Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved this visa update on March 30, 2026, waiving the tourist visa fee for Indian travellers including 39 other countries. Parliament cleared it on May 7. The policy took effect on May 25.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is still required before you fly. What's different is the cost, now zero. The free ETA is valid for 30 days and allows two entries for tourism.
This waiver applies only to standard tourist ETAs. Other categories, including extensions past 30 days, remain under the previous fee structure. Sri Lanka Tourism expects the fee waiver to encourage more Indian travellers to visit the island.
Sri Lanka Free Visa for Indians - Key Info
- Sri Lanka Visa for Indians: Free tourist ETA available
- ETA Required: Yes
- ETA Processing Duration: 24-72 hours
- Visa Fee: Waived for eligible tourists
- Validity: 30 days
- Entry Type: Double entry
- Purpose: Tourism
- Effective From: May 25, 2026
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA
- The process takes a few minutes and is entirely online:
- Go to the official ETA portal, eta.gov.lk.
- Select Tourist ETA under Individual Applications.
- Provide your particulars like travel dates, passport info & accommodation details
- Submit the application.
- The approved ETA will be emailed to you.
- Carry your passport and ETA confirmation while travelling.
What Indian Travellers Are Asking
1. Do Indians Need Visa for Sri Lanka 2026?
Yes. The fee is waived, but a Sri Lanka ETA for Indians must still be applied for and approved before departure.
2. What is Sri Lanka visa fees for Indians?
Sri Lanka visa fees for Indians previously priced USD 25 to 35 for a standard tourist ETA. Starting 25 May 2026, that fee no longer applies. Extensions and non-tourist categories are unaffected and continue at their existing rates.
