The Indian Ocean nation is ditching its current $50 entry fee for British passport holders, part of a broader decision to waive tourist visa charges for visitors from 33 countries. Officials in Colombo hope the move will convert the island’s post-pandemic rebound into record-breaking arrival numbers—and fresh spending across hotels, national parks and beach towns.
What the visa change means for U.K. holidaymakers
Under the existing rules, Britons apply online for a 30-day Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and pay a $50 (£37.50) processing fee before departure. When the new policy begins—no exact start date has been released—travelers from the United Kingdom will still complete the ETA form but will no longer be charged. The same fee-free privilege is being extended to citizens of the United States, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and 28 other nations. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced the expansion during the Hotel Show Colombo 2025 trade fair on 25 July.
Government expects short-term hit, long-term gain
Scrapping the payment could cost the treasury up to £50 million a year in lost administrative revenue. Yet officials believe higher footfall will more than offset the dip. “We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,” Herath said at the Hotel Show Colombo 2025. The gamble is backed by recent data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The agency counted 2,053,465 international visitors in 2024—its highest total since the pandemic—with India, Russia and the United Kingdom leading the list. A free-visa pilot introduced in September 2024 for travelers from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan has already shown encouraging results, according to the foreign ministry.
Why Sri Lanka is betting big on tourism
Between a sovereign-debt crisis and runaway inflation, Sri Lanka’s economy has endured a tumultuous stretch. Tourism, once the country’s third-largest foreign-exchange earner, is viewed as a quick-win sector capable of injecting U.S. dollars into local communities. Colombo’s latest target: make tourism a “key contributor” to GDP within the next two years. If the broader waiver succeeds, officials believe airlines will add seats, hotel investors will green-light stalled projects and small businesses—from surf schools in Arugam Bay to tea bungalows high in the Hill Country—will feel the ripple effect.
Beyond the beach: experiences that could see a boost
- Wildlife safaris in Yala and Wilpattu national parks, home to leopards, elephants and sloth bears.
- UNESCO-listed sites including the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the sacred city of Kandy.
- Surf breaks on the east coast from April to October, shifting to the southwest between November and March.
- Tea-country rail journeys, particularly the photogenic Kandy-to-Ella route.
- Culinary tours spotlighting hoppers, kottu roti and cinnamon-infused seafood.
How and when to apply for the free ETA
The foreign ministry has not confirmed a launch date, though industry insiders expect implementation before the winter 2025 peak season. Until the change is live, travelers should:
- Continue applying through the official ETA portal—not third-party sites that charge extra fees.
- Print the approval email to present upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, requirements that remain unchanged.
Once the waiver is active, the online form will mirror today’s process minus the payment screen. Sri Lanka typically issues a 30-day stay that can be extended up to 180 days inside the country.
Tips for travelers planning 2025 holidays
- Lock in flights early. Route capacity from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Colombo was still below 2019 levels in early 2024; an uptick in demand could drive fares higher.
- Consider shoulder seasons. May and October straddle the island’s dual monsoon patterns, offering lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Monitor exchange rates. The Sri Lankan rupee has been volatile; booking hotels in advance at fixed prices can hedge currency swings.
- Respect local regulations. Rules on drone use, temple attire and wildlife interactions are strictly enforced.
- Combine regions. A loop linking cultural sites in the “Golden Triangle,” tea country treks and a beach finale gives first-timers a balanced overview.
Frequently asked questions
Will travelers still need travel insurance?
Yes. Sri Lanka recommends—and some airlines require—proof of medical and COVID-19 coverage.
Can I bypass the ETA on arrival?
No. Even with the fee waived, the electronic authorization remains mandatory. Landing-visa kiosks exist but attract long queues.
What if I booked and paid the $50 fee before the waiver?
The government has not announced refunds. If your travel date is after the policy’s effective start, contact the ETA help desk for updates.
Does the waiver cover multiple entries?
The ETA permits double entry within the initial 30-day period; that provision is expected to stay in place.
Are there any exceptions?
Nationals from the 33 named countries will benefit. Passport holders from other locations will continue paying the standard fee.
Bottom line for U.K. visitors
Sri Lanka’s fee-free visa plan removes a modest but symbolic barrier for travelers weighing long-haul winter-sun options. From palm-fringed beaches to leopard-spotting safaris, the island now has one more selling point—and British holidaymakers have one less line item on their trip budgets. — as Herath said at the Hotel Show Colombo 2025.
