Planning an international trip from India in 2026 just became more affordable. Sri Lanka has officially removed the tourist visa fee for Indian travellers and citizens of 39 other countries as part of a major tourism revival strategy.
The new visa-free policy officially came into effect on May 25, 2026, making Sri Lanka one of the most budget-friendly international destinations for Indian tourists this year.
Sri Lanka Removes Tourist Visa Fee for Indian Travellers
Under the latest announcement, Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism purposes will no longer need to pay the previously applicable $50 tourist visa fee.
However, travellers must still apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. The application process remains mandatory, but the visa fee itself has now been waived for eligible countries.
This move is expected to significantly increase travel demand from India, especially during summer vacations, festive holidays, and long weekends.
Who Is Eligible for Sri Lanka’s Free Tourist Visa Policy?
Sri Lanka’s updated visa policy applies to citizens from:
- India
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Germany
- China
- Russia
- Japan
- And 32 other eligible countries
Eligible tourists can receive:
- Free 30-day tourist ETA
- Double-entry permission
- Online application process
- Option to extend stay later with additional charges
Is ETA Still Required for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Even though the tourist visa fee has been removed, travellers must still complete the ETA process online before flying to Sri Lanka.
Important ETA Details
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ETA Required | Yes |
| Visa Fee | Free for eligible countries |
| Stay Duration | 30 Days |
| Entry Type | Double Entry |
| Extension Available | Yes |
Why Sri Lanka Removed Tourist Visa Fees
The Sri Lankan government introduced this initiative to revive its tourism sector after years of economic and financial challenges that impacted international travel.
Tourism remains one of the country’s biggest sources of foreign exchange, and authorities are now focusing on:
- Increasing international arrivals
- Making travel more affordable
- Competing with destinations like Thailand and Vietnam
- Encouraging short-haul tourism from India
Officials believe easier entry policies will help Sri Lanka strengthen its position as one of South Asia’s top travel destinations in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s decision to remove tourist visa fees for Indians and 39 other countries is expected to give a major boost to international travel in 2026. With affordable luxury, beautiful landscapes, quick connectivity from India, and now lower travel costs, Sri Lanka is likely to become one of the most preferred overseas holiday destinations for Indian travellers this year.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family vacation, solo backpacking trip, or luxury beach escape, Sri Lanka now offers even better value for international travellers from India.
