Sri Lanka has revoked its recent decision to make an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, mandatory for all short-stay visitors. The rule, which was due to take effect on 15 October 2025, has been suspended until further notice, Sri Lanka's ambassador to India, Mahishini Colonne, said on X. The department of immigration confirmed that all ETA and visa services will continue to operate as they did before 15 October. This means travellers can apply for visas under the pre-15 October procedure until a fresh policy is announced.
For Indian travellers, the reversal removes an extra step and should simplify trip planning to the island. Sri Lanka is keen to keep travel links with India strong; Indians accounted for a sizeable share of visitors last year and remain a major source market. Recent reporting puts Indians at more than 31 per cent of total visitors in a recent month, and around 4.16 lakh Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2024.
Sri Lanka's tourism authorities have set an ambitious target of welcoming 5 lakh tourists from India in 2025. Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, said Indian travellers are venturing beyond traditional spots such as Colombo and Bentota to visit the central highlands and attractions on the Ramayana Trails. He also noted that the tourism board is working to raise the average daily spend per tourist.
Officials are not only promoting leisure tourism but also targeting destination weddings and MICE travel, offering support to Indian agents for venue sourcing, coordination, and bespoke packages. The tourism board has been emphasising these verticals to increase visitor numbers and revenue per traveller.
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What travellers should do now?
Until Sri Lanka issues a new directive, the practical steps for Indian travellers remain the same as before 15 October. Apply for visas or use ETA services in their existing form, check flight and hotel cancellation terms, and keep an eye on official channels for any fresh announcements from Sri Lankan authorities or missions. The Sri Lankan high commission in India has also posted guidance for travellers clarifying the current position.
The bottom line:
The suspension of the mandatory ETA requirement is intended to make travel to Sri Lanka easier and to encourage more visitors from India. With efforts under way to promote new destinations, weddings and business events, the island is clearly seeking to widen its appeal and boost tourism receipts in 2025. Travellers should monitor official updates and plan using the existing visa and ETA channels for now.
