Sri Lanka Waives Visa and ETA for Indians Amid T20 World Cup 2026

Big news for cricket fans who are planning to travel to Sri Lanka for the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonné, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, confirmed that Indian citizens no longer need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. The rule applies to Indians travelling from anywhere in the world.

This move comes in the run-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Sri Lanka set to host matches during the tournament.

For Indian travellers, this changes things in a very simple way. Travel just got easier.

🇮🇳✈️🇱🇰 Travel to #SriLanka

All Indian citizens travelling to #SriLanka from anywhere in the world do not require a visa or ETA.
Just a valid passport + air ticket.
See you in #SriLanka 🌴
Enjoy the cricket 🏏#T20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCup #T20WC2026 #T20Cricket #india

— Sri Lanka in India (@SLinIndia) February 14, 2026

What Has Changed?

Until now, Indian passport holders had to apply for:

• A Sri Lanka visa
• An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Even though the e-visa and ETA fees had previously been waived at different times, travellers still had to complete the application process online.

That requirement is now gone. Now, Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka do not need any visa or ETA to enter the country.

This means: No online forms. No approval emails. No processing time.

What Do Indian Travellers Need Now?

It’s straightforward. To enter Sri Lanka, Indian travellers only need:

• A valid passport
• A confirmed return or onward air ticket

That’s it.

Why Sri Lanka Took This Step

The timing is not random. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka expects a large number of Indian cricket fans to travel for the matches.

India and Sri Lanka share deep cricket ties. Big tournaments usually mean packed stadiums, full hotels, and busy flights between the two countries.

By removing visa and ETA requirements, Sri Lanka is making last-minute travel easier and faster for Indian fans.

It also sends a strong message. Sri Lanka wants more Indian tourists.

What This Means for Indian Travellers

Here’s the practical impact.

1. Faster Travel Planning: No visa application means you can book a trip quickly, even at short notice.
2. No Approval Delays: Earlier, travellers had to wait for ETA confirmation. That step is now removed.
3. Lower Travel Hassle: Fewer documents. Fewer formalities. Less stress.

For frequent travellers and cricket fans, this makes Sri Lanka one of the easiest international trips from India right now.

A Boost for Tourism and Cricket Travel

Sri Lanka has always been popular with Indian tourists. Short flight times, shared culture, beaches, wildlife, temples, and of course cricket.

With visa-free entry in place, destinations like Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and the southern beaches are likely to see a surge in Indian arrivals during the T20 tournament period.

For airlines and hotels, this could mean strong bookings leading into 2026.

The Bottom Line

If you hold an Indian passport and are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you do not need a visa or ETA anymore.

Carry your passport. Book your flight tickets. Fly.

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, this decision makes it easier than ever for Indian fans to enjoy both cricket and island life in Sri Lanka.

Sometimes travel really can be this simple.