{"id":17501,"date":"2026-03-02T06:04:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T06:04:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srilanka.factcrescendo.com\/english\/?p=17501"},"modified":"2026-03-02T06:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T06:04:39","slug":"misleading-claim-indians-can-enter-sri-lanka-without-a-visa-or-eta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srilanka.factcrescendo.com\/english\/misleading-claim-indians-can-enter-sri-lanka-without-a-visa-or-eta\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Indians Enter Sri Lanka Without a Visa and an ETA?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Circulating social media posts have claimed that Indian nationals will no longer need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. Here is a fact check we conducted regarding this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media Posts :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following post, published on February 19 with the caption, \u201cNo visa required. No Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required\u201d, <\/strong>states that Indian nationals can visit Sri Lanka without a visa or electronic travel authorization. The post further stated that this was stated by the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Facebook<\/strong><\/a> | <\/strong>Archived Link<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on the requests we received from our readers, we decided to conduct a fact-check on this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explainer :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the circulating social media posts state that this was announced by the Sri Lanka High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, we first checked the High Commissioner\u2019s official social media accounts. Accordingly, as posted on the official Facebook<\/a> and X<\/a> accounts, all Indian nationals from anywhere in the world are exempt from visas and ETAs when visiting Sri Lanka, and all that is required is a valid passport and an air ticket.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A similar announcement was posted on the official Facebook page of the Sri Lankan High Commission in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The announcement was also published by NewsWire<\/a>, citing the High Commissioner\u2019s post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, further details, such as whether this has a connection with the Cabinet approval on the issuance of free tourist visas to 7 countries, including India, in 2023<\/a>, and the period that this policy will be in place, are not included in the announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accordingly, we decided to check further details on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective October 15, 2025, it was made mandatory for all foreign nationals eligible for free tourist visas to obtain an ETA before entering Sri Lanka. However, as indicated in the social media posts, none of the official mainstream media reported that this requirement has been lifted. Therefore, we inquired through the hotline of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. An officer stated that due to a system error on the ETA website, the Free ETA application is shown as \u201cPending\u201d, rather than being approved. However, the officer added that the relevant approval can be obtained by showing the email indicating pending approval to immigration officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is mandatory to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. Even if the approval is not granted immediately, it can be obtained by showing the email to the Immigration and Emigration officers at the airport in the country, as mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department of Immigration and Emigration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To further clarify the above matter, we contacted the Acting Controller General of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Mr Chaminda Pathiraja, by phone. He stated that although the Sri Lankan High Commission in India had issued such a notice, they had not published such a statement on the Immigration and Emigration website. He further stated that a request has been made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide an explanation regarding the notice issued by the High Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the ETA website, everyone must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization upon entering the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, he stated that although the Department of Immigration and Emigration is unable to issue such an announcement, if Indian citizens come on the basis of the High Commission\u2019s announcement, they can be granted a visit visa upon arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with India, the Cabinet had granted free ETAs to tourists from countries like China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand to enter Sri Lanka until 31 March 2024, and the permission was later extended until further notice. The Acting Controller General stated that the relevant permission is still valid and the ETAs will be granted free of charge. However, as mentioned earlier, ETAs must be applied for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, we asked him further whether a free visa scheme is being implemented for the T20 World Cup. He stated that the ETA scheme is being promoted during the T20 World Cup to promote tourism in the country and that it was done not only for India but also during the Pakistan matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, he pointed out that it is mandatory to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free tourist visas for 7 countries <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department of Immigration and Emigration website states<\/a> that the issuance of free tourist visas for the 7 countries of India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, which received cabinet approval on 24.10.2023 to be implemented until 31.03.2024, has been extended until further notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the announcement, holders of diplomatic, official, public affairs, service and ordinary passports are eligible to obtain a free visa for 30 days under this scheme, and this privilege is for a single entry only. It also states that a fee will be charged for extending the visa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, although previously, as per reciprocal\/bilateral arrangements, passport holders of Seychelles, Maldives and Singapore<\/a> were exempted from fees, only SAARC countries have been able to obtain ETAs free of charge so far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sri Lankan High Commission in India <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the lack of further information regarding the notices stating that Indian nationals can visit Sri Lanka without a visa or an electronic travel authorization, and that it is not necessary to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), may mislead Indians intending to visit Sri Lanka. Accordingly, we have inquired with the Sri Lankan High Commission in India regarding the matter mentioned in the official accounts and hope to update this article with their response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ministry of Foreign Affairs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also inquired with the Media Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vijitha Herath, regarding the announcement published by the Sri Lankan High Commission in India. The Media Secretary stated that there are minor discrepancies in the High Commission\u2019s reports. However, he also stated that it is mandatory for Indian citizens visiting Sri Lanka to obtain the ETA, but no fee would be charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourist visa fee scheme applicable to citizens of SAARC countries, including Indian citizens, when visiting Sri Lanka <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourist Visa Fees (SAARC Countries):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since India is an SAARC country, the special fee system applicable to SAARC countries also applies to India. Accordingly, the fees for double-entry tourist visas valid for 30 days (before the introduction of the ETA system) were as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n