Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
Nepal sri lanka
KATHMANDU: Sri Lanka has introduced a new policy granting 30-day free tourist visas to citizens of Nepal and 40 other countries, in a major move aimed at boosting tourism and simplifying travel procedures.
According to a notice issued by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration, the new regulation came into effect on May 25, 2026, allowing eligible travelers to obtain a free visa while still requiring prior online authorization.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu clarified that although the visa fee has been waived, all travelers must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country.
Applicants are required to apply through the online ETA system and receive approval prior to travel. The embassy emphasized that entry into Sri Lanka will not be permitted without valid authorization.
Under the new arrangement, eligible tourists will be allowed to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days, starting from the date of first entry.
The policy also permits two entries within the 30-day validity period, offering greater flexibility for short-term travel and regional tourism connectivity.
The free ETA facility applies to holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and official passports, making it widely accessible across different categories of Nepali travelers.
For those wishing to stay beyond the 30-day period, Sri Lanka has stated that visitors may extend their stay by paying the applicable visa extension fees under existing regulations.
The embassy has also clarified that applicants who have already paid ETA fees before May 25, 2026, will not be eligible for refunds, even after the implementation of the new free visa policy.
In addition to Nepal, countries including India, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Malaysia, and several others have been included in the list of 40 nations eligible for the free visa scheme.
Sri Lanka has also maintained a separate arrangement for Maldivian citizens, who will continue to receive a 90-day free tourist visa under a reciprocal agreement.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu stated that travelers can also obtain assistance through embassy channels in addition to the online ETA system, ensuring accessibility for applicants who may face difficulties with digital procedures.
The decision is expected to significantly boost tourism flows to Sri Lanka, particularly from South Asia, while enhancing regional travel connectivity. For Nepali travelers, the removal of visa fees is likely to reduce travel costs and encourage increased outbound tourism to the island nation.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
