Indian passport holders can get a free tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka under the official scheme effective 25 May 2026. It allows a stay of up to 30 days, with double entry inside that window. The fee is gone. The requirement is not: you still have to get the ETA online before you arrive, through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.
Below: what is confirmed, how to apply, the documents to carry, a five-day route and a realistic budget.
Quick Facts: Sri Lanka for Indian Travellers
| Detail | What applies |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid Indian passport |
| Tourist ETA fee | Free under the current eligible-nationality scheme (from 25 May 2026) |
| Permitted stay | Up to 30 days from first arrival |
| Entries | Double entry within the 30-day validity |
| Advance application | Required — free does not mean optional |
| Suggested trip | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Estimated budget | ₹26,000–₹42,500 per person |
| Official application | eta.gov.lk/slvisa |
Entry conditions and fees can change. Confirm the latest rules on the official portal before you book.
Is Sri Lanka Visa-Free for Indians?
Not in the traditional sense. Eligible Indian passport holders must still obtain an ETA, which is currently issued free of charge. What changed on 25 May 2026 is the price, not the paperwork.
Under the arrangement effective from that date, eligible Indian travellers get:
- A free tourist ETA for up to 30 days.
- Double-entry permission within the 30-day validity period.
- The option to apply for an extension by paying the applicable fee.
The scheme covers ordinary Indian passports as well as specified diplomatic, official and service passports. India is one of 40 eligible nationalities.
The 30 days do not restart. If you use the double-entry facility, you can come back once, but only for whatever is left of the original 30 days. Do not plan a hop out and back as a way to reset the clock.
Apply only through the government portal. Third-party sites that charge a "service fee" for a free ETA are agents, not the authority. Official sources: Sri Lanka ETA portal and the Sri Lanka High Commission in India.
Documents You Need
Have these ready before you fly. The ETA gets you approved to travel; immigration officers still decide on admission at the border.
- Valid passport: the ETA guidance specifies at least six months of validity from your arrival date.
- Approved ETA: keep a digital copy and a printed copy.
- Return or onward ticket: air travellers should be able to show a confirmed return.
- Accommodation details: a hotel booking or host address.
- Proof of sufficient funds: be ready to show you can cover your stay.
- Itinerary and contact details: where you will be and how to reach you.
How to Apply for the Free Sri Lanka ETA
Step 1: Open the official website
Go to eta.gov.lk/slvisa and check you are on the Sri Lankan government portal, not a lookalike.
Step 2: Choose the tourist ETA
Select the tourist category and enter your personal and passport details.
Step 3: Check every detail
Passport number, full name, nationality, date of birth and travel dates. A wrong character can delay processing or cause trouble at the border.
Step 4: Submit
Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm the application is being processed under the free tourist ETA arrangement for eligible nationals.
Step 5: Save your approval
Check your application status and keep the approval for your journey. Apply well ahead of departure rather than the night before.
Best 5-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
For a first visit, combine Colombo, Sigiriya and Kandy: city, ancient ruins, temples and hill-country scenery in one loop.
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport and head to Colombo or Negombo. Walk Galle Face Green, see Colombo Fort, eat your first rice and curry and rest. Negombo is a convenient first-night base if you land late or have an early start.
Day 2: Colombo to Sigiriya
The drive takes several hours depending on how you travel, so leave early. Spend the afternoon in the village and countryside around Sigiriya and eat dinner locally. Compare public buses, shared transfers and private cars: a driver makes sense for a group but is costly for one person.
Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla
Morning: climb the rock citadel and walk its gardens. The steps are demanding in the heat. Afternoon: visit the Dambulla cave-temple complex, known for its Buddhist art. Check current admission fees before you go, and carry water, sun protection and proper shoes.
Day 4: Travel to Kandy
Visit the Temple of the Tooth (subject to opening hours), walk around Kandy Lake, browse the markets and try local snacks. Dress modestly at religious sites and follow instructions on footwear and photography. Staying within walking distance of the centre cuts daily transport costs.
