Sri Lanka visa for Indian citizens
Visa-free for Indian passport holders
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How to apply
Online
ETA must be submitted 24–48 hours before your flight
(Usually processed and approved within 60 minutes)
Documents required
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Passport
- Return Ticket
- Accommodation
- Funds
- Passport-size photographs
Official links
Always confirm the latest rules on the official site before you apply.
Pre-visa checklist
Proof of Accommodation
Return or onward (to other destination) flight
₹3,000 to 6,000 per day
(LKR 10,000 to 20,000)
But, strongly recommended
Yellow Fever Certificate - only if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with a high risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
India is NOT considered a Yellow Fever risk zone.
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Things to know
- Airport Boarding Hassles: One point of agreement among travellers is that you should always apply for the free ETA online in advance. Ground staff at Indian airports are occasionally misinformed and deny boarding if you do not have the pre-approved digital ETA document printout.
- On-Arrival Backup - Avoid It: While a "Visa on Arrival" desk exists at Bandaranaike Airport, opting for it means standing in slow lines and paying a USD 25 fee—whereas applying online in advance makes it completely free.
- Approval Timeline: Varies Widely: Most online approvals arrive via email within 5 to 30 minutes, but system glitches can extend this up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3–7 days before departure to handle any processing lag.
- Financial Logistics: As suggested by a travellers, Sri Lanka is a highly cash-heavy economy. Even if you carry a Zero Forex credit card or a low-fee debit card, ensure you carry enough local currency or cash to convert for entry fees and local transport.
- Third-Party Visa Scams: Travellers strongly advise avoiding visa agent platforms like Atlys, which charge high convenience fees. The official Sri Lanka ETA Portal handles applications completely free for Indian citizens.
- Document Enforcement: While Sri Lankan immigration officials rarely inspect everything, consensus is to carry physical printouts of your return flight ticket, hotel bookings, and proof of funds (at least a few hundred USD or equivalent) just in case.
- Extensions: Extensions are granted in stages (such as an additional 30 days for the first extension, followed by 60 days or more for subsequent requests) through the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Apply for your extension online or at the head office in Colombo at least 1 to 2 weeks before your initial 30-day visa expires.
Extension Fees for Tourist Visas:
Days 31 to 60: US$ 60
Days 61 to 180: US$ 150
Days 181 to 270: US$ 200
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Visa rules and fees change often, and costs are shown in INR and are approximate. This page is for information only and is not legal, financial or immigration advice. Information last updated 31 October 2026.
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