India, May 31 -- To boost international tourism, Sri Lanka has announced a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for travellers from 40 countries, including India. The new process comes into effect on May 25, 2026. It removes ETA processing fees for eligible visitors, and it is expected to make travel to the island nation more affordable and convenient. With the implication of the revised system, eligible travellers will no longer need to pay for a tourist ETa ahead of visiting Sri Lanka. Although ETA remains mandatory, applicants can obtain it online without any fee, simplify the entire process and reduce travel costs.

Previously, travellers from SAARC countries paid USD 20 for a 30-day double-entry tourist visa, while visit...