Sri Lanka Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens

All about Sri Lanka Visa for Indian Citizens

Sri Lanka is a country you can easily fall in love with. For nature and animal lovers, this place is no less than a paradise on earth. Contrary to popular belief, Sri Lanka is beyond just its gorgeous beaches. From wildlife safaris, the high mountains, the many tea plantations, the world’s most scenic train ride, and a variety of hiking trails- Sri Lanka is something that’ll top the list for adventure junkies, a young honeymoon couples or even just a family looking for a little getaway. Before you go ahead and plan out your trip for the same, let’s guide you through a few things you’ll need for your journey- a valid visa and travel insurance! 

Is Visa required for Sri Lanka from India?

No, Indian tourists can visit Sri Lanka visa-free until March 31, 2024. Recently, the Sri Lankan Cabinet announced a pilot project allowing passport holders from seven countries, including India to visit the country without a visa.

However, if you are travelling to Sri Lanka during or post the pilot project duration, you will need to apply for an ETA to enter the country.

Is there a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for Indian citizens?

The traditional visa on arrival is unavailable for Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka. However, you can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Additionally, you need to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of departure.

Important Update: Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists 

Sri Lanka has implemented a visa-free regime effective from 28th November 2023 to 31st March 2024 as a pilot program to rebuild the country's tourism. Travellers visiting the country post this period must apply for an ETA as per standard requirements.

Note: Travellers must apply for an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to issuing visa free of charge up to 31st March 2024. The validity period of this free ETA is 30 days and permits double entry from the date of initial arrival to Sri Lanka.

In case this free ETA period of 30 days from the date of arrival expires on or before 31st March 2024, an applicant will not be allowed to obtain a further extension of visa. But, in case the free 30-day validity of the visa expires after 31st March 2024, an extension can be applied by paying the appropriate visa fee.

Sri Lanka Visa fee for Indian citizens

Indians can now visit Sri Lanka visa-free on a tourist visa from October 2023 to March 2024. This means you don’t have to pay any visa fees if you wish to travel to Sri Lanka on a tourist visa.

However, if you still wish to apply for a visa, during or post this duration, the standard cost for a Sri Lanka visa is $20 for a tourist visa, granting a 30-day stay in the country for double entry. The tourist visa allows you only a maximum of two entries to Sri Lanka.

For a business visa, the standard cost is $30 for the first 30 days which is to be paid online. You will be required to pay an additional fee to extend your stay.

If you are transiting through Sri Lanka, you don’t have to pay any fees for a transit visa.

How to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?

Indians travelling to Sri Lanka for purposes including transit, business, residency and tourism post March 2024, should have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to travel to and stay within the country.

Electronic Travel Authorization

Applicants can obtain a valid Electronic Travel Authorization for Sri Lanka by completing an ETA online application available online on the srilanka.visaonlinegov.org website or on www.eta.gov.lk.  

The online Sri Lanka ETA application is simple.

ETA Procedure

• Submit the application through the official website and receive the acknowledgement.

• Receive ETA approval in the email given by you in the application.

• Take a printout of the approval received in the email and submit it to the Immigration officers at the Airport when required.

• The ETA approval certificate must be used within 180 days after issued.

Sri Lanka Tourist visa processing time

Once you fill in the form, the ETA will be emailed to you within 3 days.

This is a country where medical expenses are more or less similar to India, but it is always wise to have insurance coverage when travelling abroad, right? After all, travel insurance covers more than just medical emergencies. These circumstances include flight delay, check-in luggage delay, loss of money or passport, adventure sports, theft, personal liability bond etc.

Travel Insurance for Sri Lanka will protect you in all such situations:

• Emergency Accident Treatment and Evacuation

• Emergency Medical Treatment and Evacuation

• Personal Accident

• Daily Cash Allowance (Every Day/Maximum 5 Days)

• Accidental Death or Disability

• Emergency Dental Cover 

• Delay In Common Carrier

• Delay In Checked-in Luggage

• Loss Of Checked Luggage

• Trip Cancellation

• Missed Connection Flight

• Loss Of Passport

• Emergency Cash

• Travel Emergency 

• Trip Cancellation

• Personal Liability Bond