Sri Lanka Visa for Indians: Eligibility, Types, Fees, Application Process, and Rules

Sri Lanka Visa for Indians Complete Guide 2026: Eligibility, Types, Fees, Application Process, and Rules

An increasing number of tourists across the country have been applying for a Sri Lanka visa for Indians, thanks to Sri Lanka's allure as a premier, cost-effective, and a short-haul international holiday hotspot in South Asia. It promises easy flight accessibility, shared religious and cultural ties, and visa-friendly policies. Indians can explore Ramayana-related sites, wildlife sanctuaries, the historic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient temples, spice plantations, and pristine beaches.

A free 30-day ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Sri Lanka visa for Indians on arrival is an option, but the official requirement is that tourists apply for this online before travel. Established and trusted travel agencies like Al Mahad Tours and Travels assist Indians year-round to obtain an ETA for Sri Lanka, processing even complex visa applications with ease at minimal service charges. Our fast-track processing ensures you receive your Sri Lanka visa within the standard 1 to 3 working days.

What is a Sri Lanka Visa?

A Sri Lanka visa is a mandatory legal travel document allowing foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country legally, for tourism, business, work, or study. The commonest method is to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online, which is typically a pre-approval resulting in a 30-day visa upon arrival. Tourist visas to Sri Lanka can generally be extended for up to 90 days or longer after arrival, subject to terms.

Indians can apply for a visa to Sri Lanka for tourism and sightseeing or leisure, business, residence, work, study, and transit purposes. The eligibility, entry-type, and duration for each type varies from one to another, and a specific set of documents must also be prepared to be submitted alongside the Sri Lanka visa application from India.

Who Can Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa from India?

All Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport and meeting the required eligibility criteria can apply for a Sri Lanka visa. The 30-day double-entry ETA, also interchangeably referred to as a Sri Lanka visa on arrival (VoA) for Indians, is currently free of cost, and can be used for tourism, transit, or business purposes. However, Indians must apply for this beforehand and get approval.

A limited facility to obtain a Sri Lanka ETA without prior approval is possible for last minute travelers at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. An additional fee is applicable and there is no guarantee of approval, so it’s prudent to seek pre-approval for your Sri Lanka Visa from India.

Types of Sri Lanka Visas for Indian Citizens

Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of visas to Indian citizens, depending on the purpose of travel. These include visas for business, tourism, transit, work, study, and residence, and the processing time, fee, and eligibility criteria for each will vary. The following is a brief outline of each for a better understanding to know which Sri Lanka visa type to apply for.

● Tourist Visa (ETA): A Sri Lanka tourist visa from India is a 30-day double-entry visa that can typically be extended for up to 6 months. It allows travel to Sri Lanka for tourism, family visits, sightseeing, or short-term business trips.

● Business Visa (ETA): Generally multiple-entry and extendable for up to 6 months, a Sri Lanka business visa from India allows visitors to stay for up to 30 days per entry, and is useful for business-related travel, such as conferences, seminars, trade fairs, negotiations, workshops, or short-term training programs.

● Work Visa: Initially valid for 30 to 90 days, a Sri Lanka work visa from India allows you to pursue employment with a Sri Lankan company. An Employment Entry Visa, it allows for multiple entries after converting it to a Residence Visa, and can also be used for investment opportunities and volunteer work.

● Student Visa: A Sri Lanka student visa from India is for those pursuing full-time recognized education in a Sri Lankan university or educational institute. The Student Category Residence Visa is long-term, can be single-entry or multiple-entry, and is usually renewable and valid for the duration of the course.

● Resident Visa: Indian nationals can apply for resident visas to Sri Lanka for long-term stays, generally up to 1 to 2 years initially and annually renewable. Common purposes include education, employment, family reunion, or investment. A separate application must be filed for this, and a tourist visa cannot be converted to a resident visa.

● Transit Visa: Indian travelers transiting through Sri Lanka can obtain a free 2-day (48-hour) ETA transit visa to leave the airport during their layover. Those who do not intend to leave the airport terminal will not need a transit visa. For stays longer than 2 days, Indians may need to apply for a tourist or business visa.

● Visa on Arrival (VoA): As per the latest updates, a traditional visa on arrival is not available for Indians, and they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/e-Visa) before travel and get pre-approval.

