Looking for Sri Lanka Visa for Indian Citizen? If yes, now you don’t need visa to enter into Sri Lanka but you need to apply for ETA for purposes like tourism, business, and others. Before applying, you should know everything about Sri Lanka visas for Indians such as Sri Lanka visa types, the process to apply for a Sri Lanka visa, fees, Sri Lanka visa requirements for Indian citizens, processing time, and many more.
Itzeazy is the best Sri Lanka visa agent in India. We have a team of experienced visa consultants to help and guide the visa application process.
Sri Lanka Visa for Indians
- Visa Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required before travel.
- Cost: Free of charge (Visa fee waived for Indian nationals)
- Stay Duration: 30 days (Includes double-entry facility)
- Processing Time: 1 to 3 business days (Usually approved within 24 hours)
- Passport Validity: Minimum 6 months from the date of arrival with at least 2 blank pages
Does India Need a Sri Lanka visa?
Sri Lanka offers Indian citizens a free entry authorisation for eligible tourist visits. However, you must still apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your trip. The visa fee waiver does not mean you can travel without prior approval.
Free ETA Policy vs. Visa Exemption
Indian citizens can apply for free ETA for eligible tourist visits to Sri Lanka. This means you do not have to pay the usual visa processing fee, but you must complete the online application before travelling.
A visa exemption allows travellers to enter a country without applying for a visa or travel authorisation in advance. Sri Lanka’s free ETA policy is different. You must apply online and receive approval before your trip.
Can You Travel to Sri Lanka Without ETA?
No. If an ETA is required for your trip, you should obtain approval before heading to the airport. Airlines may check your travel authorisation during check-in and can deny boarding if you do not meet Sri Lanka’s entry requirements.
Keep your ETA approval confirmation handy, either as a printed copy or on your phone. Do not assume you can complete the application after arriving in Sri Lanka.
Types of Sri Lanka Visas for Indians
The type of Sri Lanka visa you need depends on your reason for travelling. Indian passport holders may need a tourist, business or transit authorisation for a short stay. Each category has different entry rules, fees and permitted activities.
1. Tourist ETA (30-Day Double Entry)
The Tourist ETA is for Indian citizens visiting Sri Lanka for a holiday, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, or eligible short-term medical treatment.
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days, subject to the conditions of your approval.
- Entry rules: The standard tourist authorisation allows double entry within its validity period, subject to the applicable conditions.
- Restrictions: You cannot use a tourist ETA to take up employment or work for a local business in Sri Lanka.
Apply under the tourist category if you are visiting for leisure rather than business.
2. Business ETA (30-Day Multiple Entry)
The Business ETA is for travellers visiting Sri Lanka for activities such as business meetings, negotiations, conferences, seminars or eligible short-term training.
- Stay duration: The permitted stay depends on the authorisation issued to you.
- Entry rules: Entry permissions depend on the business authorisation granted. Confirm whether your approval allows single or multiple entries.
- Documents: You may need an invitation letter from the company or organisation hosting you in Sri Lanka.
- Restrictions: A business ETA does not allow you to take up regular employment in Sri Lanka.
Choose this category if your trip involves professional or commercial activities rather than tourism. Check the specific conditions for your intended activities before applying.
3. Transit Visa (Up to 48 Hours)
The Transit ETA is intended for travellers passing through Sri Lanka on their way to another country.
- Stay duration: Up to 48 hours, subject to the conditions of the authorisation.
- Entry rules: The permitted entry depends on your transit authorisation and travel arrangements.
- Documents: Keep your confirmed onward ticket and any visa required for your final destination ready for inspection.
If you plan to leave the airport during your layover, check whether you need transit authorisation or another entry permit. Travellers who remain in the international transit area may be subject to different requirements.
Sri Lanka Visa Fees for Indians in 2026
As of May 2026, Indian citizens are eligible for a fee waiver on tourist ETA applications under Sri Lanka’s applicable scheme. However, the fee depends on the type of authorisation you need and how you apply.
According to the official Sri Lanka ETA fee schedule, the fees should be checked before submitting your application.
Sri Lanka Visa Fee Structure for Indians
| Visa type | Online application fee | Fee on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (30 days, double entry) | Free | $25 USD |
| Business ETA | $30 | Not Available On-Arrival |
| Transit ETA (up to 48 hours) | Free | Free |
Before travelling, check the latest fees and entry conditions on the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.
Documents Required for Sri Lanka ETA for Indians
You need your passport and travel details to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA. For a tourist ETA, you generally do not need to upload scanned documents or photographs.
Documents Required for the Online ETA Application
- Valid Indian passport: Enter your passport number, date of birth, issue date and expiry date.
- Email address: Use an active email address to receive your ETA approval.
- Accommodation details: Keep your hotel or host’s address in Sri Lanka ready if required.
- Business invitation letter: If you apply for a business ETA, keep the invitation letter from your host organisation ready.
