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🇱🇰 Sri Lanka visa, Indian passport.

TL;DR FOR INDIANS · 2026

Updated 2026: Sri Lanka's ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is FREE for Indian passport holders, confirmed through 2026 (Cabinet extension April 2026; further extensions likely). 30 days per visit, double-entry. Apply online at eta.gov.lk, usually instant approval. Articles still saying '$50 ETA' are outdated since 2024.

VISA TYPE
e-visa
STAY DURATION
30 days
FEE (YOUR CURRENCY)
FREE
PROCESSING
instant
CHEAPEST FLIGHT FROM YOUR COUNTRY
Loading flight from Delhi / DEL

How to apply, 5 steps.

  1. 1

    Apply on eta.gov.lk (official)

    Official portal, beware fake clones charging $50+ for the same FREE service.

    Up to 3 days before travel
  2. 2

    Fill personal + travel details

    Passport details, hotel, return ticket, contact in Sri Lanka (hotel works).

    10 min
  3. 3

    Skip the payment step

    Fee field will say $0 for Indian passports. If a payment screen appears asking $50, you're on a clone site, go back to eta.gov.lk.

    Within application
  4. 4

    Receive ETA by email (free)

    Usually instant; can take up to 72h. Print or save PDF.

    Within 72 hours
  5. 5

    Show ETA on arrival in Colombo/Mattala

    ETA stamped into passport. Immigration is fast for ETA holders.

    On arrival

Document checklist.

  • Passport (6+ months validity)
  • Return ticket within 30 days
  • Hotel booking
  • Recent passport-size photo (digital)

Why Indians get rejected.

  • Fake ETA from clone sites (NEVER use a Google ad, go direct to eta.gov.lk)
  • Damaged passport
Plan Sri Lanka trip ✦Official portal →

FAQ

How long does Sri Lanka visa take for Indians?

Processing time is instant. Apply 2-4 weeks before travel for safe margin.

How much does Sri Lanka visa cost for Indians in 2026?

FREE, Sri Lanka visa costs ₹0 for Indian passport holders.

How long can Indians stay in Sri Lanka?

30 days per entry on the e-visa visa. Extension possible from inside the country in most cases, check with local immigration.

Do Indians need a return ticket to enter Sri Lanka?

Yes, a confirmed return or onward ticket within the visa duration (30 days) is required at airline check-in and at Sri Lanka immigration. Open-jaw and circle-trip tickets qualify.

Sri Lanka visa vs other popular destinations

Side-by-side comparison for Indian passport holders, Q2 2026 official rates.

CountryVisa typeFee (INR)StayProcessing
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka (this page)e visaFree30 daysinstant
🇹🇭 Thailandvisa freeFree30 daysinstant
🇻🇳 Vietname Visa₹2,10090 days3 days
🇮🇩 Indonesiavisa on arrival₹2,80030 daysinstant
🇦🇪 UAEe visa₹6,50060 days3-5 days
🇯🇵 Japane visa₹45090 days~5 working days

Source: official embassy + consular sites, last verified Q2 2026.

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