Sri Lanka Has Made Its Tourist ETA Free for Indian Travellers, Effective From 25 May

Since 25 May 2026, Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism no longer pay the fee previously attached to the country's Electronic Travel Authorisation, following new rules that took effect after Sri Lanka's cabinet cleared the change and parliament approved it on 7 May 2026. India is one of 40 nationalities covered by the waiver, alongside the United Kingdom, the United States, China, the UAE and Australia among others. The ETA itself, an online pre-arrival application through Sri Lanka's official immigration portal, is still required; what has changed is that it no longer carries a charge for eligible travellers, where it previously cost in the region of USD 35 to 50.

What's changing

Travellers covered by the waiver receive a free 30-day tourist ETA with double-entry access, allowing a single re-entry within that 30-day window from the date of first arrival. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 have not been refunded, and the application process, including submitting passport and travel details online in advance, remains exactly as it was; only the fee has been removed for eligible nationalities.

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Why it matters for Indian travellers

India has long been one of Sri Lanka's largest source markets for tourism, and the fee waiver removes a small but consistent cost from what is already one of the region's shorter and more affordable international trips from most Indian cities. Combined with existing direct flight connections from several Indian metros, the change makes Sri Lanka a slightly cheaper proposition for short breaks, without altering entry requirements around passport validity, return tickets or accommodation proof.

What to confirm before booking

Sri Lankan officials have described the waiver as part of a review-linked tourism programme rather than a permanently fixed policy, and this article reflects the rules in effect as of late September 2026, several months after the 25 May start date, with no reversal reported as of mid-August. Given that officials have left open the possibility of adjustment, travellers should confirm the current fee status directly on Sri Lanka's official ETA portal before applying, rather than relying on this or any other secondary source.

Traveller tips

• Apply for the ETA only through Sri Lanka's official immigration portal; third-party sites often charge unnecessary service fees.
• The free ETA covers a 30-day stay with one permitted re-entry; longer or multiple-entry stays may need a different visa category.
• Carry proof of return travel and accommodation, since these remain standard entry requirements regardless of the fee waiver.
• Confirm the fee status on the official portal shortly before travel, since the waiver has been described as under periodic review.