Holidaying on this Asian island just got cheaper thanks to a major rule change

Sri Lanka is officially having a moment with Australian travellers, and a major new change to its entry rules is about to make the surging destination even more irresistible.

Aussies can now enter Sri Lanka as a tourist and they won't be charged for their entry paperwork for trips up to 30 days.

Previously, the cost for the 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation required to enter the country was around $70 per traveller.

But the ETA is now free of charge for 40 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, in a bid to boost tourism.

World Expeditions chief executive officer, Sue Badyari, said Australians still need to obtain an ETA before travelling and should apply through the official Sri Lankan Government website.

"We would encourage travellers to allow sufficient time for processing, ensure their passport details are entered correctly and be cautious of unofficial third party websites that may charge additional fees," Badyari told Explore.

More Australians are holidaying in Sri Lanka. World Expeditions is seeing around a 12 per cent year-on-year growth in bookings, "which tells us the appetite is real," Badyari said.

But the types of holidays Aussies are looking to have in Sri Lanka are changing.

"These are people who want to get into local kitchens, ride through tea country and paddy fields, and connect with communities in a way that a conventional itinerary simply doesn't allow," Badyari said.

Some of the drawcards for the South East Asian country are its culinary culture, cycling landscape and the warmth of the local communities.

Badyari said it was the type of country that rewarded a slow travel mindset, and travellers who wanted to get off-the-beaten-track.

"We're seeing that message land particularly with the Australian market, which has always had a strong affinity with Sri Lanka, but increasingly with travellers who are deliberately choosing immersive cultural experiences over more traditional touring styles," she said.

For G Adventures managing director, Sean Martin, waiving the ETA fee will make the country even more appealing, "particularly at a time when travellers are looking closely at value".

"For a couple, that's about $140 back in their travel budget before they even arrive," Martin told Explore.

"In a destination like Sri Lanka where food, transport and experiences are relatively affordable, that saving could easily cover a few meals, a guided excursion or a few nights' worth of local accommodation."

The tour company's Sri Lanka bookings are also up 12 per cent this year compared to the same period last year, reflecting "strong interest" in the destination.

Martin said the direct air route to Sri Lanka from Australia, as well as its "culture, wildlife, beaches and value for money in a single trip" made the destination particularly appealing.

Intrepid is seeing "strong momentum" in Sri Lanka, with bookings up 7 per cent year-on-year.

"The timing is great for anyone who's had Sri Lanka on their list," Mitchell said.

He described it as "a destination that rewards you".

"The culture, the food, the landscapes, the wildlife. There's a reason people keep coming back," he said.