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Nothing in life is free these days, especially when it comes to travel. Or so we thought… From May 25, Sri Lanka is issuing free – yes, free! – 30-day tourist visas to travellers from 40 countries, including Australia. Considering most countries seem to be tightening entry requirements for tourists or adding extra fees, we’ll happily take this as a win.
Famed as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is best known for its stunning white sand beaches, ancient temples and thriving wildlife. Let alone the fact that it's home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Sigiriya rock fortress, the sacred city of Kandy and the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It’s now easier (and cheaper) for you to explore these sights IRL, thanks to this temporary waiver of the typical USD $50 visa fee.
The Sri Lankan government is waiving its tourist visa fees, with the hopes that the boost in arrivals and spending will make up for it. Other countries eligible for the free travel scheme include Belgium, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, the UK and the USA.
Before booking tickets to Sri Lanka, take note: eligible visitors still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. Thankfully, this is free. You'll receive a visa-on-arrival that's valid for up to 30 days upon entry. Should you wish to remain in Sri Lanka beyond that period, you may apply for a visa extension upon payment of the applicable visa fee.