Sri Lanka once again requires Maldivians travelling to the country to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) ahead of travel, reinstating the practice which was discontinued in November last year. 

Sri Lankan High Commission in Maldives issued a notice today announcing that all foreigners travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism purposes are required to obtain an ETA from May 25 onwards. 

Maldivians will continue to receive free 90-day tourist visas on arrival. 

The ETA has to be obtained 24 hours prior to travel, through eta.gov.lk. 

In July last year, Sri Lanka increased the number of nationalities receiving free visa to 40. Although the move was announced then for the purpose of increasing tourists, it remains yet to be implemented. The country's parliament, however, on May 7 approved a list of 40 countries which will receive ETAs free of charge. 

Previously, free ETAs were issued only to ordinary, diplomatic, official and service passport holders of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand.

While Maldives is also amongst the 40 approved countries for free ETAs, travelers from these countries, too, are required to obtain ETAs prior to travel.