COLOMBO, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka began offering a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourist purposes to nationals of 40 countries on Monday.

The free ETA will be valid for 30 days and will apply to nationals holding diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports.

Tourists receiving the free ETA will be allowed a double-entry facility from the date of first arrival within the 30-day validity period. Visitors seeking to stay beyond 30 days may apply for an extension by paying the applicable visa fees.