Sri Lanka Visa for Indians — Everything You Need to Know in 2026
Indian passport holders can now get a free 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa under the government's ETA scheme. Here's the complete guide to cost, documents, processing time, on arrival eligibility, and how to apply online — with step-by-step assistance from Arabiers.
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Sri Lanka Visa is Free for Indians — But You Still Need an ETA
Since 1st October 2024, Sri Lanka has been offering a free 30-day tourist visa for Indian passport holders as part of a government scheme covering 35 countries. The scheme aims to boost tourism by removing the standard visa fee for eligible visitors.
However, Indian travellers are still required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before departure — the visa is not stamped on arrival. This is a test programme and subject to change, so always verify the current status before booking. If you apply directly through the government portal at eta.gov.lk, the government fee is waived. Processing through a travel agent like Arabiers costs ₹3,099 inclusive of all fees (service charge, immigration support, payment gateway, taxes).
What is a Sri Lanka Visa for Indians?
A Sri Lanka visa is an official travel permit issued by the Sri Lanka government that allows Indian passport holders to enter and stay in the country for a defined period under specified conditions.
The Sri Lanka government issues visas through three main channels: the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) applied online, visa on arrival for select nationalities, and embassy-issued visas for special cases. Indian nationals fall under the ETA route — meaning you must apply and receive approval before boarding your flight. The ETA is single-entry and valid for 30 days from the date of first entry, extendable to 90 days inside Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka visa on arrival available for Indians? No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for on-arrival visa to Sri Lanka. On-arrival is available only for citizens of Maldives, Singapore, and Seychelles (who are fully visa-exempt). Indians must complete the ETA process online before travel.
Table of Contents
- 1. Types of Sri Lanka Visa
- 2. Visa Exempted Countries (Free Visa List)
- 3. Documents Required for Indian Citizens
- 4. How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA from India
- 5. Step-by-Step ETA Application Process
- 6. Cost of Sri Lanka Visa for Indians
- 7. Sri Lanka Visa Extension Guide
- 8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 9. Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
- 10. Top Destinations to Explore
- 11. FAQs
Types of Sri Lanka Visa for Indians
There are four types of Sri Lanka visa, each designed for a different travel purpose. Indian nationals can apply for all four, though eligibility conditions vary.
Tourist ETA (e-Visa) — 30 Days
The Sri Lanka tourist ETA is the standard visa for Indian travellers visiting for holidays, sightseeing, family visits, medical treatment, or cultural experiences. It allows a single 30-day stay from entry and is applied for online at eta.gov.lk. Under the current free visa scheme, the government fee is waived for Indians — Arabiers processes it for ₹3,099 all-inclusive with 24–48 hour turnaround.
Sri Lanka Business Visa
The Sri Lanka business visa for Indians is issued to professionals visiting for meetings, trade events, conferences, or short-term business engagements. It is available as single or multiple entry, with the multiple-entry version allowing repeated visits within its validity period. A company letter of invitation from Sri Lanka is required. Business visa fees are higher than tourist ETA — contact Arabiers for current pricing.
Sri Lanka Transit Visa — 48 Hours
The Sri Lanka transit visa for Indians applies to travellers stopping over at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for more than 8 hours en route to another destination. It permits a maximum 48-hour stay within Sri Lanka. Do Indian nationals need a transit visa for Sri Lanka? Yes, if your layover exceeds 8 hours and you wish to leave the airport transit area, a transit visa is required.
Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival
Is Sri Lanka visa on arrival available for Indians? No. Visa on arrival at Colombo airport is issued to specific eligible nationalities only — Indian passport holders are not included in this list. Indians must complete the online ETA process before boarding. On arrival, you simply present your ETA approval email at immigration. Do not arrive at Colombo without a pre-approved ETA — you risk being denied boarding at the Indian airport.
Sri Lanka Free Visa — Countries Under the Scheme
Most international travellers need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Citizens of Maldives, Seychelles and Singapore are fully visa-exempt. The following 35 countries — including India — currently qualify for the free Sri Lanka tourist visa scheme (ETA fee waived, subject to change).
| 🇮🇳 India | Free ETA | 30-day tourist visa | Apply online before travel |
| United Kingdom | Germany | Netherlands | Belgium |
| Spain | Australia | Denmark | Poland |
| Kazakhstan | Saudi Arabia | UAE | Nepal |
| China | Indonesia | Russia | Thailand |
| Malaysia | Japan | France | United States |
| Canada | Czech Republic | Italy | Switzerland |
| Austria | Israel | Belarus | Iran |
| Sweden | South Korea | Qatar | Oman |
| Bahrain | New Zealand | + additional countries | |
This scheme is a temporary test programme. Check the official ETA website or contact Arabiers to confirm current eligibility before travel.
