In a major boost for travellers from India, the Sri Lanka government has announced free on-arrival visas for visitors from 40 countries, including India.
The decision was announced on Monday by Sri Lanka’s
Department of Immigration and Emigration. Under the new arrangement, tourists from the approved countries will receive a free 30-day visa with a double-entry facility from the date of first arrival.
ETA still mandatory
Despite the free visa facility, Sri Lankan authorities clarified that all travellers must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country.
The requirement applies both to nationals from the 40 approved countries and to visitors from countries that already have bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka.
Countries covered under reciprocal arrangements include Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles. Officials said the ETA would remain compulsory even though the visa itself would be issued free of cost on arrival.
India remains top tourism source for Sri Lanka
India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest source market for inbound tourism arrivals. The latest announcement is expected to further strengthen tourism movement between the two neighbouring countries.
Besides India, the list of countries eligible for the free visa-on-arrival scheme includes Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, China and Denmark among others.
The move comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to attract more international tourists and strengthen its tourism sector.
Double-entry facility included
According to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the visa issued under the scheme will remain valid for 30 days and allow travellers to enter the country twice during the validity period.
Authorities said the visa would become effective from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka. The government has not yet announced any changes to the ETA application process or additional travel requirements linked to the new visa arrangement.
