UK searches for “Sri Lanka visa” have jumped 93% over the past month after the country briefly introduced — and then swiftly scrapped — a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
The rule, launched in mid-October, would have required all visitors, including Brits, to apply online before travel, prompting a strong backlash from operators and agents. It was reversed on October 30, restoring the familiar online or visa-on-arrival process.
The renewed simplicity is expected to support rising interest in Sri Lanka, which is enjoying a moment on social media. Viral TikTok videos have praised the country as “what Bali was 20 years ago”, highlighting its beaches, wildlife, tea country and authentic cultural experiences without the crowds.
While the hashtag #TravelSriLanka has a relatively modest 47.5K posts on TikTok, it has already accumulated over 210 million views, highlighting a surge in global interest.
Google searches for “should I go to Sri Lanka” have also seen a 200% increase in the last year, while demand for “Sri Lanka travel” has surged 72% in the last month alone, signalling growing curiosity from UK travellers.
Several new hotels will open in 2026, including the Amagi Secret located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast in Tangalle. It will feature 33 private pool villas: six lake-view pool villas, 23 one-bedroom pool villas and four two-bedroom family pool villas.
The InterContinental Columbo, projected to be the country’s tallest hotel, will open in winter 2026 with 344 rooms. Meanwhile Uga Ghiri, located in the scenic hill-country of Ella and part of the Uga Resorts collection, is projected to open in April 2026. The resort will offer 15 private villas, each with its own jacuzzi with views over tea-plantations and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.
SriLankan Airlines offers daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Colombo (CMB) with a flight time of around 10 hours and 30 minutes.
It is recommended to visit from December to March for the southwest and cultural heartlands, and April to September for the east coast.