Documents Required for Sri Lanka Visa for Indian Citizens
Ensure all documents are ready before starting your ETA application. Incomplete submissions are the most common reason for delays.
For Indian Citizens (Tourist ETA)
- Valid Indian passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond your travel dates
- Passport-size photograph — recent, white background, clear face
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket from Sri Lanka
- Hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary (Arabiers provides this with every package)
- Travel dates and purpose of visit (tourism / leisure)
For Business Visa Applicants
- Completely filled visa application form
- Company letter of invitation from Sri Lankan business partner
- Proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Business registration documents (if applicable)
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds
Important: Indians with a valid US visa or UK visa do not get any additional benefits for Sri Lanka — all Indian passport holders must apply for the Sri Lanka ETA regardless of other visas held. However, Indians currently residing in UAE, Qatar, or Oman can also apply for the Sri Lanka ETA from those countries through the same online process.
How to Get Sri Lanka Visa from India — 2 Methods
Indian nationals can apply for the Sri Lanka ETA through two routes. Both require online applications — there is no walk-in visa facility for Indians.
Apply Directly on eta.gov.lk (Free)
Visit the official Sri Lanka ETA portal at eta.gov.lk, complete the application form, upload your documents, and pay the processing fee (currently waived for Indians under the free visa scheme). Approval arrives by email within 24–48 hours. You present this approval email at immigration on arrival in Colombo.
Best for: Tech-savvy travellers comfortable with online forms and international payment gateways.
Apply Through Arabiers (₹3,099 — Hassle-Free)
Share your passport copy, photograph, and flight/hotel details with our team on WhatsApp (+91 9368267390) or visit our New Delhi office. We handle the entire ETA application, follow up with the Sri Lanka immigration authorities, and deliver your approved ETA to you by email — typically within 24–48 hours. We accept UPI, bank transfer, and credit/debit cards.
Best for: Travellers who want expert support, correct submission on the first try, and 24/7 assistance for any immigration queries during travel.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA Online from India
Follow these steps to complete your Sri Lanka visa online application from India. Apply at least 3–4 days before travel, even though processing takes 24–48 hours — buffer time protects you from unexpected delays.
Go to the Official ETA Portal
Visit eta.gov.lk — the official Sri Lanka online visa application website. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees. If you want full assistance, contact Arabiers on WhatsApp instead.
Select "Tourist" and Your Nationality as India
Choose your visa type (Tourist for holidays), enter your Indian passport details exactly as printed — even minor spelling errors cause rejection. Double-check your passport number, date of birth, and expiry date.
Fill in Travel Details
Enter your intended arrival date in Sri Lanka, planned length of stay (up to 30 days), accommodation address, and your return flight information.
Upload Documents & Pay Fee
Upload your passport scan and photograph. Under the current free visa scheme for Indians, the government fee is ₹0. A small payment gateway charge may still apply on the official portal. Pay via international credit/debit card.
Receive Approval & Travel
Your ETA approval arrives by email within 24–48 hours. Print it or save to your phone. Present it at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport immigration counter alongside your Indian passport. You're cleared to enter.
Need Help With Your Application?
Our visa team processes Sri Lanka ETAs for Indians daily. We handle everything — form filling, document checks, submission, and follow-up. Customer support helpline available 9 AM–7 PM, Mon–Sat.
Chat With Visa TeamCost of Sri Lanka Visa for Indians — 2026
Under the current free visa scheme, Indian passport holders can get the ETA at no government charge. The ₹3,099 Arabiers fee is all-inclusive of service, immigration support, and processing — nothing hidden.
| Visa Type | Entry | Validity | Cost via Arabiers | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (Indian nationals) | Single | 30 days from entry | ₹3,099/- | Up to 90 days total (inside SL) |
| Sri Lanka Visa Extension | — | Up to 90 days total | ₹10,999/- | Applied in Colombo before expiry |
| Transit Visa (Indians) | Single | 48 hours | Contact us | Not extendable |
| Business Visa (Indians) | Single/Multiple | As approved | Contact us | As per approval |
The ₹3,099 fee covers visa charges, Arabiers service fee, immigration support, payment gateway fees, and applicable taxes. The government direct ETA portal may have a separate small transaction fee even under the free visa scheme.
