Stamp The Passport, Not Your Wallet - Sri Lanka Scraps Tourist Visa Fees For Indians To Boost Island Tourism

This is a significant win for Indian travellers who already rank among Sri Lanka's largest inbound tourist groups. The move builds on a pilot programme that started in October 2023 and has now been made permanent and expanded to cover 40 countries, removing one of the last friction points in India - Sri Lanka leisure travel.

What The Free Visa Means For Indian Travellers

Under the new arrangement, Indian passport holders can apply for a free ETA on eta.gov.lk or srilankaevisa.lk before their trip, with no embassy visit or visa fee required. The 30 day tourism visa allows double entry from the date of first arrival, meaning travellers can make a quick side trip and return within the same window. Extensions beyond 30 days remain available in Colombo for a fee, and stays up to 270 days can be arranged through local immigration channels.

Tourism Push Behind The Policy

Sri Lanka's decision to go visa free for 40 nations is a deliberate strategy to rebuild tourism revenue, which took a hit following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and the 2022 economic crisis. With India being the single largest source of tourists to the island, the free ETA is expected to meaningfully lift arrivals, hotel bookings, travel spending and bilateral tourism ties.

Travel Essentials For Indian Visitors

• Free ETA valid for 30 days with double entry facility from May 25, 2026
• Online ETA application mandatory at eta.gov.lk before departure - no walk in processing
• Covers tourism, family visits and short business trips
• Applicable to Indian ordinary, official and diplomatic passport holders
• Extension up to 270 days available for a fee through Sri Lanka immigration

Sources: NDTV, India Today, Business Today, Sri Lanka Department of Immigration official circular