Sri Lanka Gives Indians Free Visa-On-Arrival for 30 Days

Sri Lanka has announced a major travel update that is set to benefit Indian tourists planning an international getaway. The Sri Lankan government will now offer free 30-day visas on arrival to travellers from 40 countries, including India, making travel to the island nation easier and more affordable.

The announcement was made by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen tourism and attract more international visitors. Indian travellers, who already make up the largest share of inbound tourists to Sri Lanka, are expected to benefit significantly from this move.

Under the new policy, eligible travellers will receive a free 30-day tourist visa with a double-entry facility from the date of first arrival. This means visitors can enter Sri Lanka twice within the visa validity period without paying additional visa fees.

However, travellers must note that obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure will still remain mandatory. The ETA process is expected to continue online and will serve as a pre-arrival approval for tourists entering the country.

Apart from India, travellers from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, Germany, China and Denmark are also included in the newly announced visa-free entry list. Sri Lanka has also confirmed that visitors from nations having reciprocal bilateral agreements, including Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles, will continue to receive similar travel benefits.

The move comes at a time when Sri Lanka is witnessing steady growth in tourism recovery. The country has been actively promoting itself as a budget-friendly and scenic international destination for beach holidays, family vacations, honeymoon trips and cultural tourism.

For Indian travellers, Sri Lanka remains one of the most convenient international destinations due to its short flight duration, affordable stay options and easy connectivity from major Indian cities. Popular destinations such as Colombo, Kandy, Bentota, Nuwara Eliya and Galle continue to attract tourists throughout the year.

Travel experts believe the free visa initiative could further increase travel demand during upcoming holiday seasons. Many travellers who were previously delaying international trips due to rising travel costs may now consider Sri Lanka as a quick and economical overseas option.

With visa fees removed and entry procedures becoming smoother, this latest decision is likely to make Sri Lanka an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists looking for hassle-free international travel experiences in 2026.