🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Visa for Indians (Tourist Visa Guide 2026)
Sri Lanka is one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travelers, thanks to its close proximity, affordable travel costs, beautiful beaches, ancient temples, wildlife parks, and rich culture. If you are planning a holiday, family visit, or short business trip, understanding the Sri Lanka visa requirements for Indians is essential before booking your flights.
This complete guide explains whether Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka, visa types, requirements, documents, fees, processing time, and step-by-step application instructions for 2026.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa to travel to Sri Lanka.
However, the good news is that Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, making the visa process quick and simple for Indians. Most Indian tourists apply online and receive approval without visiting an embassy.
In some periods, Sri Lanka also announces visa-free or free ETA entry for Indians, so it’s important to check the latest updates before applying.
Types of Sri Lanka Visas Available for Indians
Indian travelers can apply for different types of Sri Lanka visas depending on their purpose of travel:
- Tourist Visa (ETA) – For holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives
- Business Visa – For meetings, conferences, or short business visits
- Transit Visa – For short layovers while traveling to another country
For most travelers, the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa (ETA) is sufficient.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa for Indians (ETA)
The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is the most common visa used by Indian tourists.
Key features of Sri Lanka Tourist ETA:
- Applied online
- No embassy visit required
- Available as single or double entry
- Allows short stays for tourism
This system makes Sri Lanka one of the easiest countries for Indians to visit.
Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa, Indian citizens must meet the following basic requirements:
- Valid Indian passport
- Passport validity of at least 6 months from arrival date
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation details
- Sufficient funds for the stay
- Valid email address
Most applications are approved quickly if these conditions are met.
Documents Required for Sri Lanka Visa (Indians)
Mandatory Documents
- Passport (scanned copy or details)
- Passport-size photograph (if requested)
- Flight booking details
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Email ID for ETA approval
Additional Documents (Rarely Asked)
- Proof of funds
- Invitation letter (if visiting friends or family)
Sri Lanka Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
Sri Lanka visa fees can change based on government policies. As of recent updates:
- Tourist ETA fee: Usually low or sometimes waived for Indians
- Business ETA fee: Higher than tourist visa
- Transit visa: Often free or minimal cost
💡 Tip: Always apply only through the official Sri Lanka ETA website to avoid extra charges.
How to Apply for Sri Lanka Visa from India (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa online:
- Visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website
- Select “Tourist ETA”
- Fill in personal and passport details
- Enter travel details (arrival date, port of entry)
- Make the online payment (if applicable)
- Submit the application
- Receive ETA approval via email
Print or save the ETA approval and carry it while traveling.
Sri Lanka Visa Processing Time for Indians
- Standard processing time: 24–72 hours
- Urgent cases: Sometimes approved within a few hours
Delays may occur during peak travel seasons or if incorrect details are submitted.
Sri Lanka Visa Validity & Duration of Stay
- Visa validity: Usually valid for 30 days from arrival
- Stay allowed: Up to 30 days
- Entry type: Single or double entry (depending on selection)
Visa extensions are possible in Sri Lanka but must be applied for before expiry.
Can Indians Get Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival?
Sri Lanka does allow Visa on Arrival for some travelers, but Indians are strongly advised to apply for ETA in advance.
Why ETA is better:
- Faster airport clearance
- No risk of rejection on arrival
- More convenient and stress-free
Sri Lanka Visa Rejection Reasons (For Indians)
Although rare, visa rejections can happen due to:
- Incorrect passport details
- Passport validity less than 6 months
- Mismatch in travel details
- Previous immigration violations
- Incomplete or false information
Always double-check your application before submitting.
Travel Tips for Indians Visiting Sri Lanka
- Best time to visit: December to April
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- SIM cards are easily available at the airport
- Carry a mix of cash and international cards
- Respect local customs and dress modestly at temples
Best Travel Insurance for Sri Lanka (Highly Recommended)
While travel insurance is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for Indian travelers visiting Sri Lanka.
Travel insurance covers:
- Medical emergencies
- Hospitalization
- Trip cancellations
- Lost baggage
- Flight delays
👉 Check: Best Travel Insurance for International Trips (Indians)
Related Visa Guides for Indians
You may also find these guides useful:
- Thailand Visa for Indians
- Malaysia Visa for Indians
- Singapore Visa for Indians
- Bali (Indonesia) Visa for Indians
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Sri Lanka visa free for Indians?
Sri Lanka occasionally offers visa-free or free ETA entry for Indians. Always check the latest rules before applying.
How long can Indians stay in Sri Lanka?
Indian tourists can usually stay up to 30 days on a tourist visa.
Is Sri Lanka safe for Indian tourists?
Yes, Sri Lanka is generally safe for Indian tourists. Follow basic travel safety precautions.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka tourist visa?
Yes, tourist visas can be extended by applying at the immigration office in Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka visa on arrival guaranteed for Indians?
Visa on arrival is available but not guaranteed. Applying for ETA in advance is safer.
Can I apply for Sri Lanka visa from my mobile?
Yes, the ETA application can be completed using a mobile phone or computer.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka remains one of the easiest and most affordable international destinations for Indian travelers. With the ETA system, getting a Sri Lanka visa is quick, simple, and hassle-free. Apply in advance, keep your documents ready, and enjoy a smooth travel experience.
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