Day 5: Back to Colombo and fly home
Travel back towards Colombo or the airport. If your flight is early, spend the last night near the airport rather than attempting a long road journey that morning. Leave a generous buffer for traffic and check-in.
Want the Kandy–Ella train? Do not squeeze it into five days. Extend to six or seven, or see our Sri Lanka long-weekend route from Colombo to Ella.
Sri Lanka Trip Budget for Indians
A practical estimate for one person travelling economically for five days and four nights:
| Expense | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Return flights from India | ₹12,000–₹20,000 |
| Accommodation (shared room or budget guesthouse) | ₹5,000–₹8,000 |
| Food and drinking water | ₹3,000–₹4,500 |
| Local transport | ₹3,000–₹5,000 |
| Sightseeing and admission fees | ₹2,000–₹3,500 |
| SIM, miscellaneous and contingency | ₹1,000–₹1,500 |
| Estimated total | ₹26,000–₹42,500 |
The free ETA removes one fee. Flights, rooms, food and transport are still yours to pay. Airfares and hotel rates move often, so treat these as planning estimates, not quotes.
How to bring the total down
- Compare flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and any other convenient airport.
- Travel with a companion to split rooms and private transfers.
- Book accommodation early, especially in holiday periods.
- Use buses and trains where the journey time is practical.
- Check attraction fees before you finalise the route.
- Keep a separate emergency reserve instead of spending the whole budget.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Weather differs by region, so the best season depends on your route.
- December to April: often a good window for the west and south coasts and the hill country.
- May to September: can suit parts of the east coast, though conditions vary.
- October and November: inter-monsoon weather can bring rain to different regions.
Check the forecast before you travel, especially if you plan mountain roads, hiking or long transfers.
Internet, Money and Transport
Mobile connectivity
Consider a local SIM or an eSIM. Compare data allowances and coverage along your route.
Currency
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Compare exchange rates and fees, and keep some local cash for buses and small shops.
Getting around
Buses and trains are cheap but slower than you expect. Ride-hailing varies by location. Agree prices with private drivers in advance and use reputable providers.
Travel insurance
Look for cover for medical expenses, trip disruption and any activities you plan. Read the exclusions before you buy.
Is Sri Lanka Worth It for Indians?
For a short, affordable international trip, yes. You get ancient sites, beaches, scenic rail journeys, wildlife and good food, and the tourist ETA no longer costs anything. Five days is enough for a compact cultural loop but not for the whole island.
Before booking, confirm the entry conditions, get your ETA through the official portal, lock in your return ticket and first night, and set a budget with some slack in it.
FAQ
Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for Indian citizens in 2026?
Yes. Under the official scheme effective from 25 May 2026, eligible Indian passport holders can obtain a tourist ETA free of charge for up to 30 days, with double entry permitted within the validity period. Confirm the current terms on the official ETA portal before departure.
Do Indians need to apply for an ETA before travelling?
Yes. The fee was removed, not the requirement. Foreign tourists, including eligible Indian nationals, must obtain an ETA before arrival.
How long can Indians stay in Sri Lanka under the free tourist ETA?
Up to 30 days from the date of first arrival. The 30 days do not restart if you leave and re-enter using the double-entry facility. Longer stays need an extension, for which the applicable fee is payable.
Is a passport mandatory?
Yes. Carry a valid passport that meets the official validity requirements. The current ETA guidance specifies at least six months of validity from the date of arrival.
Can I travel to Sri Lanka for ₹30,000?
It may be possible with inexpensive return flights, budget accommodation and careful transport planning. The total depends heavily on your departure airport, dates, hotel and attraction choices.
Is five days enough for Sri Lanka?
Five days works for a compact itinerary such as Colombo, Sigiriya and Kandy. Add more days if you want to include Ella, southern beaches or wildlife parks.
Entry rules, fees, transport schedules and attraction prices may change. This guide is for general planning and is not a guarantee of entry. Check the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration before departure.