Sri Lanka visa for Indian passport holders

Indian nationals apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before flying to Sri Lanka.

e-VisaUp to 30 days, extendable

Sources Documents How to apply Good to know FAQs Plan your trip

Authority first

Verify the rule with the destination government

Deal4Flight turns published requirements into a planning checklist. The official immigration or embassy source remains authoritative and should be checked again before booking and departure.

Open official portal

Passport validity

At least 6 months from date of entry

Stay duration

Up to 30 days, extendable

Government fee

Varies by current government policy — sometimes free promotional periods apply; check the latest fee before applying

Processing

Usually within 24 hours; often instant for straightforward applications

Official information and traveller support

Official portal

Sri Lanka ETA Official Portal

Documents required

Passport valid for 6+ months
Recent digital passport-size photograph
Confirmed return or onward travel ticket
Valid email address to receive the ETA approval

Step-by-step: how to apply

1
Apply online for the ETA
Fill in the Sri Lanka ETA application with passport and travel details on the official ETA portal.
2
Upload your photo
Provide a recent digital photograph as specified in the form.
3
Pay the applicable fee
Pay online if the current policy requires a fee for Indian nationals — check before paying via third-party sites.
4
Receive ETA approval by email
Approval is typically emailed within a day; print or save it on your phone.
5
Travel and present ETA at immigration
Show your ETA approval and passport at Bandaranaike International Airport immigration.

Entry readiness

What to verify before booking and boarding

Entry eligibility is broader than the visa itself. Use these checks alongside the destination's official portal and your airline's travel-document guidance.

Trip purpose and duration

Confirm that e-visa conditions cover your real reason for visiting Sri Lanka and your complete intended stay.

Names and passport details

Match the booking, application and passport exactly. Check expiry, blank pages and physical condition.

Onward travel and accommodation

Keep return or onward tickets, stay details and host information accessible offline when required.

Transit and arrival formalities

Check every connection for transit permission, baggage recheck, terminal change, health or digital arrival forms.

Avoid delays and refusal

Common issues travellers can prevent

Using an unofficial application site that adds fees or captures personal data.
Submitting an unclear scan, unsuitable photograph or inconsistent passport details.
Assuming a valid visa removes the need for onward travel, funds or accommodation evidence.
Ignoring transit rules because the traveller does not plan to leave the airport.

Good to know

• Only use the official Sri Lanka ETA website or authorised channels — many lookalike sites charge inflated 'service fees'.
• ETA is tied to your passport number, so double-check details before submitting.
• A short-stay extension can be requested from the Department of Immigration in Colombo if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sri Lanka visa-free for Indians?

Policy has changed periodically — at times Indian nationals have had visa-free access for short stays, at other times an ETA fee applies. Always check the current rule before applying.

How soon before travel should I apply?

Apply at least a few days before departure, though many approvals come through within 24 hours.

Does a Sri Lanka visa or entry exemption guarantee admission?

No. The airline checks whether you appear eligible to travel, while Sri Lanka immigration makes the final entry decision. Keep your passport, onward travel, accommodation and any requested supporting evidence ready.

Should I book non-refundable flights before confirming Sri Lanka entry requirements?

Avoid non-refundable commitments until you understand the applicable entry route, document requirements and processing time, unless you accept the risk or an application specifically requires a reservation.

This guide is general information for Indian passport holders, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees, documents and processing times change often — always confirm current requirements on the Sri Lanka government's official immigration or embassy website, or through a licensed visa agent, before applying or booking non-refundable travel.