Sri Lanka Announces Free Tourist Visas for Australians & New Zealanders – What You Need to Know (2026 Update)

Sri Lanka has just become even better value for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

In a significant move designed to boost international tourism, the Sri Lankan Government has announced that travellers from 40 selected countries – including Australia and New Zealand – are now eligible for a free tourist visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation – ETA) for stays of up to 30 days.

For travellers considering Sri Lanka in 2026 and beyond, this is excellent news and further strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as one of the best value mid-haul destinations for Australians seeking culture, wildlife, beaches, luxury experiences and unforgettable scenery.

At Sri Lanka & Beyond, we specialise in small group journeys and private chauffeur-guided tours throughout Sri Lanka. As destination specialists, we closely monitor all operational and entry requirement updates to ensure our guests have the latest information before they travel.

Sri Lanka Free Visa Scheme – Key Details

As of 25 May 2026, Australian and New Zealand passport holders qualify for Sri Lanka’s new free tourist visa initiative.

The Details

• Effective date: 25 May 2026
• Visa type: Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
• Cost: Free of charge
• Validity: 30 days
• Eligible countries: 40 selected countries including Australia and New Zealand
• Extensions: Possible locally upon payment of the applicable visa extension fee

While the visa fee has been waived, travellers are still required to complete the ETA application process prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

Do Australians Still Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes – Australian and New Zealand passport holders are still required to obtain a visa (ETA) prior to travelling to Sri Lanka.

However, under the new arrangement, the visa fee itself is currently waived.

This means travellers must still complete the online application and receive approval before departure, but there is currently no government visa charge for eligible travellers.

For information on Sri Lanka visa requirements for Australian and New Zealand travellers be sure to visit the official website here: Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

Sri Lanka Is Now Even Better Value

Sri Lanka was already considered one of the best value destinations for Australian and New Zealand travellers — and the new visa waiver makes it even more attractive.

Previously, Australian and New Zealand travellers paid approximately USD $50 per person for a Sri Lanka tourist visa. Under the new initiative, that fee is currently waived, representing a saving of approximately AUD $140 per couple, or several hundred dollars for families travelling together.

Combined with excellent value accommodation, affordable private touring, boutique hotels, wildlife safaris and favourable exchange rates, Sri Lanka continues to offer exceptional value compared with many other international destinations.

For couples, families and small groups alike, Sri Lanka delivers an extraordinary variety of experiences — often at a fraction of the cost of comparable destinations.

This latest visa initiative is another positive step in making Sri Lanka more accessible and affordable for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA

The easiest and recommended option is to apply online before departure via the official Sri Lankan Government website.

IMPORTANT: Be cautious of third-party visa websites charging unnecessary fees.

Official Sri Lankan ETA website: Sri Lanka ETA Official Website

Before You Apply

We recommend having the following ready:

• Passport details
• Travel dates
• Accommodation details
• Return or onward flight information

Processing is typically very fast, often within 72 hours or less.

Sri Lanka Passport Requirements

Travellers entering Sri Lanka must hold:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay if requested

As entry requirements can change without notice, travellers should always confirm the latest information directly with the official Sri Lankan Government website prior to departure.

For more detailed information on entry requirements for Australian and New Zealand travellers, including passport validity, ETA applications, travel insurance and important travel advice, visit our dedicated Sri Lanka Entry Requirements page here: SRI LANKA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.

For up-to-date information on the Sri Lankan ETA and the apply for a Sri Lankan tourist visa be sure to use the official government website here: Sri Lanka ETA Information

Is Sri Lanka Safe to Travel To?

One of the most common questions we receive from travellers considering Sri Lanka is whether the destination is suitable and safe for tourism.

The short answer is yes.

Sri Lanka continues to welcome international visitors and tourism has rebounded strongly. The country offers an incredible combination of culture, wildlife, beaches, tea country scenery and warm hospitality.

In fact, Sri Lanka remains one of the best value destinations for Australian travellers seeking:

• Wildlife safaris
• Boutique hotels
• Luxury private tours
• Scenic train journeys
• Cultural experiences
• Small group touring
• Beach extensions
• Wellness and spa retreats

For many travellers, Sri Lanka offers a unique combination of experiences that is difficult to find elsewhere in one destination.

Our Recommended Sri Lanka Experiences

At Sri Lanka & Beyond, our most popular journeys include:

• Small group tours of Sri Lanka
  • 11 Day Best Of Sri Lanka small Group Sri Lanka Tour
  • 14 Day Sri Lankan Discovery small Group Sri Lanka Tour
• Private chauffeur-guided tours
  • 8 Day Journey to Sri Lanka private tour
  • 13 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered private tour
• Wildlife safaris in Yala and Wilpattu National Parks
  • 12 Day Wild About Sri Lanka private Safari Tour
• Scenic train journeys through Sri Lanka’s tea country
• Luxury beach stays on the south coast
• Cultural touring in Sigiriya, Kandy and the Cultural Triangle
• Boutique and luxury accommodation experiences

Many of our guests combine wildlife, culture, beaches and scenic highlands into one seamless itinerary.

Final Thoughts – Sri Lanka Is Easier Than Ever to Visit

With free tourist visas now available for Australians and New Zealanders, there has never been a better time to explore Sri Lanka.

Whether you are looking for a private chauffeur-guided holiday, a boutique small group experience, wildlife safaris or a luxury cultural journey, Sri Lanka offers extraordinary value and unforgettable experiences.

As specialists in Sri Lanka travel for Australian and New Zealand travellers, the team at Sri Lanka & Beyond can assist with:

• Small group tours
• Private tailor-made itineraries
• Wildlife safaris
• Luxury hotels and villas
• Train journeys
• Beach stays
• Honeymoons
• Family holidays
• Pre and post tour extensions

Important Disclaimer

The information above is intended as a general guide only and is subject to change without notice.

Entry requirements, visa regulations and government policies can change at any time. Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all immigration and entry requirements prior to departure.

For the latest official information, please visit the official Sri Lankan ETA website: Official Sri Lanka ETA Website

The visa fee and ETA information referenced above is based on the latest available update regarding Australian and New Zealand travellers and the current waiver initiative