Sri Lanka has announced a free tourist visa scheme in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for nationals of 40 countries, including India.
The scheme came into effect on May 25 and applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service and ordinary passports, according to Sri Lanka’s official ETA website.
The free ETA is valid for a 30-day stay, with double entry permitted within the validity period from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka. Authorities clarified that any visa fees paid before May 25 by eligible travellers will not be refunded.
No government visa fee: The Sri Lankan government has waived the ETA fee completely. However, travel agents and third-party booking platforms may still charge processing or service fees.
30-day validity: The free ETA allows tourists to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days.
Double-entry facility: Travellers can enter Sri Lanka twice within the 30-day validity period from the date of first arrival.
Online application mandatory: Sri Lanka has discontinued walk-up visas on arrival. Travellers must apply online and obtain the ETA before flying.
Apply through official portal: Applications must be submitted through Sri Lanka’s official ETA website.
Extension requires payment: Visitors planning to stay beyond 30 days or travelling for business purposes must apply separately and pay the applicable visa fees.
No refund for earlier payments: Travellers who paid ETA charges before the free visa scheme came into effect on May 25 will not receive refunds.
India has consistently remained one of Sri Lanka’s biggest tourism source markets in recent years. More than four lakh Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2025, helping the island nation’s tourism sector recover strongly after the economic crisis and pandemic-related disruptions. Proximity, affordable air connectivity and cultural ties have made Sri Lanka a popular overseas destination for Indian travellers, including tourists from Kerala.
Sri Lanka offers a mix of beaches, wildlife, heritage sites and hill stations. Popular attractions include the capital Colombo, the beaches of Bentota and Mirissa, the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, the ancient city of Kandy and the scenic train journey through the central highlands. Wildlife parks such as Yala and Udawalawe are major draws for safari lovers, while adventure tourists increasingly visit Ella for trekking and mountain views.