Written by Sports Desk

Updated:January 25, 2026

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Visa guide for fans traveling to Sri Lanka & India - All you need to know. (Image: AI-Generated)

With the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7, excitement is building rapidly across the cricket world, especially in the subcontinent. This edition of the tournament is special as it will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka for the first time, with 20 teams taking part. Fans will travel between major Indian cities and Sri Lanka’s coastal venues to follow the action.

From watching the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium to witnessing the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match in Colombo on February 15, one thing fans must sort out early is their visa arrangements. Understanding the rules in advance can save a lot of last-minute trouble.

Travel to India

India will host the majority of the matches, with games scheduled in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi. The entry process has become easier for international visitors, as India has expanded its e-Tourist Visa facility to 166 countries as of January 2026.

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Most foreign fans, including those from the UK, US, Australia and Canada, can apply for an e-Tourist Visa online. While visas are usually processed within 72 hours, applicants are advised to apply at least two to three weeks in advance, as World Cup travel often leads to a spike in applications.

The e-Tourist Visa is available for different durations, including 30 days, one year and five years. A 30-day double-entry visa should be enough for fans who plan to travel to Sri Lanka and return to India during the tournament. Applications should only be made through the official Indian government e-Visa website, as unofficial portals often charge extra fees.

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However, fans of Pakistani origin or those holding Pakistani passports should be aware that the process is much longer. They must apply for a regular paper visa and approvals can take several weeks. Authorities are in talks to ease the process, but applicants are advised not to delay.

Travel to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will host matches in Colombo and Kandy and has introduced a much simpler visa policy to attract tourists during the World Cup. From January 2026, citizens of 40 countries, including India, the UK, China, Germany and the Netherlands, are eligible for visa-free entry.

Even though the visa fee has been waived for these countries, travellers must still apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. The ETA generally allows a 30-day stay and permits double entry, which is convenient for fans moving between India and Sri Lanka.

Moving between India and Sri Lanka

Travelling between the two host nations is straightforward, with direct flights taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, especially on routes like Chennai to Colombo. Most international fans enter India through cities such as Mumbai, Chennai or Delhi, while Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport serves as the main entry point for Sri Lanka.

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India primarily uses the e-Tourist Visa system, while Sri Lanka relies on the ETA. Visa costs for India vary by country, while Sri Lanka’s ETA is currently free for eligible nations.

Travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and has two blank pages. It is also advisable to carry both digital and printed copies of match tickets, as immigration officials may occasionally ask for proof of travel purpose.