Accepted Payment Methods for Sri Lanka Visa Fee
When applying through Arabiers, we accept: UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), bank transfer (NEFT/RTGS), and credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). When applying directly on eta.gov.lk, only international credit/debit cards are accepted. Note: Indian debit cards may sometimes face issues on the government portal — applying through Arabiers avoids this.
Sri Lanka Visa Extension for Indians — Up to 90 Days
If you want to extend your Sri Lanka stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for a Sri Lanka visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions allow up to 90 days total stay from your original entry date.
- Apply for the extension before your current ETA expires (do not overstay)
- Visit the Department of Immigration, Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, Colombo
- Bring your original passport, current ETA approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof
- Extension processing takes 3–5 working days
- Cost through Arabiers: ₹10,999 inclusive of all fees
- Extensions cannot be done from India — must be applied for inside Sri Lanka
Overstaying Warning: Staying past your visa validity results in daily fines, possible detention, and deportation. Always extend before expiry. Overstayers may be blacklisted from future Sri Lanka entry.
Visa Extension at a Glance
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Sri Lanka Visa
- Incorrect passport details — enter your name, passport number, and date of birth exactly as printed on your passport, including middle names
- Applying with a passport that expires within 6 months of your travel date — get it renewed first
- Ignoring ETA processing time — apply at least 3–4 days before departure, not the night before
- Using third-party aggregator sites that overcharge — apply on eta.gov.lk directly or through Arabiers
- Assuming visa on arrival is available for Indians — it is not. Always pre-apply for ETA
- Not carrying a printed copy of your ETA approval — always have a physical printout as backup
- Overstaying the 30-day validity without applying for an extension inside Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka from India
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination thanks to its two distinct monsoon seasons — when one coast is rainy, the other is sunny. Choose your travel window based on which region you want to explore.
West & South Coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Bentota, Kandy, Ella, Sigiriya) — Best: December to April. This is peak tourist season with dry, sunny days ideal for beaches, wildlife safaris, and cultural sightseeing.
East & North Coasts (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Pasikuda, Jaffna) — Best: May to September. The east coast hits its dry season just as the west gets its monsoon, offering pristine uncrowded beaches.
Cheapest months for Sri Lanka from India: May–June and September–October (shoulder season) when hotel prices drop 15–25% and flights are more affordable.
Top Destinations to Explore with Your Sri Lanka Visa
Once your Sri Lanka ETA is approved, here are the must-visit destinations that Indian tourists love most.
Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's vibrant capital and most travellers enter here through Bandaranaike International Airport. The Gangaramaya Temple blends Chinese, Indian, Thai and Sri Lankan architecture into one extraordinary landmark. Viharamahadevi Park — Colombo's oldest and largest park — sits at the heart of the city.
Don't miss the Lotus Tower, South Asia's tallest self-supporting structure, with its panoramic observation deck view over the Indian Ocean horizon. The National Museum (est. 1877), Dutch Museum, and Pettah Market round out a full day of Colombo exploration. Most of our Colombo tour packages begin here.
Kandy
Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural heart and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — one of Buddhism's most revered pilgrimage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indian visitors often find it deeply familiar, given the shared Buddhist heritage.
The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens hosts an extraordinary diversity of tropical plants and the famous orchid house. Kandy Lake, the Ceylon Tea Museum, and the Gadaladeniya hilltop temple are all worth a half-day each. Kandy is a central stop on every Sri Lanka family holiday package.
Galle
Galle is a living UNESCO-listed colonial town built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Galle Fort encloses a charming grid of Dutch-style colonial homes, boutique hotels, whitewashed churches, and independent galleries — all within walking distance of shimmering blue beaches.
Visit the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral, and the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium. Galle's sunsets over the fort ramparts are among the most photographed in all of South Asia. Featured in our Sri Lanka beach tour package.
Sigiriya — The Lion Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is Sri Lanka's most iconic landmark — a UNESCO-listed ancient rock fortress rising 200 metres above the surrounding jungle. The hike to the summit takes you past 5th-century frescoes, the famous Mirror Wall, and the Lion's Paw gateway before opening to sweeping 360-degree views of the Cultural Triangle.
Sigiriya is best visited early morning (7–9 AM) before crowds arrive. Combine it with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple — a 2-hour drive away — for a full cultural day. Included in our Sri Lanka adventure tour packages.
