United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka visa requirements

UAE ordinary passport holders need a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka, but the first 30-day tourist ETA is free under Sri Lanka's 40-country scheme effective 25 May 2026. Apply on the official eta.gov.lk portal before arrival; Sri Lanka's ETA FAQ says ETA is not a flight or vessel boarding precondition, but the BIA on-arrival fallback is limited and may add fees or refusal risk. United Arab Emirates ordinary passport holders are eligible for Sri Lanka's free tourist ETA scheme effective 25 May 2026. The free ETA gives 30 days from the date of first arrival with double entry; on a second entry only the unused balance of the original 30 days is granted. This is not a no-formality visa waiver: Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration & Emigration says all foreign nationals, including nationals of the 40 free-ETA countries, must obtain an ETA prior to arrival. However, the official FAQ also says ETA is not a pre-condition to board a flight or vessel, and the apply page describes only a limited ETA facility at Bandaranaike International Airport for travellers without prior ETA approval, with additional fees and return/refusal risk if the application is referred. Use the official eta.gov.lk portal before travel, carry the ETA approval, and have a passport valid for at least six months from arrival, a confirmed return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Extensions beyond 30 days are available for a fee: Sri Lanka's ETA extension rules allow up to 270 days total from arrival, with online extension available up to six months. Sri Lanka is not in the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply.