Sri Lanka Tourist Visa for Indians 2026: Free ETA Guide

Do Indians Need a Visa for Sri Lanka in 2026? (Quick Answer)

Indian passport holders do need authorization to enter Sri Lanka. As of 25 May 2026, though, that authorization, the Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA, comes at no cost. India is among 40 nationalities granted a fee-free 30-day tourist ETA under a scheme that took effect on 25 May 2026, following a Cabinet decision approved on 30 March 2026 and later endorsed by Sri Lanka's Parliament.

The single most important point for travelers: free does not mean optional. All foreign nationals, including Indians, are required to apply for the ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. Presenting yourself at Bandaranaike International Airport without one is not an option. Sri Lanka made pre-arrival ETA mandatory for all short-visit tourists from 15 October 2025, and on-arrival visa applications are no longer accepted.

The Free Tourist ETA Explained

The Sri Lanka ETA has been the entry mechanism for short-visit travelers since 1 January 2012, covering three categories: tourist, business, and transit. Indian travelers apply under the tourist category.

What changed on 25 May 2026 is the price: the processing fee dropped to zero for holders of Indian passports and those of 39 other eligible countries. The change was formalized via a Department of Immigration and Emigration circular dated 19 May 2026.

Under the current scheme, the free tourist ETA grants:

• A stay of 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka
• Double-entry access within that 30-day window
• Coverage for holders of Diplomatic, Official, Service and Ordinary Indian passports

One detail that catches travelers off guard: the double-entry facility does not extend your permitted stay. Both entries are counted against the same 30-day clock, starting from the first time you enter Sri Lanka. Re-entering after a short trip to another destination does not reset the clock.

According to reports (aggregator, not the Sri Lankan government directly), the scheme is set for a one-year period, approved by Sri Lanka's Parliament under the Immigration and Emigration Act on 7 May 2026. Reports suggest, as of May 2026, that the Sri Lankan government plans to review the free-visa scheme after six months to assess its tourism impact. That means the free status for Indian nationals could change before the year is out. Checking immigration.gov.lk before confirming travel plans is always advisable.

How to Apply for the Sri Lanka ETA Step-by-Step

The official portal for all ETA applications is eta.gov.lk. The Department of Immigration and Emigration reinstated it in late September 2024, after a period of disruption. Sri Lanka immigration officially warns travelers to submit applications only through this portal and to avoid any payments or re-applications at the port of entry.

The general process runs as follows:

• Go to eta.gov.lk and select the tourist ETA category
• Enter passport details, travel dates and contact information
• Upload supporting documents such as a passport scan and travel itinerary when prompted
• Submit the application: Indian passport holders pay no fee under the current free scheme effective 25 May 2026
• Receive the ETA approval by email and carry a printed or digital copy to the airport

Per airline visa-guidance pages, consistent with official notification, the ETA application process itself remains mandatory even though the fee is zero. Applying several days before departure removes unnecessary risk. Don't wait until the day of travel.

Reportedly, per a third-party visa guide (travelers should verify against the official eServices portal), there is also an online Arrival/Departure Card. It must be completed through the immigration.gov.lk eServices portal within a set window before departure, separate from the ETA application itself. Checking the official portal for this requirement before traveling is recommended.

Documents and Entry Requirements at the Airport

An approved ETA is the starting point, not the complete picture. Border officials check several things at entry.

According to visa-agent guidance, consistent with official guidance on tourist entry requirements, Indian travelers typically need:

• A valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Sri Lanka
• A printed or digital copy of the approved ETA confirmation
• A confirmed return or onward flight ticket out of Sri Lanka
• Proof of accommodation, hotel bookings or a host's contact details
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay, such as a recent bank statement

Reportedly and typically, per visa-agent guidance, immigration clearance at Bandaranaike International Airport takes a few minutes for Indian travelers when documents are in order.

Children of any age require their own ETA. Typically, per travel guidance, children under 12 are exempt from the ETA processing fee. But the authorization itself is still required regardless of age.

How Long Indians Can Stay and How to Extend

The free tourist ETA permits a stay of 30 days from the date of first arrival. Typically, per official guidance (though the precise 90-day extension detail is not confirmed by every official source), tourists wishing to stay beyond 30 days can potentially be granted a visa for a longer period with double entry.

As of late 2025, per visa-agent guidance (not independently confirmed by the Department of Immigration directly), tourist visa extensions can bring a traveler's total permitted stay up to 270 days. That comes in stages of 30, 60, 90 and 90 additional days from the original arrival date.

According to visa-extension guides as of late 2025, extensions must be handled in person at the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office in Battaramulla, Colombo. Simply reapplying for the ETA online does not constitute a valid extension. The office accepts applications from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

According to some visa guides, extensions may also be applied for through the Department of Immigration's eServices portal online, though this conflicts with other guidance specifying in-person applications only. Best to check directly. Given the conflicting information, contacting the Department of Immigration before planning a stay beyond 30 days is the most reliable approach.

Travelers who obtained the free tourist ETA and decide to extend their stay will need to pay the applicable extension fee. The precise fee schedule in USD or LKR for Indian nationals is not confirmed by a single authoritative official source at the time of writing. The immigration.gov.lk website or the Department of Immigration is the right place to check current figures before extending.

Visa on Arrival — When It Applies

Since 15 October 2025, Sri Lanka has required all foreign nationals visiting for tourism to hold a valid ETA before arrival. On-arrival visa applications are no longer permitted for any nationality, including Indian travelers.

There is no visa-on-arrival pathway in 2026. The ETA must be secured before boarding a flight to Sri Lanka. Given that the ETA is currently free for Indian passport holders and is processed online at eta.gov.lk, obtaining it before departure carries no cost and little effort.

Travelers who have relied on on-arrival options in the past should note that this rule has been in effect since late 2025 and shows no indication of reversal.

Costs to Budget For (ETA, Extensions, Insurance)

For Indian travelers staying 30 days or fewer, the ETA itself costs nothing under the scheme in force from 25 May 2026.

Where costs may arise:

• ETA fee: zero for Indian passport holders under the current free-ETA scheme
• Visa extension fee: payable if staying beyond 30 days; the exact amount should be confirmed at immigration.gov.lk before applying, as figures vary by source and may change
• Travel insurance: no official source has been found confirming that travel insurance is mandatory for Indian tourists entering Sri Lanka, though it remains a practical consideration for any international trip

For context on earlier costs: before the current scheme, Indian travelers paid a processing fee to obtain the ETA. During a brief 2024 period when a private consortium operated Sri Lanka's e-Visa system, visa costs reportedly doubled. Facilitation fees ran to nearly USD 25, compared to the minimal amount charged previously by the state-run system. That consortium system was suspended by Sri Lanka's Supreme Court in August 2024, and the original ETA portal was restored. Reports suggest, per travel media citing unnamed officials, that ETA fees paid by Indian travelers before the 25 May 2026 policy change are not refunded.

Recent Changes (2025-2026 Updates)

The Sri Lanka visa situation for Indian travelers shifted several times in the two years leading up to mid-2026. Policies changed fast. Understanding the timeline helps explain why some older advice online may no longer apply.

• April 2024: Sri Lanka launched a new e-Visa system run by a private consortium including VFS Global, GBS Technology and IVS Global Services, replacing eta.gov.lk
• August 2024: Sri Lanka's Supreme Court issued an interim order on 2 August 2024, indefinitely suspending the new e-Visa system and directing that the original ETA system be restored
• September 2024: The Department of Immigration and Emigration reinstated eta.gov.lk, effective 26/27 September 2024
• October 2024: A planned six-month free-visa waiver for 35 countries that was announced to start on 1 October 2024 did not take effect as planned
• October 2025: Pre-arrival ETA became mandatory for all tourists; on-arrival applications ceased
• March 2026: Cabinet approved a draft regulation to offer free ETAs to 39 (later expanded to 40) countries
• May 2026: The Department of Immigration issued a circular on 19 May 2026 confirming the scheme's start date of 25 May 2026, covering India and 39 other nationalities

As reported in April 2026, before the final 40-country scheme was confirmed, Sri Lanka's Cabinet spokesman described an earlier iteration as a six-month programme. The finalized version, according to reports (aggregator, not the Sri Lankan government directly), covers a one-year period with a mid-point review.

Travel Tips for Indian Visitors

According to industry reporting as of Q1 2026, India accounts for roughly 22 percent of all arrivals in Sri Lanka, making Indian travelers the largest single source market. Sri Lanka's airports handle Indian visitors routinely.

A few practical points worth keeping in mind:

• Apply for the ETA at eta.gov.lk at least a few days before departure: applying on the day of travel adds avoidable risk
• Check that the Indian passport has at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Sri Lanka, not just from the departure date in India
• Carry printed copies of the ETA confirmation, hotel bookings and the return flight ticket: border officials may ask for any of these
• The double-entry ETA can be useful for itineraries that include a short trip from Sri Lanka to another destination and back, but the 30-day total does not reset on re-entry
• Travelers booking trips for late 2026 or 2027 should verify that the free-ETA scheme is still in effect at immigration.gov.lk before departure, given the planned six-month review point
• Avoid third-party websites claiming to facilitate ETA applications for a fee: the official portal at eta.gov.lk is the only platform endorsed by Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration

FAQ

Is the Sri Lanka ETA really free for Indians in 2026?

Yes. From 25 May 2026, Indian passport holders are eligible for a tourist ETA at no cost, under a scheme covering 40 nationalities. The ETA application itself is still mandatory. Travelers apply through eta.gov.lk before departure and receive confirmation by email, but no fee is charged under the current policy.

Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026?

No. Since 15 October 2025, Sri Lanka has required all foreign nationals to hold a valid ETA before arriving. On-arrival visa applications are not accepted. Indian travelers should apply at eta.gov.lk before their flight.

How many days can Indians stay in Sri Lanka on the free tourist ETA?

The free tourist ETA covers a stay of 30 days from the date of first arrival, with double-entry access. The double-entry facility allows re-entry within the same window but does not extend the 30-day total, both entries count against the same clock from first arrival.

What documents should Indians carry to Sri Lanka immigration?

Travelers typically need a valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry, an approved ETA confirmation, a confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and a bank statement or equivalent showing sufficient funds. Having printed copies of all documents is advisable.

Can Indians extend their stay beyond 30 days?

Extensions are available through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. According to visa-extension guides as of late 2025, applications are made in person at the office in Battaramulla, Colombo, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. An extension fee applies, and the precise amount should be confirmed at immigration.gov.lk before applying.

How long will the free ETA scheme for Indians last?

According to reports (aggregator, not the Sri Lankan government directly), the scheme runs for one year from 25 May 2026. Reports also suggest the Sri Lankan government plans to review it after six months to assess tourism impact. Travelers booking trips toward the end of 2026 or into 2027 should verify the scheme is still active at immigration.gov.lk before departure.

Do children traveling to Sri Lanka need their own ETA?

Yes. Children of any age require their own ETA. Typically, per travel guidance, children under 12 are exempt from the ETA processing fee, though the ETA itself is still a mandatory requirement for every traveler regardless of age.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indians visiting Sri Lanka?

No official source has been found confirming that travel insurance is a mandatory entry requirement for Indian tourists entering Sri Lanka. It remains a sensible precaution for any international trip. Travelers should check the current official requirements at immigration.gov.lk before departure.

What went wrong with Sri Lanka's visa system in 2024?

In April 2024, Sri Lanka replaced its original ETA portal with a new e-Visa system run by a private consortium. Sri Lanka's Supreme Court issued an interim order on 2 August 2024 suspending that system, citing concerns about the arrangement. The original eta.gov.lk portal was reinstated by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in September 2024 and has been the official application channel since.

Where should Indians apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?

The only official portal is eta.gov.lk, run by Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration. Sri Lanka immigration officially warns travelers to use this portal exclusively and to avoid third-party websites that may charge unnecessary fees for facilitating an application that is now free for Indian nationals.