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  "path": "/travel/sri-lanka-entry-fee-scrapped",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-27T09:06:16.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Budget rail operator launches new service connecting major UK cities from this week - fares from £30",
    "Cheapest all-inclusive holidays named - and a lesser-known spot with 30°C highs tops the list",
    "Best beaches in England ranked: Top for sunshine, fish and chips and more",
    "British Airways announced more routes going to Sri Lanka",
    "the number of Britons relocating to Sri Lanka",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nSri Lanka has scrapped its US$50 (around £37) Electronic Travel Authorisation fee for visitors from 40 countries, including the UK.\n\nThe change is in effect now, meaning Britons can now enjoy up to 30 days exploring this stunning destination without paying for their visa.\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIt's a welcome boost for anyone dreaming of Sri Lanka's wildlife-packed national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gorgeous beaches and scenic walking trails.\n\nThe Foreign Office updated its travel guidance this week confirming the fee waiver is now in place.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe fee waiver covers a broad range of European nations, with Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland all on the list alongside the UK.\n\nTravellers from Belarus, Czechia, Russia and Turkey also qualify, as do visitors from China, Indonesia, Thailand and the US.\n\nAnyone looking to book a trip must remember they still need to apply for their ETA online before they travel.\n\nFor those who sorted their visa before May 25, when they fee was scrapped, cannot claim back their $50.\n\n### TRAVEL NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Budget rail operator launches new service connecting major UK cities from this week - fares from £30\n  * Cheapest all-inclusive holidays named - and a lesser-known spot with 30°C highs tops the list\n  * Best beaches in England ranked: Top for sunshine, fish and chips and more\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis comes as British Airways announced more routes going to Sri Lanka. The airline is adding two brand-new destinations starting within months – Melbourne in Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka.\n\nBritish Airways' chief planning and strategy officer, Neil Chernoff, said: \"We're delighted to announce sizeable growth to our flying schedule for winter 2026, including two notable new destinations that I'm confident will prove popular with our customers.\"\n\nFor those dreaming of Sri Lanka's stunning beaches and wildlife, the Colombo service launches on October 23, 2026.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThese flights will operate three times weekly from Gatwick during the winter season, with returns from £620.\n\nBoth routes offer economy, premium economy and business class, giving travellers plenty of choice for their adventure.\n\nSri Lanka has also soared in popularity among British expats. Research showed the number of Britons relocating to Sri Lanka also surged over the last year.\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Asian bucket list destination scraps tourist entry fee in a huge win for British holidaymakers"
}