Brits heading to South Asia have just got a travel boost, after the country officially scrapped its Electronic Travel Authorisation fee for UK passport holders.
Sri Lanka has scrapped the ETA fee for UK passport holders
The change means you can now stay for up to 30 days without paying the usual charge, making a trip a little more affordable.
The new rule came into effect on May 25, 2026, and applies to travellers from the UK and 39 other countries. Sri Lanka had previously announced plans to waive the $50 fee, which is roughly £37.50, in a move designed to encourage more tourism.
Brits can now visit Sri Lanka for free
Even though the fee has been removed, Brits are not completely off the hook. You still need to apply for an ETA online before travelling, and the 30-day limit still applies unless you pay for an extension. Anyone who already paid for the ETA before the change took effect will not be eligible for a refund.
The good news is that the waiver puts UK travellers on a more even footing with visitors from the Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore, who already had their ETA fees waived.
Sri Lanka has joined a growing list of destinations trying to make travel easier and more affordable for international visitors, and for Brits looking for a warmer escape, that could make it an even more attractive option.
