Sri Lanka Tourism
Planning a Sri Lanka trip? Indians can now visit with a free-of-cost ETA for 30 days
Indian tourists can now travel to Sri Lanka using a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for up to 30 days, following new regulations introduced by the Sri Lankan government.
The facility has also been extended to travellers from 39 other countries, with the new rules coming into effect on May 25, 2026.
Under the updated system, travellers are not required to obtain a physical visa before entering Sri Lanka. Instead, they must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.
Previously, visitors from SAARC nations, including India, were required to pay USD 20 for a 30-day double-entry tourist visa, while travellers from other eligible countries paid USD 50.
Countries Eligible for Free Sri Lanka ETA
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Canada
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
India
Indonesia
Iran
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Malaysia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Türkiye
UAE
United Kingdom
United States of America
Sri Lankan authorities clarified that any ETA fees paid before May 25, 2026, will not be refunded.
In addition to the 40 listed countries, nationals of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore — nations that maintain bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka — must also obtain an ETA before travelling, though they too will benefit from the fee waiver.
Visitors from the 40 eligible countries will receive a complimentary 30-day ETA that permits double entry from the date of first arrival. However, any second visit must be completed within the remaining validity period of the original 30-day authorisation.
Meanwhile, under Sri Lanka’s bilateral agreement with the Maldives, Maldivian nationals will continue to receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system.
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