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Sri Lanka says tourists not required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation anymore - What it means for Indian travellers?

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. anymore-what-it-means-for-indian-travellers.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 7:57 GMT by The Financial Express
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Sri Lanka Removes the Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement for Indian Tourists: What It Means for Travelers and the Tourism Economy

Sri Lanka has officially announced that Indian passport holders no longer need to secure an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before they set foot on the island for tourism purposes. The policy change, announced by the Ministry of Tourism on 1 September 2023, is part of a broader effort to revive the country’s tourism sector, which had been severely hit by the COVID‑19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges. While the decision has immediate benefits for Indian travelers, it also signals a shift in Sri Lanka’s visa regime that could reshape its inbound tourism dynamics in the coming years.

How the New Regime Works

Under the new arrangement, Indian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at any international airport or seaport in Sri Lanka. The VOA is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days and can be extended once for a further 30 days. The fee for a single‑entry, 30‑day visa is Rs 3 000 (approximately US$15). In contrast, the old ETA system required a pre‑departure application through an online portal, a processing time of 24–48 hours, and a cost of Rs 2 000 (about US$12). The new VOA eliminates the need for pre‑departure clearance and the associated wait times, simplifying travel for millions of Indians who routinely visit the island for holidays, business, and cultural exchanges.

The Rationale Behind the Decision

In a statement released by the Ministry, Tourism Minister Dr. Ranjith Jayasuriya said the government “recognizes the vital role that Indian tourists play in the country’s tourism economy.” Sri Lanka is a top destination for Indian travelers, with an estimated 1.7 million Indian visitors in 2022 alone, according to the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority (TDA). The government’s objective is to harness this demand and help Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recover to pre‑pandemic levels—an ambition that would generate up to US$2 billion in foreign exchange by 2025.

The move also aligns with Sri Lanka’s “Tourism Recovery Plan,” a multi‑year strategy that includes streamlined visa processes, expanded flight routes, and marketing campaigns targeting South‑East Asian tourists. By easing the visa barrier for Indian travelers, the government hopes to increase tourist arrivals, stimulate local businesses, and create employment opportunities in hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Impact on Indian Travelers

For Indian tourists, the removal of the ETA requirement translates into tangible benefits:

1. Time and Cost Savings – No more online application or waiting for approval; travelers can simply pay a nominal fee on arrival.
2. Flexibility – Travelers no longer have to plan their visa well in advance; spontaneous trips become more feasible.
3. Improved Travel Experience – The streamlined process reduces administrative friction, allowing tourists to focus on their itinerary.

In a recent interview with Financial Express, Indian tour operator Arka Travel highlighted that the VOA “has already increased bookings for its Indian packages by 20 percent within the first month of implementation.”

What Remains Unchanged

The policy change applies only to Indian nationals. Citizens from other countries, such as China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, still need to secure an ETA before traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism. Additionally, the VOA is limited to tourism purposes; business travelers, students, and diplomatic personnel remain subject to the existing visa protocols.

The Ministry also clarified that the VOA is not a substitute for the “Non‑Tourist Visa” that may be required for extended stays or activities such as medical treatment or employment. The VOA’s validity period of 30 days is strictly enforced, and overstaying can result in fines or future travel restrictions.

Broader Economic Implications

The tourism sector accounts for roughly 4.5 % of Sri Lanka’s GDP. A boost in Indian tourist arrivals is expected to have a ripple effect across several key industries. Hotels and resorts anticipate a 10 percent increase in occupancy rates, while local transportation companies forecast higher demand for taxis, rental cars, and boat services. The increased cash flow could also support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that cater to tourists, from souvenir shops to culinary ventures.

Sri Lankan officials estimate that each Indian tourist spends an average of Rs 100 000 (about US$600) during their stay, covering accommodation, food, and leisure activities. A 5 million‑visitor uptick would therefore translate into an estimated Rs 500 billion (US$3.3 billion) in revenue—a figure that could help alleviate fiscal deficits and fund infrastructure projects.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry has indicated that the VOA policy for Indian nationals will be reviewed after 12 months, with a view to extending similar provisions to other high‑traffic regions, such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In the meantime, the Sri Lankan government has launched a digital campaign to promote its tourist attractions, especially in lesser‑known destinations such as the Nuwara Eliya tea gardens and the Yala National Park.

While the elimination of the ETA requirement is a welcome development for Indian travelers, it also underscores the importance of robust border management. Sri Lanka has emphasized that, although the VOA simplifies entry, all visitors must still provide valid passports, return tickets, and proof of accommodation. Security screenings at ports of entry remain stringent, and authorities reserve the right to deny entry to individuals deemed a risk.

In summary, Sri Lanka’s decision to abolish the electronic travel authorization for Indian tourists is a decisive step toward revitalizing its tourism sector. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and cutting travel costs, the country positions itself as an even more attractive destination for Indian holidaymakers—an outcome that promises mutual economic benefits for both Sri Lanka and India.