Ready to Visit Sri Lanka? Book Your Travel Package with Visa Assistance Included
All our Sri Lanka travel packages from India include complete ETA visa guidance, airport transfers, accommodation, and 24/7 on-trip support — starting from ₹47,999 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sri Lanka Visa for Indians
Everything Indian travellers need to know before applying for a Sri Lanka ETA or tourist visa in 2026.
Is Sri Lanka visa free for Indians in 2026?
Yes — as of October 2024, Sri Lanka visa is free for Indian passport holders under a government scheme covering 35 countries. Indian travellers can obtain a 30-day tourist ETA at no government charge. However, the ETA application must still be completed online at eta.gov.lk before departure. If you apply through Arabiers, the cost is ₹3,099 all-inclusive (service fee, immigration support, payment processing). This scheme is a temporary test programme subject to change — verify current status before booking.
Is Sri Lanka visa on arrival available for Indians?
No — Indians are not eligible for visa on arrival to Sri Lanka. Indian passport holders must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before travel. On-arrival visa is available only for nationals of Maldives, Singapore, and Seychelles (who are visa-exempt). Do not board a flight to Sri Lanka without a pre-approved ETA — airlines check this before boarding.
What is the cost of Sri Lanka visa for Indians?
Under the current free visa scheme, the Sri Lanka government ETA fee is ₹0 for Indians. If you apply through Arabiers, the total package cost is ₹3,099, which covers visa charges, Arabiers service fee, immigration support, payment gateway fee, and taxes. For visa extension (up to 90 days total stay), the cost through Arabiers is ₹10,999. Business visa and transit visa fees — contact us for current rates.
What documents are needed for Sri Lanka visa for Indian citizens?
Documents required for the Sri Lanka ETA for Indians: (1) Valid Indian passport — at least 6 months validity beyond your return date, (2) Recent passport-size photograph with white background, (3) Confirmed return or onward flight ticket from Sri Lanka, (4) Hotel booking confirmation or detailed tour itinerary. For business visa: additionally a letter of invitation from a Sri Lankan company and bank statement.
How long does it take to process a Sri Lanka visa for Indians?
A Sri Lanka ETA for Indians processing time is 24 to 48 hours when applied online. Embassy-issued visas take 3–5 working days. We recommend applying at least 3–4 days before travel to allow buffer time. Arabiers typically delivers your ETA approval within the same business day for applications submitted before 2 PM. You can check your ETA application status on the official eta.gov.lk portal using your application reference number.
How long can I stay in Sri Lanka with a tourist ETA?
The Sri Lanka tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay from the date of first entry. It is a single-entry visa — once you leave Sri Lanka, the ETA is spent even if you have unused days remaining. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension inside Sri Lanka for up to 90 days total stay. Extensions must be applied for before the current ETA expires — you cannot extend from India.
Can I extend my Sri Lanka visa from India?
No — Sri Lanka visa extensions cannot be processed from India. You must apply for the extension in person at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (Suhurupaya building, Battaramulla) before your current ETA expires. The extension allows a total stay of up to 90 days. Cost through Arabiers: ₹10,999 inclusive of all fees. Processing takes 3–5 working days, so apply well before your 30-day ETA runs out.
Where can I check my Sri Lanka visa application status?
You can check your Sri Lanka ETA application status on the official portal at eta.gov.lk using your application reference number and passport details. If you applied through Arabiers, our team proactively tracks your application and notifies you by WhatsApp and email the moment it's approved — typically within 24–48 hours.
What happens if I overstay my Sri Lanka visa?
Overstaying a Sri Lanka visa results in daily fines, possible detention, and deportation. Overstayers may also be blacklisted from future Sri Lanka entry. If you realise you need more time, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Colombo before your current visa expires. Do not wait until the expiry date — allow at least 5 working days for processing.
Do children need a separate Sri Lanka visa?
Yes. Every traveller including infants and children requires their own individual Sri Lanka ETA or visa, regardless of age. Children cannot be included on a parent's visa. Each child's application uses their own passport details. Contact Arabiers for family group ETA applications — we process multiple applications together and offer family group assistance.
Are there travel agencies in India that handle Sri Lanka visa processing?
Yes — Arabiers, based in New Delhi (Laxmi Nagar), specialises in Sri Lanka visa processing for Indians alongside complete Sri Lanka travel packages. We process Sri Lanka ETAs for individuals, families, and group tours. Contact us on WhatsApp (+91 9368267390), call our customer support helpline, or visit our office at 305 Laxmi Deep Building, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi — 110092. We also offer Sri Lanka tour packages that include visa guidance as standard.