🇱🇰 Sri Lanka visa, Indian passport.
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 Articles still saying '$50 ETA' are outdated since 2024.
How to apply, 5 steps.
- 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
Fill personal + travel details
Passport details, hotel, return ticket, contact in Sri Lanka (hotel works).
10 min - 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
Receive ETA by email (free)
Usually instant; can take up to 72h. Print or save PDF.
Within 72 hours - 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
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.
| Country | Visa type | Fee (INR) | Stay | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka (this page) | e visa | Free | 30 days | instant |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | visa free | Free | 30 days | instant |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | e Visa | ₹2,100 | 90 days | 3 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | visa on arrival | ₹2,800 | 30 days | instant |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | e visa | ₹6,500 | 60 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | e visa | ₹450 | 90 days | ~5 working days |
Source: official embassy + consular sites, last verified Q2 2026.