Russian Federation to Sri Lanka visa requirements

Russian ordinary passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourism in Sri Lanka, but the ETA is now FREE. Since 25 May 2026, Russia is one of 40 nationalities exempt from the ETA fee. Apply online before you fly. A Russian ordinary passport holder cannot simply walk in visa-free, but the entry process is now very light. Sri Lanka requires every visitor to hold a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) obtained before arrival. Effective 25 May 2026, the Department of Immigration & Emigration added Russia to a list of 40 nationalities who receive the 30-day double-entry tourist ETA free of charge (the standard USD 50 fee is waived). The ETA application itself remains mandatory: you still complete the online form and receive an approval notice before boarding. Approval is normally near-instant to within 24 hours. The passport must be valid for at least six months and you should be able to show a return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation/funds. The ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days, extendable at the Department of Immigration in Colombo for up to a total of about six months. Because the policy is recent (May 2026) and the official ETA portal has had intermittent technical issues, travelers should apply only on the official eta.gov.lk site and keep a printed approval. We classify this route as an ETA requirement (mandatory pre-travel authorization, fee waived).