Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens to Sri Lanka (November 2026)

Sri Lanka sits a short flight from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, and it rewards visitors with beaches, tea country, ancient cities and wildlife parks. For Indian citizens, getting in is simple. You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, which can be arranged online in minutes.

Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Indian citizens need permission to enter Sri Lanka for tourism or business, but this comes through the ETA rather than a traditional embassy visa. Sri Lanka has, at times, offered Indian visitors a free ETA as part of tourism promotion schemes. Whether a fee applies when you travel depends on the policy in force, so check the official portal before you apply.

How the ETA works

• Apply online through Sri Lanka's official ETA website
• A tourist ETA usually allows a stay of up to 30 days from arrival
• Double-entry options are generally available
• Approval often arrives within a day, sometimes within hours

Visitors can also get an ETA on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, but queues can be long. Applying in advance is faster and removes uncertainty.

Documents you need

• A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date
• A confirmed return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation for your stay
• Enough funds for your trip
• Your approved ETA, printed or saved on your phone

Business visits

A separate business ETA covers meetings, conferences and short business trips. Business travellers may be asked for an invitation letter from a Sri Lankan company or details of the event they are attending. Paid work in Sri Lanka requires a proper employment visa.

Extending your stay

If you want to stay longer than your ETA allows, you can apply for an extension through Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are granted for a fee and are usually approved for genuine tourists. Apply before your permitted stay ends to avoid fines.

Transit through Sri Lanka

If you are transiting through Colombo and staying in the airport for a short time, you generally do not need an ETA. Leaving the airport, even for a short visit, requires one. Transit ETAs are available for short stays.

Travel tips

• Use only the official ETA website. Copycat sites charge extra service fees.
• Indian rupees are not widely accepted. Carry Sri Lankan rupees, US dollars or a card that works internationally.
• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and remove shoes and hats.
• Do not pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue, which is considered disrespectful.
• Book trains on popular routes such as Kandy to Ella well ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sri Lanka ETA free for Indians?

It has been offered free under certain schemes, but this can change. The official portal will show the current fee.

Can I enter Sri Lanka with an Aadhaar card?

No. You need a valid Indian passport and an ETA for international travel to Sri Lanka.

How early should I apply?

A week before travel is plenty for most people, though many ETAs are approved the same day.

Final word

A trip to Sri Lanka is one of the easiest overseas journeys an Indian traveller can make. Apply for your ETA online, carry your documents, and check the latest rules on the official site shortly before you fly.