🇮🇳India

🇱🇰Sri LankaIN-LK

India to Sri Lanka visa requirements

Q: Is the Sri Lanka ETA really free for Indians?

Yes. For tourism, family visits and short visits the ETA fee is waived for Indian nationals under the scheme retained for 40 countries. Business travellers still pay the standard levy.

Q: Can I still get a visa on arrival in Colombo?

No. Since 7 November 2025 the visa-on-arrival fallback was removed. You must have an approved ETA before boarding your flight.

Q: How long can I stay on the free ETA?

Up to 30 days, with double entry. You can extend in-country (with a fee) up to a total of 270 days.

Q: How long does ETA approval take?

Usually a few minutes, but allow up to 24 hours during busy periods. Apply at least a day or two before departure.

Q: Where is the official site to apply?

Only at https://eta.gov.lk. Avoid third-party sites that charge a fee for the free authorization.

Indian passport holders need a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), obtained online before departure, for a 30-day tourist stay in Sri Lanka. As of 2026, India ordinary passport holders cannot enter Sri Lanka without prior authorization, but the tourist ETA fee is fully waived. Sri Lanka first granted fee-free ETA access to Indian nationals under a pilot in October 2023; this was made permanent and expanded to 40 countries (effective around 25 May 2026), with India retained. Crucially, since 7 November 2025 the ETA must be obtained online BEFORE boarding — the old visa-on-arrival fallback was removed and airlines enforce a "no ETA, no boarding" rule. The free ETA grants a 30-day stay with double entry for tourism, family visits and short visits. Travellers still need a passport valid 6+ months, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Stays can be extended in-country (with a fee) up to 270 days. Always apply via the official portal eta.gov.lk; many lookalike third-party sites charge unnecessary service fees.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMDOUBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), fee-waived for Indian tourists

Maximum stay

30 days from arrival

per entry

Entries

Double entry

from issue date

Visa fee

Free (LKR 0 / USD 0) for tourism

consular fee only

Processing time

A few minutes to 24 hours

standard track

Validity

Approval valid for entry within the issued period; grants a 30-day stay

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport and documents

Ensure your Indian passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival and has blank pages. Have a confirmed return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation ready.

· 6-month validity· Return ticket

/02

Open the official ETA portal

Go only to the official Sri Lanka ETA website at https://eta.gov.lk. Avoid third-party agents that add service charges for what is a free authorization.

· eta.gov.lk· Official only

/03

Complete the online application

Select the Tourist ETA category, enter your passport and travel details, and submit. The form takes only a few minutes.

· Tourist category· Passport details

/04

Pay nothing (fee waived)

For Indian tourist applicants the ETA fee is currently zero. You will not be charged a visa fee on the official portal for tourism.

· Fee waived· Tourism

/05

Receive ETA approval

Approval usually arrives by email within minutes, occasionally up to 24 hours. Apply at least a day or two before your flight.

· Email approval· Apply early

/06

Print and carry on arrival

Carry a printed copy of the ETA approval. Airlines now enforce a no-ETA-no-boarding rule, and immigration at Bandaranaike (Colombo) airport will check it.

· Print approval· Pre-boarding check

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

India -> Sri Lanka · Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), fee-waived for Indian tourists

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredIndian passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredApproved ETA obtained online before departure

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedPrinted copy of ETA approval

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking / host address)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds for the stay

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedAt least one blank passport page

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

recommended

RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the trip

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedApply only via official eta.gov.lk, not third-party sites

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesSri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration — Visa Information Official Sri Lanka ETA Portal VisaHQ — Sri Lanka mandates pre-departure ETA, keeps fee waiver for Indian tourists (Nov 2025)

Application link included: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration & Emigration — Visa Information

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist ETA fee (Indian nationals)FreeFee waived for tourism under the 40-country free-ETA scheme retained for India

Third-party agent service chargeVariesAvoidable — only incurred if you use a non-official site; the official portal is free

Visa extension (in-country, beyond 30 days)From ~USD 100+Optional, paid at the Department of Immigration in Colombo; up to 270 days total

Total estimate0 — 0incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Official online ETA (eta.gov.lk)

Minutes to 24 hours

The only valid route. Free for Indian tourists; apply a day or two before travel to allow for peak-period delays.

Third-party visa agent

Varies

Not necessary and adds a service fee for a free authorization; not recommended.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Pre-departure ETA is mandatory

Since 7 November 2025, all short-stay visitors must hold an approved ETA before boarding; airlines deny boarding without it.

High

/02

No visa-on-arrival fallback

The previous option to obtain authorization on arrival at Colombo was removed, so you cannot rely on getting it at the airport.

High

/03

Passport validity under 6 months

Indian passports must be valid at least 6 months from arrival or entry can be refused.

Medium

/04

Using unofficial websites

Lookalike portals charge fees for the free ETA and can submit incorrect data; always use eta.gov.lk.

Medium

/05

Overstaying the 30-day limit

The free ETA permits a 30-day stay; remaining longer without an in-country extension leads to penalties.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

India to Sri Lanka route verified

Confirmed mandatory pre-departure ETA (since Nov 2025) with fee waived for Indian tourists; 30-day double-entry stay, verified against Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and current 2026 reporting.

/09 — The questions