Sri Lanka sits just off the southern tip of India, close enough for a long weekend, rich enough to hold you for weeks. Beaches, ancient ruins, misty hill stations, and some of the warmest hospitality in South Asia. There’s a lot packed into a small island. Before you go, there is one thing to sort: your Electronic Travel Authorization. Here is everything you need to know about getting it right.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
Indian citizens are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Sri Lanka. The ETA is free for Indians as of May 2026, fully online, and approval typically arrives within 24 hours. There is no embassy visit, no fee, and no courier.
The ETA must be obtained before arrival and is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and allows a stay of up to 30 days per visit, with a double-entry facility.
Types of Sri Lanka Visa for Indians
For most Indian travellers, the Tourist ETA covers everything — sightseeing, family visits, and short leisure trips. Here is a quick overview:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Maximum Stay | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Tourism, leisure, family visits | 30 days | Double entry where you can exit and re-enter Sri Lanka once within the 30-day window |
| Business ETA | Short business visits, meetings, conferences (not employment) | 30 days | Multiple entry |
| Transit ETA | Passing through Sri Lanka en route to another destination | 2 days | Single entry. Cannot be extended. |
For most Indian travellers visiting for tourism, the Tourist ETA is all you need.
Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indians
The Sri Lanka ETA is one of the simplest applications you will encounter. The online form at eta.gov.lk requires no document uploads - no passport scans, no photos, no hotel bookings. You fill in your details and submit.
What you fill in on the ETA form:
- Passport number, issue date, expiry date, and place of issue
- Full name and date of birth exactly as they appear on your passport
- Planned arrival date and accommodation address in Sri Lanka (approximate area is sufficient)
- Contact email address for the approval notification
Documents to carry on arrival at immigration:
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival
- Printed copy of the ETA approval email (carry a digital backup on your phone as well)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statement or accessible card)
- Every traveller, including infants and children, requires their own individual ETA
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa (ETA)
The Sri Lanka ETA is applied for entirely online through the official Sri Lanka immigration portal at eta.gov.lk.
- Go to eta.gov.lk and select “Tourist ETA” under Individual Applications.
- Fill in your details. Enter your passport information, planned arrival date, and accommodation address. No document uploads are required.
- Review every field carefully. Errors in your passport number or name are the most common cause of rejection or delay. Check against your passport before submitting.
- Submit and wait for approval. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. The ETA confirmation arrives by email — check your spam folder if it does not appear.
- Print the confirmation. Carry a printed copy of the ETA approval to show at immigration on arrival. Save a digital copy on your phone as a backup.
Apply at least 3–7 days before your travel date to allow time for processing and any corrections. 15 days in advance is ideal if you want an extra buffer.
Sri Lanka Visa Fees for Indians
Sri Lanka has waived the ETA fee for Indian travellers as part of a bilateral tourism initiative. The waiver applies to tourist, business, and transit ETAs. However, the waiver is subject to change, verify at eta.gov.lk before applying.
Processing Time and Validity
Keep the ETA validity and permitted stay duration distinct — they are not the same thing. The ETA is valid for 180 days from the date it is issued. That is the window within which you must use it to enter Sri Lanka. Once you arrive, you are permitted to stay for up to 30 days on that visit.
| Processing time | Typically within 24 hours. Allow up to 2–3 business days as a buffer. |
| ETA validity | 180 days from date of issue |
| Maximum stay per visit | 30 days from date of first arrival |
| Entry type | Double entry. You can exit and re-enter Sri Lanka once within the 30-day window |
| Recommended apply window | At least 3-7 days before travel; 15 days recommended for added buffer |
| Extension | Extensions are available through the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Maximum total stay is 270 days from date of arrival, across three stages: 60 days (first extension), then 90 days each for second and third. Apply before your current permitted stay expires. |
Tips for Travelling to Sri Lanka
Apply well before you travel. The ETA is free and takes under 24 hours, but there is no reason to cut it close. Apply at least a week before your travel date — it gives you time to correct any form errors without stress and ensures your entry is confirmed before you head to the airport.
Print the ETA approval. Immigration officers at Colombo airport will ask to see it on arrival. Carry a printed copy on plain A4 paper. Save a digital copy on your phone as a backup, but do not rely on a screenshot. It is recommended to have the actual approval email accessible.
Passport validity matters. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka. If your passport is close to expiry, renew before booking your flights.
A hotel booking is not required, but have an itinerary ready. You do not need a confirmed hotel voucher for the ETA application. Basic itinerary details like where you plan to stay, approximate area are sufficient. Immigration officers may ask, so have a rough plan in mind.
Carry some Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) on arrival. Cards are widely accepted in Colombo and major tourist areas, but cash is useful for local transport, markets, and smaller guesthouses. Currency exchange counters are available at Bandaranaike International Airport, though rates in Colombo city (York Street, Fort area) are generally better.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Sri Lanka does not mandate travel insurance for Indian travellers, but it is advisable, particularly for adventure activities in the hill country or coastal areas.
Know your extension options. If your plans change, tourist visa extensions are available through the Department of Immigration in Colombo or online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk. The maximum total stay is 270 days from arrival, across three stages. Apply before your current permitted period expires as overstaying carries fines and may affect future entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Indian citizens are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Sri Lanka. The ETA is free, fully online, and approval typically arrives within 24 hours. It is mandatory before arrival.
Is there a visa on arrival for Sri Lanka for Indians?
No. Per the official Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration circular dated May 24, 2026, all foreign nationals, including Indians, are required to obtain an ETA prior to arrival. The ETA must be applied for and approved online at eta.gov.lk before you travel.
How much does the Sri Lanka visa cost for Indians?
The ETA is completely free for Indian nationals as of May 25, 2026, under the bilateral tourism initiative extended to 40 countries. Always verify the current position at eta.gov.lk before applying, as fees can change.
Does my child need a separate Sri Lanka ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, including infants, requires their own individual ETA. Children are not covered under a parent’s application.
How early should I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?
Apply at least 3–7 days before travel. Most applications are approved within 24 hours, but having additional time means you can address any correction requests without stress. 15 days in advance is a comfortable buffer.
What could cause my Sri Lanka ETA to be rejected?
The Sri Lanka government does not publish specific rejection criteria. The most important factor is accuracy. Every detail must match your passport exactly. Common issues include mismatches in passport number, name, or date of birth on the application form.
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
Yes. Tourist visa extensions are available through the Department of Immigration in Colombo or online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk. The maximum total stay is 270 days from your date of arrival, across three extension stages. Apply before your current permitted stay expires.
