Indian Tourists Can Now Visit Sri Lanka With A Free-Of-Cost ETA For 30 Days
New Delhi ( The Indian View team) : Sri Lanka is now offering free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to tourists from 40 countries, including India, for 30 days. The travel update will take effect on May 25, 2026. In case of ETA eligibility, tourists do not need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. However, they must apply for a digital electronic travel authority (ETA) before arrival. Now, nationals of 40 countries can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA without any fee.
Previously, applicants were required to pay USD 20 for a 30-day double-entry tourist visa if they belonged to SAARC countries, while others paid USD 50.
Under the new scheme, travellers from the eligible countries will receive a free tourist visa valid for 30 days, with a double-entry facility allowed within this validity period, starting from the date of first arrival.
An exception applies to Maldivian nationals, who will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system as part of the bilateral agreement. Travellers who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial 30 days can apply for a visa extension by paying the applicable fee.
Nationals of countries not included in the list of 40 will continue to follow the existing Sri Lanka ETA rules and fee structure. The new initiative specifically targets selected countries to streamline arrivals and encourage inbound tourism.
For Indian passport holders, the update simplifies the travel process significantly. As per the Henley Passport Index 2026 (updated in February), Indians were previously eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA) in Sri Lanka. While convenient, VOA still required travellers to complete formalities upon landing.
