Sri Lanka Visa for Indians 2026: Fees, Process & Types

INR figures are approximate; confirm the exact USD-to-INR rate at the time of payment.

Tourist ETA — Free for Indians (Most Common)

The tourist ETA is the most relevant visa for Indian travelers visiting Sri Lanka for sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends and family, medical treatment (including Ayurvedic and yoga), or participating in cultural and sporting events.

Fee: FREE (government processing fee waived)

Validity: 30 days from date of arrival

Entry Type: Double entry within the 30-day period

Maximum Stay: Up to 270 days with extensions (30 initial + 60 + 90 + 90 days)

Processing Time: Usually 24-48 hours, often instant

Eligibility: All Indian passport holders (ordinary, diplomatic, official, service)

Key Requirements:

• Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity from arrival date
• Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Valid email address for ETA approval delivery

Important: The "free" aspect refers to the waived government fee, not the elimination of the authorization requirement itself. You must still complete the full ETA application online before departure.

For tourism-specific guidance, see our detailed Sri Lanka tourist visa guide.

Business ETA — USD 30 Total (SAARC Rate)

The business ETA is for Indian professionals traveling to Sri Lanka for meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, short-term training programs, or trade exhibitions.

Fee: USD 30 total (SAARC country rate for Indian nationals — approximately INR 2,520). Non-SAARC countries pay USD 55.

Validity: 30 days from date of arrival

Entry Type: Single, double, or multiple entry

Extension: Available at head office only — USD 100 for 30-90 days, USD 200 for 90-180 days (extension fee is separate from initial ETA fee)

Processing Time: 2-4 working days

Key Requirements:

• Invitation letter from Sri Lankan company on letterhead
• Employer cover letter on company letterhead
• Business registration documents
• Valid passport with 6 months validity

Important: Business ETA does not allow paid employment or establishing a business in Sri Lanka. It is strictly for business-related visits and meetings.

For business travel guidance, see our Sri Lanka business visa guide.

Transit Visa — Free (Up to 48 Hours)

For travelers with connecting flights through Sri Lanka to another destination.

Fee: FREE for all nationalities

Validity: Up to 48 hours (2 days)

Entry Type: Single entry

Extension: Not available

Key Requirements:

• Confirmed onward ticket to final destination
• Valid passport
• Documents for final destination (visa if required)

Residence Visa — Long-Term Stays

For foreign nationals planning to work, study, retire, or reunite with family in Sri Lanka.

Categories: Employment, Investor, Religious, Student, NGO, Ex-Sri Lankan, Family Member of Sri Lankan

Fee: Varies by category (USD 100-200)

Validity: Typically 1-2 years

Application: Must be obtained through Sri Lankan missions or the Department of Immigration in Colombo

Important: You cannot convert a tourist ETA to a residence visa while in Sri Lanka. You must exit the country and apply for the appropriate visa type from abroad.

Official Visa Fees

INR figures are approximate; confirm the exact USD-to-INR rate at the time of payment. All fees are levied in US Dollars. The Sri Lankan immigration system does not accept Indian Rupees (INR) for visa fees.

Note on Business ETA: Indians pay SAARC country rates. The total business ETA cost is USD 30 for 30 days with multiple entry. Non-SAARC countries pay USD 55 for the same visa.

Maximum Stay Cost Breakdown

Third-Party Service Fees (Optional)

Recommendation: Apply directly through the official government portal (eta.gov.lk) to avoid unnecessary service charges. The process is straightforward and does not require intermediary assistance.

Core Documents (All Visa Types)

1. Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity from arrival date and at least 2 blank pages
2. Digital passport-size photograph — 35mm x 45mm, JPEG/PNG format, maximum 2 MB, white background, taken within last 6 months
3. Confirmed return or onward flight ticket — must show passenger name matching passport
4. Proof of accommodation — hotel booking confirmation with dates and guest names, or invitation letter from host in Sri Lanka
5. Valid email address — ETA approval is delivered via email only

Additional Documents by Visa Type

Indian Banking Nuances

• State Bank of India statements are universally accepted — ensure they are stamped and signed by the branch
• HDFC Bank statements are also accepted — get the branch manager's signature on each page
• For self-employed applicants: CA-certified income statement along with ITR
• Fixed deposit receipts can supplement but not replace bank statements
• Maintain a consistent balance for 3-6 months before application — sudden large deposits raise red flags

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Check whether you need a Tourist ETA (free), Business ETA (USD 30 for Indians), Transit Visa (free), or Residence Visa. For most Indian leisure travelers, the Tourist ETA is the correct choice.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all mandatory documents based on your visa category. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your intended entry date. Prepare digital copies of all documents for upload.

Step 3: Apply Through the Official ETA Portal

1. Visit eta.gov.lk and select your nationality (India)
2. Choose your visa type (Tourist, Business, or Transit)
3. Complete the online application form with passport details
4. Upload required documents in JPEG/PNG format
5. Review all entries for accuracy — even minor errors can cause delays
6. Submit the application
7. For tourist ETA: payment will show as USD 0 (free)
8. For business ETA: pay USD 30 (SAARC rate) via credit/debit card

Important: Only use the official portal at eta.gov.lk. Many fake websites charge excessive fees or steal personal information. Red flags include: URL doesn't end in ".gov.lk", charges significantly higher fees, poor English, or requests unnecessary personal information.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Tourist ETA processing is usually completed within 24-48 hours and is often instant. Business ETA takes 2-4 working days. However, the ETA system has experienced technical issues causing delays of 4-5 days in some cases. Check your email regularly (including spam folder) for the approval notification.

