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Sri Lanka Visa: ETA, Fees, Requirements & Application Process for Indians

Last Update: 11-12-2024

Sri Lanka Visa for Indians

Introduction

Sri Lanka is a popular destination for Indian travelers, offering beautiful beaches, rich culture, and vibrant landscapes. However, before you pack your bags, it's essential to understand the Sri Lanka visa requirements for Indians. Indian citizens need to obtain a visa to visit Sri Lanka, whether for tourism, business, or other purposes. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple, with options like the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that can be applied for online. This visa is generally valid for short stays and allows for easy entry into the country. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the visa application process, fees, and other important details to ensure a smooth trip to Sri Lanka.

Table of Contents


  1. Is Sri Lanka Visa Free for Indians?
  2. Can Indians Get a Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival?
  3. Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
  4. How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa through Teleport?
  5. Other Ways to Apply for Sri Lanka eTA
  6. Sri Lanka Visa Cost
  7. Sri Lanka eTA Processing Time
  8. FAQs

Is Sri Lanka Visa Free for Indians?

Yes, Sri Lanka is visa free for Indians starting from October 1st, 2024. However, Indians must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country which allows stays of up to 30 days whiich is extendable.

Can Indians Get a Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival?

Yes, Indians can obtain a Sri Lanka visa on arrival, but it’s not the most recommended option. While available at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the visa on arrival is limited to a 30-day stay. To avoid long queues and delays, it's highly recommended to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before your trip. This ensures a smoother travel experience and quicker entry into the country.

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Documents required for a Sri Lanka visa:

  • A color photograph in JPG format.
  • JPG image of the data page of the valid passport.
  • Passport with at least 6 months validity.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa through Teleport?

Here is how you can get a Sri Lanka visa online through Teleport in under minutes:

  1. Visit Teleport Sri Lanka visa page.
  2. Click on the ‘Start Application’ button.
  3. Upload clear digital copies of both front and back pages of your passport. Teleport’s system can extract your personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information from these documents. You can also fill in manually if needed.
  4. Fill in your entry and exit points in Sri Lanka in the “Visit Details” section. Enter your entry port and date of entry and return.
  5. Pay the visa fees.
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Other Ways to Apply for Sri Lanka eTA

Apply for Sri Lanka eTA Online

To apply for a Sri Lanka ETA online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official ETA website for Sri Lanka.
  2. Click on the Apply button, fill out the necessary information, and upload the required documents (color photograph and passport data page in JPG format).
  3. Pay the visa fees. Use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card for the payment.
  4. Once the application is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment promptly.
  5. If approved, you’ll receive the ETA approval notice via email. In case of a referral notice, contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Sri lanka eta portal

Apply Offline at Sri Lankan Embassy in India

  1. Visit the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulates in India.
  2. Complete the ETA or visa application and submit it with the relevant fee.
  3. Department of Immigration & Emigration will process the application within 3 business days.
  4. Receive the ETA approval notice or a visa stamped on your passport.

Apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration Head Office

If you are already in Sri Lanka or if you wish to invite someone, you can apply directly at the Department’s head office:

  1. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration office in Colombo.
  2. Fill out the application form and submit it along with the processing fee.
  3. You will receive a notification of approval or referral notice.

Apply for Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival at the Airport

If you arrive in Sri Lanka without an ETA, you can apply at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA):

  1. Visit the ETA issuing counter and fill out the ETA form and pay the fee in US dollars (either by card or cash in USD).
  2. If approved, the ETA will be issued for up to 30 days. If a referral notice is issued, entry may be denied.

Additional Requirements at the Port of Entry

Regardless of the application method, all ETA holders must present the following:

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
  • Confirmed Return Ticket: Proof of your return or onward journey.
  • Sufficient Funds: Evidence of enough funds to cover your stay.

The ETA is initially valid for 30 days, and it can be extended for up to six months if needed.

Sri Lanka Visa Cost

Following are the Sri Lanka eta cost:

  1. Tourist Visa (Double Entry) for 30 Days: USD 50
  2. Business Visa (Multiple Entry) for 30 Days: USD 50
  3. On Arrival at the Port of Entry (Tourist & Business): USD 60
  4. Transit Visa (Single Entry) for 2 Days: Free
  5. Children (Under 12 Years of Age): Free

These fees are applicable when applying for the ETA either online or upon arrival. It’s generally advisable to apply for the ETA online before traveling to avoid higher charges and potential delays at the airport.


Sri Lanka eTA Processing Time

The Sri Lanka visa processing time for Indian citizens applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is typically 48 hours. However, in some cases, it might take up to 3 working days, depending on the volume of applications and verification processes.

Summing it up

Applying for a Sri Lanka visa for Indians requires some preparation and understanding of the visa types. From tourist visa to residence permit, each visa type is for specific purposes and travel needs. Applying online through Sri Lanka eVisa portal or with help of platforms like Teleport makes the application process easy and you get updates on your visa status.


For those who are eligible, the visa on arrival option is flexible but may take longer time at the airport. Sri Lanka visa fees for Indian nationals varies based on the type and duration of the visa and additional service fee for eVisa application. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can prepare well for your trip to Sri Lanka whether for holiday, business or transit and comply with visa regulations and have a smooth travel.

FAQs

How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost in India?

The cost of a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Indian citizens is USD 50.

How to get a visa for Sri Lanka?

Indians can easily get a Sri Lanka visa through the ETA system. Simply apply online by filling out the application form, providing required documents, and paying the fee. The ETA is usually processed within 24-72 hours. Alternatively, a visa on arrival can be obtained at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), but it is less recommended due to potential delays.

Do Indians need ETA for Sri Lanka?

Yes, Indian citizens need an ETA for visiting Sri Lanka, which allows for a stay of up to 30 days. You can apply for the ETA online before your trip to avoid any hassle at the airport.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, Indians need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. They can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before traveling. The ETA allows Indian citizens to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Is a Sri Lanka visa on arrival for Indian citizens?

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for a Sri Lanka visa on arrival, but it is limited to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). It is recommended to apply for the ETA online before traveling to avoid long queues and delays.

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