Canadians travelling to Sri Lanka will no longer have to pay a tourist visa fee after the Sri Lankan government expanded its free visa program to include Canadian passport holders.
The measure, which took effect May 25, allows eligible Canadian travellers to obtain a 30-day tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) without paying the application fee. Travellers must still apply online and receive approval before departing for Sri Lanka.
Canada is among 40 countries included in the expanded initiative, which Sri Lankan authorities say is intended to encourage tourism and support the country’s continued economic recovery.
The announcement is welcome news for Canada’s large Sri Lankan community, particularly families planning summer vacations, reunions, weddings or religious celebrations in Sri Lanka. The removal of the visa fee could result in meaningful savings for families travelling together, as the charge previously applied to each individual traveller.
Industry observers say the move could also encourage more Canadian tourists with no family connections to Sri Lanka to consider visiting the island, known for its beaches, wildlife, ancient cultural sites, tea country and diverse cuisine.
Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s largest sources of foreign exchange and has been a key focus of the country’s recovery following the economic crisis that sharply reduced visitor arrivals and economic activity beginning in 2022. Visitor numbers have steadily rebounded over the past two years as the country seeks to regain its position as a leading South Asian travel destination.
The visa fee waiver applies only to short-term tourist travel. Canadians travelling for business, employment, study or other purposes must continue to obtain the appropriate visa under existing immigration rules.
Although the application fee has been removed, travellers are still required to obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorization before boarding a flight to Sri Lanka. Visitors wishing to remain beyond the initial 30-day period may apply for an extension after arriving in the country, subject to the applicable regulations and extension fees.
Travel agents serving the Sri Lankan Canadian community say the change is expected to simplify travel planning and reduce costs for families who make regular trips between Canada and Sri Lanka.