Documents Required for Sri Lanka Visa Application for Indian Citizens

Indians must prepare a specific list of documents when applying for a Sri Lanka visa from India, and some visa types require additional paperwork as applicable to the purpose of visit. Failing to provide even one of these can lead to visa rejections, so ensure to ready everything essential beforehand. The following is a helpful checklist to help visa applicants from India with documentation preparation for their Sri Lanka visa application process.

● Valid Indian Passport: Your Indian passport should have at least 6 months' validity from the date of travel, and you must submit clear scanned color copies of the first and last page of your passport.

● Passport-Size Photos: Provide 2 recently-taken color photographs against a plain white background and without any blur. The photos must meet all eligibility criteria specified by the Sri Lankan authorities.

● Confirmed Flight Tickets: Submit copies of your flight information, including confirmed return tickets to show your intent to leave Sri Lanka post your visit. A detailed day-to-day travel itinerary may also help.

● Sri Lanka Visa (ETA): You must fill and duly sign a Sri Lanka visa application form for your ETA pre-approval before travel, ensuring no errors are made.

● Accommodation Details: Scan copies of your hotel booking information, including check-in and check-out dates. Alternatively, provide a letter of invitation from your Sri Lankan host if staying with an acquaintance during your trip.

● Proof of Travel Funds: Get your recent bank statements as evidence of adequate finances for travel to and stay in Sri Lanka, signed by your bank manager.

● Digital Disembarkation Card (or Arrival Card): It is mandatory for Indians to complete a pre-arrival registration form online 3 days (72 hours) prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

● Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable): This is required only for Indians arriving in Sri Lanka from a country at risk for Yellow Fever transmission.

● Travel Insurance: While it is not compulsory for Indians to have travel insurance for a visa to Sri Lanka, it can help bolster the application by proving travel readiness.

● Additional Documents: For a business visa to Sri Lanka, provide an invitation letter from the Sri Lankan company you are consulting with for the trip. Students may need to provide a valid letter of admission from the Sri Lankan educational institute they enrolled in. Work visa applicants must submit a letter of employment/job appointment from their Sri Lankan employer. Minors (under 16 years old) traveling alone may need a letter of consent from parents, and so on.

Sri Lanka Visa Fees for Indians in 2026

The Sri Lanka visa on arrival cost is free for eligible Indians, but a small service charge may be applicable for those applying through a visa agency, which typically costs around ₹999 to ₹1,700. The free visa service is subject to change without prior notice, so Indian citizens are advised to keep watch on the latest travel news.

The single-entry business visa to Sri Lanka for Indians ranges approximately ₹1,950 to ₹2,699, while a double or multiple entry visa for the same starts around ₹2,535 onward. The actual Sri Lanka ETA cost will change based on the type, season, number of applicants, currency exchange rate, and other applicable factors.

Sri Lanka Visa for Indians Price Breakdown:

● Tourist Visa (ETA) Single Entry: ₹999 to ₹1,799 for processing (visa is free)

● Tourist Visa (ETA) Double Entry: ₹1,600 to ₹1,700 (if applicable)

● Business Visa (ETA) Single Entry: ₹1,950 to ₹2,699

● Business Visa (ETA) Double or Multiple Entry: ₹2,535+

● Work Visa/Resident Visa: ₹24,050 onwards (depending on duration and entry type)

● Student Visa: ₹20,000 approximately (depending on duration and entry type)

● Transit Visa: free for a stay of up to 2 days

● Visa on Arrival (VoA): free, subject to terms and conditions

Please Note:

● The Sri Lanka visa fees for Indians listed above is only indicative, and the final cost will depend on several pivotal criteria.

● All charges for Sri Lanka visa fees and service costs are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.

Sri Lanka Visa Processing Time

The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) tourist visa for Indian nationals is usually processed in 1 to 3 working days (24 to 72 hours) through the online portal. The Sri Lanka student visa processing for Indians typically takes about 2 to 4 working days. In-person visa processing at the High Commission can take about 3 to 5 days or longer.

Indians may be able to get their tourist visas via rapid processing due to the digital system, but some visa types may take longer during peak tourist season or the requirement of additional documentation. It’s wise to apply for a Sri Lanka visa well ahead of the trip, leaving enough room for reapplication in case of rejections or delays.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa Online from India?

