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Sri Lanka Visa for Malaysians 2027: It's Now Free (Complete ETA Guide)
Good news: Sri Lanka's tourist visa is now free for Malaysians
Planning a holiday to Sri Lanka? Here's the best news you'll hear before you pack. Since 25 May 2026, Malaysian passport holders can get a Sri Lanka tourist visa (ETA) completely free of charge.
Malaysia is one of 40 countries on Sri Lanka's official free-visa list. That means one less cost on your trip, and more ringgit for tea plantations, train rides through the hill country, and a Yala safari.
There's one catch: free doesn't mean "no visa." You still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you fly. This guide walks you through everything, step by step.
Sri Lanka visa for Malaysians at a glance
Question | Answer |
Do Malaysians need a visa for Sri Lanka? | Yes, a tourist ETA, applied for online before arrival |
How much does it cost? | Free (since 25 May 2026) |
How long can I stay? | 30 days from your first arrival |
Entries allowed | Double entry within the 30 days |
Where to apply | Official site only: eta.gov.lk |
Can I extend? | Yes, in Sri Lanka, by paying the normal visa fee |
What changed in 2026?
Before May 2026, Malaysians had to pay for a Sri Lanka ETA. Non-SAARC travelers like Malaysians paid around USD 50 for a 30-day tourist visa.
In March 2026, Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved a plan to make tourist visas free for 40 countries. Parliament approved it on 7 May 2026, and it took effect on 25 May 2026. Malaysia is on the list, alongside neighbours like Indonesia and Thailand, and major markets like China, India, Japan and South Korea.
The free visa applies to all Malaysian passport types: ordinary, official, service and diplomatic. Sri Lanka introduced the scheme to attract more tourists as its tourism industry recovers.
Traveling with Singaporean friends? Singapore citizens also get a free ETA under a separate agreement with Sri Lanka.
Documents you need
Keep these ready before you start your application:
Malaysian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Sri Lanka
Return or onward flight ticket out of Sri Lanka
Hotel booking or tour itinerary showing where you'll stay (your D Asia Travels booking confirmation works well)
Email address to receive your ETA approval
Proof of enough funds for your trip, in case immigration asks
Passport expiring soon? Renew it at Imigresen Malaysia first, then apply for your ETA with the new passport number.
How to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA (step by step)
Go to the official website: www.eta.gov.lk. This is the Sri Lanka government's ETA portal.
Choose "Tourist" ETA and select Malaysia as your nationality.
Fill in your details: passport information, travel dates, flight details, and your address in Sri Lanka (your first hotel).
Check the fee shows as zero. Malaysian tourist applications are processed free of charge.
Submit and check your email. Your ETA approval will be sent to the email address you entered.
Print or save your approval and show it with your passport at the airport in Colombo.
Traveling as a family or group? Each traveler, including children, needs their own ETA.
How long can Malaysians stay in Sri Lanka?
The free ETA lets you stay for 30 days, counted from the day you first arrive in Sri Lanka. That's plenty of time for most holidays. Our packages run from 5 to 8 days.
The ETA also allows double entry. You can leave Sri Lanka and return within 30 days, for example, for a side trip to the Maldives.
Want to stay longer than 30 days? You can apply for an extension in Sri Lanka, but it isn't free. You'll pay the normal visa fee.
Common mistakes to avoid
Paying an agent website for a "free" visa. Many unofficial sites look like the government portal and charge high service fees. Only apply at eta.gov.lk.
Assuming you can just show up. Free does not mean visa-free. Apply for your ETA before you board your flight.
Typos in your passport number. One wrong digit can cause immigration issues. Check every detail before you submit.
Leaving it to the last minute. Approvals are usually quick, but apply at least one to two weeks before departure to be safe.
Using an old passport. If you renew your passport after getting your ETA, you'll need a new ETA linked to the new passport.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sri Lanka visa-free for Malaysians?
Not exactly. The visa is free, but you still need to apply for an ETA online before you travel.
How much is the Sri Lanka visa for Malaysians in 2027?
Zero. Malaysian tourist ETAs have been free since 25 May 2026. Only extensions beyond 30 days carry a fee.
I paid for my ETA before 25 May 2026. Can I get a refund?
No. Sri Lanka's Immigration Department has confirmed that fees paid before the scheme started are non-refundable.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveler needs a separate ETA, including children and infants.
Can Singaporeans also get a free Sri Lanka visa?
Yes. Singapore citizens get a free ETA under a bilateral agreement, so mixed Malaysia–Singapore groups can travel together easily.
Does D Asia Travels help with the ETA?
Yes. When you book a Sri Lanka package with us, our team will guide you through the ETA application.
Plan your Sri Lanka holiday with D Asia Travels
With the visa now free, now is the best time to visit Sri Lanka. Climb Sigiriya Rock, visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, ride the hill-country train to Ella and spot leopards in Yala.
D Asia Travels is a MOTAC-licensed travel agency (KPL 6640) and MATTA member, serving Malaysian travelers since 2009. Our Sri Lanka packages start from RM1,299 per person and include hotels, private air-conditioned transport, and sightseeing. We also help you with your ETA application.
Browse our Sri Lanka Tour Packages or WhatsApp us at +60 12-214 0469 to plan your custom trip.
Visa rules can change at short notice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Sri Lanka ETA website before you travel. Information is correct as of October 2026.
