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If Sri Lanka has been on your travel wishlist, here’s some exciting news: the island nation has officially extended its visa‑free travel policy to 40 countries—and India proudly remains on the list! This means Indians can continue visiting Sri Lanka without paying any visa fees, making it cheaper and simpler to enjoy the country’s pristine beaches, cultural wonders, and lush landscapes.
In July 2025, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Affairs confirmed that the country is expanding its visa‑free travel scheme from the initial 7 countries to 40 nations. The announcement was made at the Hotel Show Colombo 2025 and is part of Sri Lanka’s ambitious plan to attract 3 million tourists annually.
For Indian travellers, there’s no extra paperwork or cost involved beyond the free ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Just book your trip, apply for your free ETA online, and pack your bags!
A Quick Recap: How It All Started
Sri Lanka’s journey towards visa‑free travel began in March 2023 with a pilot program for 7 countries:
- India
- China
- Indonesia
- Russia
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Japan
The result was a significant increase in tourism, with India becoming Sri Lanka’s largest source market. The waived visa fees attracted thousands of Indian travelers, boosting local economies and strengthening ties between the two nations.
By mid‑2024, nearly 2 million tourists had visited Sri Lanka, and the tourism sector earned around USD 1.5 billion in just the first half of the year. These impressive figures encouraged the Sri Lankan government to go bigger and that’s how the new 40‑country expansion came into play.
Who Else Is on the List?
Alongside India, the expanded list includes major tourism markets across the globe. Here’s an overview of some notable names:
- From Asia & the Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Pakistan, Iran
- From Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Ireland
- From the Americas & Oceania: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- From Eurasia: Kazakhstan, Belarus
This global spread means Sri Lanka is truly opening its doors to the world—creating a vibrant, multicultural tourist experience.
Why This Is a Win for Indian Travellers
1️⃣ Save on Visa Costs
Indian travellers previously paid around USD 50 for a Sri Lankan visa. Now, with the fee waived, they can save that money for shopping, food, or activities.
2️⃣ Smooth Online Process
You still need to apply for a free ETA online—it’s quick, easy, and can be done in a few minutes.
3️⃣ Perfect for Short Getaways
From Chennai, Kochi, or Bengaluru, you can be in Colombo in less than 2 hours. With no visa fees and easy flights, Sri Lanka is perfect for a spontaneous holiday.
4️⃣ Rich Travel Experiences
Beaches, culture, wildlife, adventure, tea plantations—you can pack a lot into even a 5‑day trip.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
- ETA Is Still Required: Even though the visa fee is waived for eligible countries, travellers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka.
- Stay Limit: 30 Days: The fee‑waived tourist entry is typically issued as a single‑entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Short‑stay entrants can usually request an extension of up to 90 days through Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities if needed.
- Required Documents: To qualify for the free ETA, applicants must provide the following:
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure (and at least one blank page for stamping)
- Proof of onward or return flight ticket
- Accommodation details or travel itinerary (the itinerary is optional but recommended)
Additional Notes
The expanded policy—covering 40 countries including India—was officially approved at the Hotel Show Colombo 2025 in late July 2025 and is confirmed to offer a 30-day visa waiver for tourism and transit but still requires an ETA. For a smooth process, travellers should apply for their ETA at least 24–48 hours before departure.
India–Sri Lanka Travel Ties: Stronger Than Ever
India has always been Sri Lanka’s largest tourist market, and this move strengthens the bond further. For Indians, Sri Lanka is not just close in distance but also in culture—with shared history, cuisine influences, and festivals.
With easier access, expect to see:
- More weekend getaways from South India
- Growth in family holidays and destination weddings
- Increased student travel for short courses or cultural exchanges
- Expansion in Ayurveda and wellness tourism
Planning Your Trip? Let Unimoni Help!
While your visa may be free, you’ll still need to get your travel plans, currency, and bookings sorted—and that’s where Unimoni can make your journey seamless.
We offer:
- Best forex exchange rates for Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) so you get more value for your money.
- Forex cards for secure, cashless spending abroad.
- Fast international money transfers to send funds to Sri Lanka.
- Flight ticket booking services with competitive fares and flexible options.
- Custom Sri Lanka travel packages—from beach escapes to cultural tours, tailored to your preferences.
- Travel insurance for complete peace of mind during your trip.
Call us at 1800 102 0555 or visit your nearest Unimoni branch to book your flight, choose your Sri Lanka package, and sort out all your travel finance needs in one place.
