Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Sri Lanka Scraps Mandatory ETA for Tourists
Sri Lanka used to require visitors to get a special online permission, called an ETA, before arriving.
This rule was supposed to start on October 15th.
However, on Thursday, the country decided to cancel this requirement for now.
This means travellers can visit Sri Lanka using the same visa process they had before October 15th.
Sri Lanka hopes this will make it easier for more people to visit.
They especially want to attract more tourists from India, as India is their biggest source of visitors.
They are even hoping to welcome 500,000 Indian tourists in 2025 and are working to attract wedding and business travelers.
Sri Lanka has withdrawn the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for inbound tourists.
The decision was announced on Thursday and revokes a rule that was to take effect from October 15.
Visa issuance services will continue as per the procedures in place before October 15.
Sri Lanka aims to attract five lakh Indian tourists in 2025, with a focus on wedding and MICE tourism.
India has been Sri Lanka's largest source market for tourists, contributing significantly to its tourism recovery.
- Who
- Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
- What
- Withdrew the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for tourists.
- When
- The withdrawal was announced on Thursday, October 26, 2023, revoking a requirement that was to be implemented from October 15.
- Where
- Sri Lanka
- Why
- To intensify efforts to attract more tourists, particularly from India, and boost tourism recovery. Sri Lanka aims to attract five lakh Indian tourists in 2025 and is focusing on wedding and MICE tourism.
- ETA Requirement Removed
- Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travellers to Sri Lanka has been withdrawn.
- Announcement Date
- Thursday, October 26, 2023
- Previous Implementation Date
- October 15
- Visa Procedures
- Travellers can use visa procedures active before October 15.
- Indian Tourist Target
- Sri Lanka aims to attract 5 lakh Indian tourists in 2025.
- India's Tourism Contribution
- India was Sri Lanka's largest source market in September and for the first eight months of 2025, accounting for over 31% and 20% of visitors respectively.
- Average Tourist Spend
- $170 per day, with a target of $180 for the current year.
