Sri Lanka Keeps Visa-Free 30-Day Window for Indians, ETA Required

Sri Lanka has extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, keeping a key tourism policy in place while it prepares a wider expansion of easy entry for more countries. As of October 2025, Indian passport holders may enter visa-free for 30 days for tourism, but they must still secure an ETA — the country’s Electronic Travel Authorization — before boarding. The ETA is issued free of charge under the waiver.

Officials say the program will continue “until further notice,” even as lawmakers consider a plan to widen visa-free access to 40 countries, with India firmly included.

The visa-free measure follows a two-year push by Sri Lanka to rebuild tourism and signal regional openness after the pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis. Policy rollouts have not been without bumps: a planned October 1, 2024 launch to broaden visa-free travel stalled; the electronic system briefly shifted before the courts restored the original ETA platform; and announcements sometimes ran ahead of formal decrees.

For travelers, the headline is simple but important: Indian visitors can come without paying visa fees, but they must complete the free ETA online before they fly, bring the right documents, and expect a single-entry, 30-day stay unless they apply and pay for an extension.

Policy changes and timeline

The current framework began as a pilot with a small group of countries and proved popular with visitors and hotels. Officials say the government has committed to keeping India in the visa-free group while moving to extend the benefit to 40 countries, including large markets such as the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom, Canada 🇨🇦, Germany, France, and Australia.

• Cabinet approval for the expansion came on July 25, 2025.
• Parliamentary action is expected before the full rollout; until then, the existing arrangement for Indian tourists remains in effect.

Key recent operational notes:
– The ETA platform briefly switched to an e-Visa model before a court order restored the established ETA system.
– The government urges travelers to rely on official portals and to complete the free ETA well before departure.

Key features for Indian travelers (today)

• Visa-free tourism for 30 days with an ETA issued at no cost.
• Single entry permitted under the waiver. (Double-entry options exist under standard ETA rules but may involve different processing and fees.)
• Advance ETA required; visa-on-arrival is not available to Indian passport holders.
• Extension possible beyond 30 days for a fee through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
• Tourism only: business, study, or work require separate visas with fees and approvals.

Officials estimate waiving fees will forgo around USD 66 million a year in direct revenue, but the government expects wider economic payoffs — more bookings, longer stays, and higher tourist spending.

Hoteliers and tour operators welcome the move, saying it reduces friction and helps Sri Lanka compete with regional destinations that have eased entry rules.

How the rules work in practice — step-by-step

1. Before you book:
   • Check the latest entry status and any implementation dates for the wider 40-country plan.
   • Note: VisaVerge.com reports Cabinet approval, but final timing depends on parliamentary processes.
2. Apply early:
   • Submit your free ETA through the official portal.
   • Processing often takes 3–5 working days, though many approvals arrive sooner.

1. Pack documents:
   • ETA approval (digital or printed)
   • Passport with at least six months validity from arrival
   • Return or onward ticket
   • Accommodation confirmations
   • Evidence of sufficient funds
2. At check-in and arrival:
   • Airline staff will likely check ETA approvals at check-in.
   • At the border, expect basic questions about your trip and finances; having confirmations ready speeds processing.
   • Entry under the waiver is a 30-day, single-entry stay for tourism.
3. Extensions:
   • Apply for extension and pay required fees online or at an immigration office after arrival if you plan to stay longer.

Practical guidance and traveler tips

• Apply 3–5 working days ahead for the free ETA.
• Use the official platform only; avoid third-party sites that add fees or cause delays.
• Bring backup copies of ETA, bookings, and return ticket in case of phone issues.
• Consider travel insurance even if not mandatory — it helps with medical and flight problems.
• If plans change, don’t overstay. Seek an extension before your 30 days end.

Important warnings:
– Because Indians cannot obtain visa-on-arrival, traveling without an approved ETA can lead to boarding denial or refusal at the border.
– Sri Lanka retains discretion: ETA review and airport checks can result in additional questioning or refusals for travelers with unclear plans or problematic immigration histories.

Wider implications — tourism, business, students, and taxes

• The policy aims to revive tourist flows after a difficult period. Indian visitors are a vital market for Colombo hotels, Galle guesthouses, and wildlife lodges in Yala.
• Easier entry helps convert interest into bookings — especially for short breaks, long weekends, and quick group trips.
• Although the waiver is strictly for tourism, the friendlier channel can signal openness to investors, conference organizers, and university visitors.
• Business and study travel require separate visa routes; the waiver does not replace those requirements.
• Frequent travelers should consider tax residency implications: a 30‑day stay is usually minor, but extensions can affect tax calculations — consult a tax adviser for complex situations.

Policy volatility note:
– Headline decisions can shift due to courts, parliaments, and ministries. Travelers should confirm rules on the day they apply, check again before flying, and keep a copy of the ETA approval for airline and border checks.

Who benefits and expected outcomes

• Industry leaders expect higher footfall from long‑haul markets if parliament signs off on the 40-country plan.
• Potential benefits could spread to regional areas: more guide demand in Anuradhapura, homestays in Jaffna, and eco-tours in the hill country.
• For Indian visitors, the message remains positive: visa-free travel with a free ETA keeps trips simpler and more budget-friendly while preserving security screening.

Official source and where to apply

For authoritative entry details and to submit the free application, use the official Sri Lanka ETA portal at the Department of Immigration and Emigration: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) — Sri Lanka.

This is the sole site Indian travelers should rely on for current rules, processing, and any future changes tied to the 40‑country expansion.