Based on the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) weekly report for 1 to 22 October 2026 and Sri Lanka’s official ETA portal. Checked on 25 October 2026 (IST).
India is far ahead of every other country as a source of tourists for Sri Lanka. SLTDA’s latest weekly report shows that 45,530 of the 119,805 tourists who arrived from 1 to 22 October 2026 came from India, a 38% share. The UK and China were next, with 8,678 and 8,430 arrivals (about 7% each).
October so far
| Rank | Market | Arrivals, 1–22 Oct 2026 | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 45,530 | 38% |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 8,678 | 7% |
| 3 | China | 8,430 | 7% |
| 4 | Australia | 6,064 | 5% |
| 5 | Germany | 5,642 | 5% |
The year to date
From 1 January to 22 October 2026, Sri Lanka received 1,813,484 tourists. India supplied 482,944 of them. That is nearly three times the number from the second-largest market, the UK (169,405). China (120,980) and Germany (102,920) followed.
The monthly figures in the same report show a mixed year. Arrivals were up on 2025 in January (+9.7%), February (+16.2%) and May (+9.65%). They were down in March (−19.7%), April (−22.3%), June (−9.9%), July (−1.7%) and August (−3.3%), and almost flat in September (−0.3%). October 2025 had 165,193 arrivals for the full month. The October 2026 figure covers only 22 days, so the two cannot be compared yet.
Entry reminder for Indian travellers
Sri Lanka’s official ETA portal says that since 25 May 2026, Indian nationals have been among those eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA, with double entry allowed within the 30 days. The ETA is free, but it is still required. Travellers must apply online before arrival. Stays beyond 30 days need a paid extension.
What it means for agents
India’s share shows how much Sri Lanka depends on Indian visitors as the winter season begins. Remind clients to apply for the ETA only on the official portal at eta.gov.lk.
Sources: SLTDA weekly report, 1–22 October 2026, SLTDA weekly reports index, Sri Lanka ETA portal