Sri Lanka visa for Indian travellers

Sri Lanka Visa for Indians: Requirements, Fees & Entry Rules

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Sri Lanka Visa for Indians

Visa Status

e-Visa

Maximum Stay

30 days

Application

Online via official e-Visa portal

Last Verified

2026-08-01

Quick Answer

Indian passport holders need an e-Visa for Sri Lanka. The fee is USD 25 (SAARC rate, approx. ₹2,050) for a 30-day double-entry tourist e-Visa. Apply online through the official ETA portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days.

Sri Lanka is a close and convenient destination for Indian travellers, offering beaches, tea plantations, ancient cities, wildlife safaris, and a rich cultural heritage. Indian passport holders need an e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online through the official ETA portal. As a SAARC member country, Indian passport holders benefit from a reduced visa fee. This guide covers the e-Visa process, fees, required documents, and entry requirements for Indian travellers visiting Sri Lanka.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, Indian passport holders require an e-Visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. The e-Visa must be obtained before travel through the official online portal. An on-arrival ETA option exists but is not recommended, as it may involve additional fees and delays.

How Long Indians Can Stay in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka tourist e-Visa allows a stay of 30 days with double entry. The visa can be extended for up to 90 days total by applying at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before the original 30-day period expires.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa

The tourist e-Visa (ETA) is the standard visa for Indian leisure travellers visiting Sri Lanka. It is issued electronically, allows double entry, and is valid for 30 days. The e-Visa is linked to your passport and presented as a printed copy at immigration.

Sri Lanka e-Visa

The Sri Lanka e-Visa (ETA) is applied for online at the official portal eta.gov.lk. You fill in your passport details, upload a photograph, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive the approved ETA by email. Print the ETA and carry it with your passport when travelling. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days for standard applications and 24 hours for express applications.

Sri Lanka Entry Requirements

To enter Sri Lanka, Indian passport holders need: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a printed copy of the approved ETA, a confirmed return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds.

Passport validity

Minimum 6 months from date of entry

e-Visa type

Tourist e-Visa, double entry, 30 days

SAARC rate

Discounted fee of USD 25 for SAARC country passport holders including India

Entry points

Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) and designated seaports and land borders

Documents Required

Documents required for the Sri Lanka e-Visa application include: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-size photograph, confirmed return flight ticket details, hotel booking confirmation, and a valid email address. A credit or debit card is needed for fee payment.

Sri Lanka Visa Fees

The Sri Lanka tourist e-Visa costs USD 25 (approx. ₹2,050) for Indian passport holders, as India is a SAARC member country. The non-SAARC fee is USD 50. Express processing (24-hour turnaround) is available for an additional fee. The fee is non-refundable.

Sri Lanka Visa Application Process

The Sri Lanka e-Visa is applied for entirely online through the official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk. No visit to an embassy or consulate is required. The process takes 3 to 5 working days for standard processing and 24 hours for express processing.

1

Visit the official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk.

2

Fill in your passport details and upload a passport-size photograph.

3

Pay the USD 25 fee (SAARC rate) by credit or debit card.

4

Receive the approved ETA by email within 3–5 working days (or 24 hours for express).

5

Print the ETA and carry it with your passport. Present it at immigration on arrival.

Sri Lanka Visa Processing Time

Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Express processing delivers the ETA within 24 hours for an additional fee. It is recommended to apply at least 1 week before your travel date.

Sri Lanka Visa Extension

The 30-day tourist e-Visa can be extended for up to 90 days total. Extension applications must be made at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before the original 30-day period expires. Additional fees and supporting documents may be required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes include: applying through unofficial third-party websites that charge extra fees (always use eta.gov.lk), not carrying a printed copy of the ETA, having a passport with less than 6 months validity, and not applying far enough in advance. Also, note that the SAARC rate applies only to SAARC member country passport holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Indian passport holders need an e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka. The e-Visa can be applied for online through the official portal eta.gov.lk. The fee is USD 25 for SAARC country passport holders.
How much does a Sri Lanka e-Visa cost for Indians?
The Sri Lanka tourist e-Visa costs USD 25 (approx. ₹2,050) for Indian passport holders, as India is a SAARC member country. Express processing (24 hours) is available for an additional fee.
How long can Indians stay in Sri Lanka?
The tourist e-Visa allows a stay of 30 days with double entry. The visa can be extended for up to 90 days total by applying at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before the original 30-day period expires.
How do I apply for a Sri Lanka e-Visa?
Apply online at the official portal eta.gov.lk. Fill in your passport details, upload your photograph, pay the USD 25 fee by credit or debit card, and receive the e-Visa by email within 3–5 working days (or 24 hours for express).
Can I get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival?
Sri Lanka offers an on-arrival ETA for nationals of certain countries, but it is strongly recommended for Indian travellers to obtain the e-Visa online before travel to avoid delays at the airport. The on-arrival ETA may incur an additional fee.

Official Sri Lanka Visa Resources

Sri Lanka visa information is published by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. The official ETA portal is eta.gov.lk. Refer to the official immigration website at immigration.gov.lk for the most current visa policies.

Last verified: 2026-08-01. Visa rules can change. Always confirm with official sources before travel.

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Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last verified on 2026-08-01. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy website or your travel agent before applying. VacationTrips does not guarantee that this information is current at the time of your travel.