Planning a trip to Sri Lanka. For Indian travelers, the adventure to this island paradise—recognised for its palm-lined seashores, ancient temples, and rich cultural history—starts with knowledge of the visa process. The desirable news? Sri Lanka offers a streamlined and trouble-free visa enjoy for Indian passport holders, thanks to its convenient Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
In this complete manual, you will find everything you need to know approximately securing a Sri Lanka visa as an Indian citizen—from eligibility criteria and application steps to required documents, prices, and professional hints to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
Do Indians Need a Visa to Enter Sri Lanka
Yes, Indian residents do require a visa to go to Sri Lanka. Fortunately, the technique is brief and simple. Instead of navigating a time-eating consulate-primarily based software, most vacationers can comfortably practice online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)—a streamlined, pre-approved visa that offers entry into the U.S. without problems.
Depending on the purpose of your go to, Sri Lanka also offers other visa types, consisting of the ones for commercial enterprise travel, transit, and long-term stays.
Types of Sri Lanka Visas for Indian Citizens
Here’s a clear review of the most commonly used visa categories for Indian passport holders:
Tourist Visa (ETA)
Perfect for vacations, sightseeing, or touring with friends and circle of relatives.
Valid for 30 days with double entry
Can be prolonged as much as 180 days after arrival
Business Visa (ETA)
Designed for commercial enterprise-related visits, together with meetings, conferences, or alternative activities.
Valid for 30 days with double access
Transit Visa
For brief layovers while en route to any other vacation spot.
Allows a stay of up to forty-eight hours
Free of charge if you’re without a doubt transiting
Long-Term Visa (Non-ETA)
Required for purposes which include employment, higher education, or residency.
Must be received through a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate
Cannot be carried out online through ETA
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA from India
Applying for a Sri Lanka visa online is a short and trouble-free process. Follow those simple steps to get your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) without delays:
Step 1: Visit the Official ETA Website
Go to the reputable Sri Lanka ETA portal to start your application. Alternatively, you could be trying to find assistance from trusted visa carrier vendors like OneVasco, who offer expert guidance and end-to-end guidance.
Step 2: Select the Visa Type
Choose the correct visa class primarily based on your travel cause:
Tourist (for vacations, own family visits)
Business (for conferences, activities)
Transit (for short layovers)
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in the required information appropriately, including:
Full name (as per passport)
Passport quantity and expiration date
Intended travel dates
Contact facts
Purpose of going
Double-check all information to avoid processing delays.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Visa costs rely on the form of ETA:
Tourist ETA: ~USD 20–25
Business ETA: ~USD 30
Transit ETA: Free (if applicable)
Payment can be made securely through international credit or debit cards.
Step 5: Receive and Print Your ETA Approval
Once submitted, your ETA is typically processed within 24 to seventy two hours.
You’ll receive the approval through e-mail—print a replica and carry it together with your passport while you tour Sri Lanka.
Documents Required for Sri Lanka Visa (ETA)
To apply for a Sri Lanka visa online, Indian vacationers commonly need the following documents:
Valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of journey)
Scanned reproduction of the passport’s biometric page
Recent passport-length photo (virtual format)
Confirmed tour itinerary
Accommodation information (lodge reservation confirmation or host’s deal)
Return flight tickets
Valid email ID to acquire your ETA approval
Additional Documents for Business or Long-Term Visas
If you’re applying for an enterprise or long-term visa, you could also be required to put up:
- A letter of invitation from the host or organization
- Sponsorship or authorization files
- Financial evidence, including recent bank statements or an income certificate
Important Visa Rules and Conditions
- ETA needs to be secured previous to your journey — Indian citizens aren’t eligible for a visa on arrival.
- The ETA is legitimate for 180 days from the date of trouble; however, your preliminary stay can’t exceed 30 days except you apply for an extension.
- You have to enter Sri Lanka within the ETA’s validity period to avoid trouble at immigration.
- If you wish to extend your life beyond 30 days, extensions may be requested after arrival at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
How to Extend Your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa
If you fall in love with Sri Lanka (as many do), you could extend your vacationer visa:
Initial visa: 30 days
First extension: as much as 90 days
Second extension: some other ninety days
Maximum stay: one hundred eighty days
Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo together with your passport, visa reproduction, photo, and extension rate.
Final Travel Tips for Indian Visitors to Sri Lanka
- Keep a broadcast copy of your ETA along with virtual backup
- Make certain your passport has enough blank pages
- Carry proof of lodging and return tickets
- Respect neighborhood customs and dress modestly at temples
- Currency exchange is higher at local banks or ATMs, not longer airports
Conclusion
Getting a Sri Lanka visa for Indian citizens is a trustworthy and efficient system, particularly with the convenience of the ETA system. As long as you apply efficaciously, put up the proper files, and comply with the important thing suggestions, you’re prepared for an unforgettable journey in certainly one of Asia’s maximum tranquil island countries.
To make the method even less difficult, don’t forget to use dependent visa help services like OneVasco, which may assist in streamlining your software and make certain the whole thing is in order before you travel.
Also Read-Why Tracking Your Expenses Matters