are qualified for Sri Lanka’s free visa scheme. Authorities hope the streamlined process will draw in a lot of short-term tourists from the Gulf region during holidays such as Eid.
Important Documents You Must Prepare
Travelers should make sure their documents are digital and on hand before beginning the online ETA application. The primary requirement of the Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended entry into Sri Lanka.
Applicants should also have confirmed return and/or onward journey tickets showing that they are leaving the country within their allowed time in the country. Alternatively, there may be a request for a booking or an invitation letter from locals during immigration.
Passengers are also encouraged to fill out the digital arrival card of Sri Lanka before leaving the country for their seamless entry into Sri Lanka once they arrive at the airport.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Free ETA
However, the application process begins from the official website of Sri Lankan immigration and travellers should bear in mind that there are travel websites in the market that charge service fees for the free visa application process.
After enrolling users need to click on the “Apply” button and read, sign and accept the conditions and terms of immigration. Instead of the other types of tourist ETA, the applicant should select the “individual” category.
It is important that travelers fill out their details on the trip exactly according to the information in their passport, such as nationality, passport number, occupation and expected arrival. Once the nationalities become eligible, the payment section is automatically skipped and it will show a processing fee of $0.00.
Applicants will be notified of their application by email and receive ETA approval emails after submitting the application.
30-Day Double-Entry Rule
Sri Lanka’s new tourist visa policy has one key benefit: the fact that visas are double-entry. People traveling to Sri Lanka from other countries may enter the country twice within the validity period without the requirement for a second visa.
This is especially useful for gulf tourists that are traveling on a multi-country holiday in the South Asian and the Maldives region. The second entry is still accepted for 30 days, though.
Those who intend to stay longer need to apply for extension of stay separately with the Sri Lankan immigration authorities.
Why the GCC Market Matters to Sri Lanka?
Furthermore, Sri Lanka has been aggressively focussing on the GCC region as they have been spending aggressively on outbound tourism and planning to visit tropical destinations for short holidays.
The island country has become a popular destination for luxury holidays, sun-seekers, relaxation, and family vacation due to the ease of flying direct from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, and Kuwait City.
The free visa policy is expected to further enhance the tourism relationship of Sri Lanka and the countries in the Gulf region during 2026.
FAQs
Does Sri Lanka have a tourist visa that is fully “free” for the citizens of the GCC?
Indeed, GCC nationals are now eligible for a 30-day tourist ETA without any cost via the official online system.
When should travellers look for some travel websites?
Although the visa fee has been cancelled, the online ETA application still requires.
Which website is used for an application that a traveller must make?
You must apply through the Government Portal to prevent being misled by unaffiliated Third Party websites.
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