Sri Lanka is scrapping the fee for tourist visas with immediate effect, the island nation's immigration authority has announced.
Holidaymakers from 40 countries no longer need to pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), according to the immigration authority's ETA application page.
The tourist visa is valid for 30 days. Previously, anyone aged 12 or over had to pay $50 (around €43) for the permit.
Travellers should still apply for the ETA online before departure at eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. While it is possible to obtain the tourist visa on arrival at the airport, waiting times can be high.
In addition to the ETA, travellers need a passport that is valid for at least six months at the time of entry. Temporary passports and children's passports are also accepted.
Anyone travelling to Sri Lanka soon who has already applied for and paid for an ETA is likely out of luck: fees paid before the May 25 cut-off date will not be refunded, the immigration authority said.
From a place of conflict to a top-ranking tourist hotspot, Sri Lanka made it to the top of Lonely Planet's destination list in 2019, and tourism has become a major industry in the country.
The travel guide says the island country has something for everyone: "families, adrenaline junkies, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and foodies."
The full list of countries impacted by the ETA fee change is as follows:
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Canada
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
India
Indonesia
Iran
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Malaysia
Nepal
Netherland
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
