Planning a Sri Lanka trip? Here's how the new Free ETA rule will benefit Indian travellers

Sri Lanka has introduced a major travel-friendly policy for Indian tourists. From May 25, 2026, Indian passport holders can obtain a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short tourist visits to the island nation, eliminating the fee that travellers previously had to pay for entry clearance.

The move is part of Sri Lanka's broader effort to boost tourism by extending free tourist ETAs to citizens of 40 countries, including India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Japan and several European nations.

What has changed for Indian travellers?

The biggest change is financial.

Until now, travellers from SAARC countries, including India, generally had to pay a fee for a tourist ETA. Under the new scheme, eligible Indian travellers can apply for the authorisation online without paying any visa or ETA charge.

However, there is an important detail many travellers may miss- the ETA requirement has not been removed. Indians still need to apply online before travelling. What has been waived is the fee, not the application process itself.

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How long can Indians stay in Sri Lanka?

Under the new policy, Indian tourists receive a 30-day tourist ETA with a double-entry facility. This means travellers can enter Sri Lanka twice within the validity period without applying for a fresh authorisation.

Those wishing to stay longer can apply for an extension by paying the applicable visa extension fees.

What does this mean in practical terms?

For Indian tourists, the new system makes short holidays to Sri Lanka cheaper and more straightforward.

A family of four, for instance, no longer needs to budget separately for ETA fees. While the savings may not dramatically reduce the cost of an international holiday, they do lower the overall expense of a quick getaway to destinations such as Colombo, Galle, Bentota, Kandy or Nuwara Eliya.

The policy is also expected to make Sri Lanka even more attractive for:

-Long weekends and short international trips

-Honeymoon travellers

-Families looking for affordable overseas holidays

-Cricket fans travelling for matches

-Wellness and beach tourism enthusiasts

Why is Sri Lanka doing this?

Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka's most important economic sectors. The country has been actively introducing measures to encourage international arrivals after facing economic challenges and fluctuations in visitor numbers in recent years. Expanding free ETA access to 40 countries is part of a larger strategy to make Sri Lanka more competitive with regional tourism destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.

India is a particularly important market for Sri Lanka. Indian travellers consistently rank among the largest groups of international visitors to the island nation.

How can Indians apply?

Travellers must still complete the ETA process online before departure through Sri Lanka's official ETA portal. Approval is required before boarding a flight to the country.

Official ETA portal: https://eta.gov.lk

The new policy does not make Sri Lanka completely visa-free for Indians, but it does remove a key cost barrier. Indian tourists still need to obtain an ETA before travelling, but they can now do so without paying a fee.

For travellers considering a beach holiday, a tea-country escape or a cultural tour of Sri Lanka's ancient cities, visiting the island just became a little easier, and a little cheaper.