Recommended timeline: Apply at least 7-10 days before intended travel to allow for processing delays.

Step 5: Receive ETA Approval

Once approved, you will receive an ETA approval notice via email. Print at least 2 copies of the approval — one for carry-on luggage, one as backup. Save a digital copy on your phone for offline access.

Step 6: Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport

At Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB):

1. Present your passport and printed ETA approval at the immigration counter
2. Immigration officer verifies your documents
3. Receive your visitor permit stamp (30 days for tourist ETA)
4. Proceed to baggage claim and customs

Documents to carry at entry:

• Passport with 6+ months validity
• Printed ETA approval (2 copies)
• Return flight ticket
• Accommodation proof
• Sufficient funds proof (recommended: USD 50-75 per day)

High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi

• Address: 27, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2301 0201 / +91 11 2301 0203
• Email: slhc.newdelhi@mfa.gov.lk
• Website: hc-newdelhi.gov.lk (website moved from slhcindia.org)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai

• Address: 11, Jolly Maker Apartments, 14th Floor, Cuffe Colar, Mumbai 400070
• Phone: +91 22 2218 4201 / +91 22 2218 4202
• Email: cg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk

Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Chennai

• Address: No. 22, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600018
• Phone: +91 44 2498 5661 / +91 44 2498 5662
• Email: cslchennai@rediffmail.com

Indian High Commission in Colombo (Sri Lanka)

• Address: 36-38, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
• Phone: +94 11 2327587 / +94 11 2422788
• Emergency Helpline: +94 77 7553193 (24/7)
• Email: hoc.colombo@mea.gov.in
• Website: hcicolombo.gov.in

Indian Deputy High Commission, Kandy

• Address: 31, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Phone: +94 81 2222652
• Email: dhc.kandy@mea.gov.in

Indian Consulate, Jaffna

• Address: 127, K.K.S. Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
• Phone: +94 21 2218450
• Email: cons.jaffna@mea.gov.in

Sri Lanka Immigration Division

• Address: "Suhurupaya", Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Phone: +94 11 532 9300
• Email: info@immigration.gov.lk
• Website: immigration.gov.lk
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM (token numbers till 2:00 PM)

Emergency Numbers in Sri Lanka

• Police: 119
• Ambulance: 110 / 1990
• Fire & Rescue: 111
• Tourist Police: 1912 (24/7 hotline)

What affects processing time:

• Completeness of application — missing documents cause the biggest delays
• Technical issues with the ETA system — delays of 4-5 days have been reported
• Peak season — December to February may have longer processing
• Application accuracy — errors in passport details cause delays
• Email delivery — check spam folder if approval not received

Tip: The ETA system has experienced technical issues. If your application is pending for more than 48 hours, contact Sri Lanka Immigration at +94 11 532 9300 or info@immigration.gov.lk.

Understanding common visa rejection reasons helps you prepare a stronger application. See our detailed guide on visa rejection reasons.

Financial Documentation (Most Critical)

While the tourist ETA does not explicitly require financial proof, immigration officers may ask for it at the airport. Demonstrating sufficient financial means strengthens your entry.

What to provide:

• Bank statements for last 3-6 months showing consistent balance
• No sudden large deposits in the month before application
• Salary credits matching employment letter
• Credit card statements showing spending capacity

Recommended amount: At least USD 50-75 per day of stay. For a 10-day trip, carry proof of USD 500-750.

Rejection Patterns — Why Indian Applications Get Refused

Commonly Missing Documents

• Purpose of visit letter (for business ETA)
• Host declaration with address and contact details (if staying with friends/family)
• Financial proof (bank statements for last 3 months)
• Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)

Based on our work with Indian applicants for Sri Lanka visas, here are patterns we observe:

Common Rejection Patterns:

• Passport validity less than 6 months from intended entry date — the single most common reason for refusal at the airport
• Applying through fake ETA websites that charge USD 50-100 for a free service — always verify the URL ends in ".gov.lk"
• Name mismatch between passport and flight booking — even minor spelling differences cause delays
• Using temporary or work email addresses that applicants cannot access during travel

Processing Trends:

• Tourist ETA approval is usually instant or within 24 hours during off-peak months (April to October)
• Business ETA consistently takes 2-4 working days regardless of season
• The ETA system has experienced intermittent technical issues causing delays of 4-5 days — not predictable, but more common during peak application periods
• Airport ETA facility at Bandaranaike International Airport is available but charges additional fees — always apply online before departure
• Peak application period: December to February (holiday season and Sri Lanka summer)
• India remains Sri Lanka's largest source of tourists with over 2 million arrivals recorded in 2024
• The free ETA scheme was extended through December 2025 and made permanent effective May 25, 2026

Frequently Missing Documents:

• Purpose of visit letter for business ETA applicants — must be on Sri Lankan company letterhead
• Host declaration with address and contact details when staying with friends or family in Sri Lanka
• Financial proof (bank statements for last 3 months) — not mandatory for tourist ETA but may be requested at airport
• Travel insurance — recommended but not mandatory; helps if medical emergency arises

Sri Lanka Visa Guides

• Sri Lanka visit visa
• Work visa for Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka visa requirements
• Sri Lanka tourist visa requirements
• Sri Lanka business visa requirements

Nearby Destinations

• Malaysia visa for Indians
• Indonesia visa for Indians
• Singapore visa for Indians

Useful Resources

• Complete Visa Guide for Indian Travellers