Sri Lanka eVisa for Indians
Complete visa requirements for Indian passport holders
Indian tourists need an approved ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. The tourist ETA is free under the scheme effective 25 May 2026 and allows 30 days from first arrival, with double entry within that same period. Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival, a confirmed return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds.
Guide updated: 27 September 2026
Key Information
Key Requirements
- Approved tourist ETA obtained before arrival; travel using the passport used in the application
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
- Confirmed return ticket (the ETA terms specify this for air arrivals)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay; the cited ETA requirements do not specify a fixed daily minimum
Step-by-Step Application Process
- 1
Apply through the official ETA website at https://www.eta.gov.lk and select the tourist route
- 2
Enter your passport and travel details carefully; the current Indian-national tourist fee waiver applies
- 3
Keep the acknowledgement and reference number, then check the status on the official ETA website
- 4
Wait for approval before travel; an acknowledgement is not an approval. If referred, contact Immigration or the responsible Sri Lankan mission
- 5
Carry a copy of the ETA approval, the same passport, a confirmed return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for border checks
Documents Required
- The same passport used for ETA, valid at least 6 months from arrival
- ETA approval copy and application reference number
- Confirmed return air ticket and evidence of sufficient funds
- For a tourist extension: valid passport, application with photograph, return air ticket, and accommodation address and telephone number
Pro Tips
- You can apply for ETA before booking a flight; allow time to resolve a referral and travel only after approval
- Save your application reference and an offline copy of your approval. The official sample notice allows inquiries after 24 hours; this is not a 24-hour approval promise
- For an extension, use the official Immigration portal or the Department head office in Battaramulla; your extended stay must end at least 2 months before passport expiry
- Travel medical cover is recommended. The CAA direction dated 21 December 2022 says COVID-19 hospitalisation insurance is not required; this supersedes the old April 2022 COVID insurance notice, and is not a promise about every insurance condition
Important Notes
- • The free Indian tourist ETA scheme took effect on 25 May 2026; business travel and extensions have separate conditions and fees
- • Double entry does not restart the 30-day stay: on the second entry, only the balance from your first arrival remains
- • Use the entry deadline shown on your own approval. Official pages disagree: the application instructions say 3 months from issue, while the FAQ says 6 months
- • Extension guidance also differs: the dedicated ETA extension page permits up to 270 days in stages and online applications up to 6 months, while the general application page says up to 6 months. Confirm your extension route and permitted dates with Immigration before relying on a longer stay
- • Apply for any extension well before expiry. Requesting or obtaining an extension within the first 30 days cancels double entry, and departure during an extended stay cancels that extension
- • Tourist ETA does not permit paid or unpaid employment, or trade or business outside the purpose authorised in the ETA; approval does not guarantee admission
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Official Sources
Best Time to Apply
Apply before travel with time to resolve a referral; wait for approval and follow its entry deadline
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See Where I Can TravelDisclaimer: Visa requirements can change. Always verify with official government sources before making travel plans. VisaHacks provides information for reference only.
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