Cricket fever is set to reach new heights as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, and there’s exciting news for Indian travellers. Sri Lanka has officially removed visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements for Indian passport holders travelling from anywhere in the world. This means Indian fans can now visit the island nation with just a valid passport, confirmed return ticket, and match tickets, making travel easier than ever before.
Previously, Indian travellers had to complete an ETA process online even when visa fees were waived. Now, that step has been completely eliminated, simplifying entry and encouraging more fans to attend matches hosted in Sri Lanka.
A Strategic Move Backed by Tourism Growth
The decision comes at a time when tourism between India and Sri Lanka is booming. In 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed approximately 2.3 million international tourists, with India emerging as the largest source market, contributing over 531,000 visitors — more than double the next highest country.
Monthly data also shows strong momentum. For example, in July 2025 alone, Sri Lanka received over 200,000 tourists, with Indian travellers accounting for nearly 18.5% of arrivals.
Early 2026 figures suggest this trend is continuing, with strong visitor numbers already recorded in the first weeks of the year. Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s biggest foreign exchange earners, generating around $3.2 billion in revenue in 2025, and the country is now targeting 3 million tourists in 2026 to further boost economic recovery.
Cricket Tourism Driving Demand
Cricket has always played a major role in India–Sri Lanka travel demand, and the upcoming World Cup is no exception. Travel demand for Colombo has already surged, with airfares increasing significantly ahead of high-profile matches due to fan interest.
The visa-free policy is expected to further accelerate this trend by removing travel barriers. For Indian fans, Sri Lanka offers a perfect combination — short flight duration (around 3–4 hours from major Indian cities), affordable luxury stays, scenic beaches, and iconic cricket stadium experiences.
Why Sri Lanka is Ideal for Indian Travellers
Beyond cricket, Sri Lanka remains one of the most attractive international destinations for Indians because of:
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Cultural similarities and availability of Indian cuisine
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Budget-friendly luxury compared to many international destinations
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Visa-free entry convenience
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Diverse experiences — beaches, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and heritage sites
With destinations like Colombo, Kandy, Bentota, and Nuwara Eliya, travellers can easily combine cricket matches with a holiday experience.
Travel Smart for the World Cup
With demand expected to rise sharply closer to the tournament dates, travel experts recommend booking flights, hotels, and match packages early. Fans planning group travel or family vacations around the World Cup can benefit from curated packages that combine match tickets, sightseeing, and comfortable stays.
For Indian travellers looking to experience the excitement of the T20 World Cup along with a memorable international holiday, planning with experienced travel professionals can make the journey seamless. GAC Holidays offers complete travel solutions, including flights, hotels, visas, and customized packages — helping you focus on cheering for Team India while they take care of the rest.
Whether you’re travelling for cricket, beaches, or both, Sri Lanka has never been more accessible. The only question now is — are you ready for the ultimate cricket getaway? 🏏✈️
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