Documents to Carry When Travelling to Sri Lanka
Keep these documents ready for immigration checks:
- Original passport: Check that it meets Sri Lanka’s validity requirements, generally at least six months from your arrival date.
- ETA approval notice: Save a digital copy and carry a printed copy.
- Return or onward ticket: Keep proof of your planned departure from Sri Lanka.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Be ready to show that you can cover your expenses during your stay.
- Hotel booking confirmation: Keep your accommodation details handy in case immigration asks for them.
How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA Online
Follow these steps to apply for Sri Lanka ETA online:
Step 1: Open the Official ETA Portal
Visit eta.gov.lk and select your preferred language. Click Apply in the top menu. Read the terms and click I Agree to continue.
Step 2: Select Tourist ETA
Under the Tourist ETA section, select Apply for an Individual. If your family members are travelling with you, complete an application for each traveller, including children, as required by the portal.
Step 3: Enter Your Passport Details
Fill in the application form using the details on your passport:
- Full name
- Date of birth and gender
- Country of birth and nationality
- Passport number
- Passport issue and expiry dates
Select India as your nationality.
Step 4: Enter Your Travel Details
Provide the information requested in the form:
- Purpose of visit: Select tourism or sightseeing.
- Arrival date: Enter your planned arrival date.
- Accommodation: Provide your hotel or host’s address in Sri Lanka, if requested.
- Contact details: Enter your email address and telephone number.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application
Answer the declaration questions and check your details carefully before submitting the form. Correct any errors before proceeding.
Submit your application and save your reference number for future correspondence.
What Happens After You Apply?
Check your email for the application acknowledgement and ETA decision. Processing times may vary, so apply early and confirm that your ETA has been approved before travelling.
Save a copy of your approval notice on your phone and print one for your records. Check your airline’s document requirements before departure.
Sri Lanka ETA Processing Time and Application Status
How Long Does Sri Lanka ETA Approval Take?
Your Sri Lanka ETA may be approved quickly, but processing times can vary. Apply in advance and wait for your ETA Approval Notice before travelling.
The official Sri Lanka ETA website provides application and status-checking services. An acknowledgement email confirms that your application was received. It is not proof of approval.
How to Check Your Sri Lanka ETA Status Online
You can check your application status on the official ETA status page.
Step 1: Open the Status Page
Visit the official ETA website and select Check Status, or open the status page directly.
Step 2: Enter Your Details
You can check your application in either of these ways:
- If you have your confirmation code: Enter the code and your passport number.
- If you do not have your confirmation code: Select the option indicating that the code is unknown, then enter your passport number, nationality and date of birth.
Step 3: Check Your Application Status
The portal will display your current application status.
- Approved: Download or save your ETA approval notice.
- Pending: Your application has not yet received a final decision. Check again later.
- Referred: Your application needs further review. Follow the instructions provided by the immigration authorities.
Sri Lanka Visa Extension Rules for Indians
If you want to stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, you can apply to extend your tourist visa. Your extension is subject to approval and the applicable fees.
Can You Extend a 30-Day Tourist Visa in Sri Lanka?
Yes. You can apply to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days. The Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E) decides whether to approve your extension and for how long.
Process to Apply for Extension at DI&E Colombo
Follow these steps to apply for a visa extension:
- Open the official portal: Visit the Sri Lanka visa extension portal.
- Register or sign in: Use your email address to access the online service.
- Complete the application: Enter your personal, passport and visa details as requested.
- Upload the required documents: Follow the portal’s instructions for submitting your passport bio-data page, photograph and any other requested documents.
- Submit your application: Review your details and submit the form.
- Follow the next steps: Check your email for updates, payment instructions or an appointment requirement.
- Visit the immigration office if required: Follow the instructions issued by the Department for any in-person verification or visa endorsement.
Important: Apply before your current permission to stay expires.
FAQ’s
Is Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival Available for Indian Citizens?
You should apply for a Sri Lanka ETA online before travelling. Although an ETA application facility may be available at Bandaranaike International Airport, airport processing fees and entry conditions may differ from those for online applications.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA Completely Free for Indians?
Yes, eligible Indian citizens can apply for a tourist ETA without paying the online processing fee under Sri Lanka’s applicable fee-waiver scheme.
What Should You Do If Your Sri Lanka ETA Application Is Delayed or Rejected?
If you have not received your ETA approval, follow these steps:
- Check the Portal First: Enter your details on the official status page. Your approval might already be sitting there even if the email notification failed to send.
- Call the Official Support Line: Dial 0094 71 99 67 888 if your flight is coming up soon and the portal still shows your application as pending. This rings the round-the-clock immigration help desk in Sri Lanka.
- Manage a Referral Status: Stop your airport travel if the portal displays a “Referral Notice” instead of an approval. You cannot board your flight with this status. Contact the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai to sort out manually.
Do Children Below 12 Years Need a Separate ETA for Sri Lanka?
Yes, children under 12 years old must have their own separate ETA, but it is issued entirely free of charge.
Leave a Reply