Sri Lanka has become one of the easiest international destinations for Indian travelers to visit, with the government waiving tourist visa fees entirely as of 2026. Here's exactly what Indian nationals need to know before booking a trip.
The Short Answer
Indian passport holders can enter Sri Lanka on a free 30-day tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), with double-entry permitted — meaning you can leave and re-enter once within that 30-day window without applying again. India is one of 40 nationalities granted this fee waiver, effective from 25 May 2026 following parliamentary approval on 7 May 2026, extending a fee-free arrangement that had already been in place for Indian travelers under earlier tourism promotion measures since October 2023.
How to Apply
- Visit the official portal at eta.gov.lk and select "Tourist ETA" under individual applications
- Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation address
- Submit and wait for approval — typically arriving by email within 24–48 hours
- Save or print your approval confirmation to show immigration officers on arrival
A Note on Recent Confusion
In February 2026, statements from Sri Lanka's High Commission in India suggested Indian travelers could enter with just a passport and return ticket, without needing an ETA at all — a claim that circulated widely on social media. The more consistently reported and currently advised process, however, is still the free ETA application through the official portal, which remains the safest and most reliable route to avoid delays at immigration. If in doubt, apply for the free ETA online before you travel rather than relying on a walk-in-only approach.
Documents You'll Need
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
- A confirmed return or onward ticket showing intent to leave within 30 days
- Proof of accommodation for your stay
- Your ETA approval confirmation (printed or saved on your phone)
What the Free Visa Covers
The fee waiver applies to tourism, family visits, and short business trips under the standard tourist category. If you're traveling specifically for business purposes requiring a different visa category, the standard ETA fee still applies — the waiver is limited to tourist-category travel.
Staying Longer Than 30 Days
If 30 days isn't enough, extensions are possible from within Sri Lanka through the Department of Immigration and Emigration's e-Visa Extension Portal, with total stays extendable up to roughly 270 days across multiple extension stages.
Getting There: Flight Options
Connectivity between India and Sri Lanka has expanded significantly alongside the visa changes. SriLankan Airlines operates from 10 Indian cities with roughly 93 weekly flights, IndiGo runs routes from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad (plus Chennai and Tiruchirappalli to Jaffna), and Air India also serves the route. Flight times range from around 1.5 hours from Chennai to about 4 hours from Delhi.
Why the Timing Matters
Sri Lanka's expanded free-ETA policy also lines up with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka, which is expected to bring a significant influx of Indian cricket fans and travelers to the island. If your trip coincides with the tournament, expect busier flights and accommodation — booking ahead is worth it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn't currently a mandatory entry requirement for Indian visitors, but it's strongly recommended — medical costs for foreign visitors in Sri Lanka can be significant, and insurance also covers flight cancellations and lost luggage.
Once You've Landed
With your ETA sorted, many Indian visitors head straight into exploring — from Sigiriya's ancient fortress to the beaches of Mirissa. If a self-drive trip is part of your plans, see our guide on whether tourists can drive in Sri Lanka for the license requirements, and our broader list of important tourist places in Sri Lanka for route ideas.
Planning your Sri Lanka trip from India?
Book Your Self-Drive Rental with iWay →Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka's free 30-day tourist ETA has made it one of the simplest international trips available to Indian travelers — no embassy visits, no visa fees, and approval typically within a couple of days online. Apply ahead of your trip, carry your documents, and you'll be through immigration and on your way to explore the island with minimal hassle.