Applying for a Sri Lanka visa online is hassle-free for Indians. First, visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website and sign up/log in. Next select the correct visa type for your travel and pay the Sri Lanka visa fees for Indians as applicable and submit all required documents. After the visa application form and documents are submitted, you must wait a specific period for approval.

Once approved, the Sri Lanka ETA is sent to your email. You must carry a copy of this for traveling. Alternatively, you can apply for your Sri Lanka visa from India through a registered, licensed, and trusted agency like Al Mahad, paying a small fee for comprehensive services.

Step-by-Step Online Sri Lanka Visa Application Process

Anyone can learn how to apply for Sri Lanka visa from India online, as it is relatively a simple process. However, there are a few important steps involved, and each must be carefully followed to ensure a stress-free experience.

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

● Indian Passport: Submit clear scanned copies of the first and last pages of your Indian passport. Also, ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the travel date.

● Recent Photographs: Furnish 2 color photos, taken recently against a plain white background and meeting all essential criteria specified by the Sri Lankan authorities.

● Flight Itinerary: Show proof of intent to leave Sri Lanka post your visit, via copies of return or onward flight tickets with the correct dates.

● Accommodation Confirmation: Give hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your Sri Lankan host, if staying with an acquaintance during the trip.

● Bank Statements: Print and scan copies of your latest bank statements, as evidence of sufficient finances for your travel to and sojourn in Sri Lanka.

● Digital Disembarkation Card/Arrival Card: It is compulsory for Indian travelers to fill this online pre-registration form 3 days (72 hours) before arriving in Sri Lanka.

● Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: You will need this only if traveling to Sri Lanka from a country of region at risk for Yellow Fever transmission.

● Travel Insurance: Although not essential, travel insurance can help prove trip preparedness, further pushing along the visa application.

● Supporting Documents: Student visa applicants to Sri Lanka must provide a letter of admission from a Sri Lankan institute or university. For a business visa, offer a letter of invitation from a local Sri Lankan company stating the purpose of travel. Minors traveling alone may need letters of consent from their parents, and so on.

Step 2: Visit Sri Lanka Visa Official Website

● Register/Sign Up: If you don't already have an account, create a strong user name and password and log into the official Sri Lanka e-Visa portal.

● Select Language and Visa Type: Pick your preferred language and visa type, and click on "apply" to begin the process.

Step 3: Sri Lanka Visa Application Form

● Personal Details: Enter your name, age, address, passport details, and other required fields accurately, ensuring proper spellings.

● Travel Information: The dates of your trip to Sri Lanka must be correct. The Sri Lanka visa application will be rejected in case of a mismatch.

Step 4: Pay Sri Lanka Visa Fee and Upload Documents

● Card Details: Using the correct card details and the provided payment method, pay for the Sri Lanka via cost applicable to the type and duration.

● Service Costs: You must pay a nominal service charge if applying for a Sri Lanka visa through a trustworthy visa/travel agency.

● Document submission: Upload blur-free scanned copies of all the necessary paperwork for your Sri Lanka visa to be approved.

Step 5: Track Visa Application Status and Await Approval

● Reference Number: Use the acknowledgement/reference number you get after application submission to track progress.

● Visa Agency: If applying through a visa agency, the agent can help track your application on their end, keeping you updated on the latest.

Step 6: Receive Sri Lanka e-Visa

● Get Approval: Typically, your Sri Lanka tourist ETA should be approved within the stipulated 1 to 3 working days. It may take longer for other visa types.

● Email/Soft Copy: You will receive your Sri Lanka ETA via email after approval, so make sure you provide the right email address during the initial registration.

● Print e-Visa for Sri Lanka (ETA): Download and carry a printed copy of your Sri Lanka ETA for the trip, presenting it at the check points for a hassle-free experience.

Apply for Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Online from India with Us

While you can learn how to apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa online, since it is technically not a visa-on-arrival, the process can be tedious for many Indian citizens. It's always best to book your Sri Lanka ETA with Al Mahad tours and travels agency, as we have robust industry-backed expertise, a fast-track process, and an unparalleled success rate, as testified by thousands of Indian customers.

Besides a Sri Lanka visa for Indians, we also provide comprehensive visa and travel solutions to countless other countries worldwide, accompanied with flight-plus-hotel packages that make the trip a breeze. Additionally, our costs are highly competitive, ensuring the best-price guarantee year-round.

So, book your Sri Lanka tourist visa from India with us today and save!