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Verified ETA Requirements, Fees and How to Apply
Updated 10 July, 2026
Indian citizens need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. As of 25 May 2026, India is one of 40 countries whose citizens receive the 30-day tourist ETA free of charge, though everyone must still apply and be approved before travel.
Part of our full Sri Lanka travel visa guide.
Free for Indians from 25 May 2026
30 days from arrival, double entry
Apply and receive approval before arrival
Reviewed by Rikas Hussain, Visa & Travel Manager, Arabiers Colombo
In short: as of 25 May 2026, Indian citizens receive a free 30-day tourist ETA with double entry under Sri Lanka's 40-country scheme. The visa is free but not automatic: you must still apply for and secure an approved ETA before arrival. Confirm current rules at eta.gov.lk.
Yes, Indian citizens need an approved ETA before arrival and use the standard online route.
ETA requiredThe 30-day tourist ETA is free from 25 May 2026, but approval is still required.
Free ETA30 days from arrival with double entry, with extensions available.
30 daysOften one to three working days online, and sometimes sooner.
ProcessingValid passport, recent photograph, return ticket and accommodation proof.
DocumentsThe Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
eta.gov.lk
Yes. Indian citizens need an ETA before arrival, applied for online.
Indian passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Sri Lanka. Unlike some nationalities that must apply through a sponsor or consulate, Indians use the standard online ETA, which makes the process straightforward. The ETA should be arranged before travelling, as it is linked electronically to your passport.
As of 25 May 2026, the 30-day tourist ETA is free for Indian citizens.
Under a scheme effective 25 May 2026, India is one of 40 countries whose citizens receive a tourist ETA free of charge for a 30-day stay, with double entry. The visa itself carries no government fee.
Important: the ETA is free, not automatic. Indian travellers must still apply for and receive an approved ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. Travellers who wish to stay beyond 30 days can apply for an extension on payment of the applicable fee. ETA fees paid before 25 May 2026 are non-refundable.
Tourist, business and transit ETAs are available to Indian citizens.
| Type | Purpose | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Holidays, family visits and sightseeing | 30 days, double entry |
| Business ETA | Meetings, conferences and short business visits | 30 days |
| Transit ETA | Passing through Sri Lanka | Up to 48 hours |
Apply online through the official portal before you travel.
Indian travellers who prefer to have the application handled for them can use a licensed agent, which is common for group and family bookings.
Online ETAs are often approved within one to three working days.
Most Indian ETA applications are approved within a few working days, and some are cleared sooner. Applying at least three to four days before travel is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Approval is confirmed by email and can be checked on the official portal.
Prepare your passport, photograph and travel evidence.
An Indian passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with a blank page.
A recent passport-style photograph with a plain background.
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
Proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka.
Additional documents for business or long-stay applications, if requested.
A tourist ETA gives 30 days with double entry, and extensions are possible.
The tourist ETA allows Indian citizens a stay of 30 days from arrival, with double entry within that period. Longer stays can be requested through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Extension approval and fees depend on the requested period and the rules in force at the time of application.
A limited facility exists, but applying online first is recommended.
Indian citizens may be able to use a limited on-arrival ETA facility, but it can involve longer queues and carries the risk of being refused at the counter if requirements are not met. Applying online and receiving approval before departure is the safer option.
Yes. Indian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. Indians apply through the standard online ETA and do not need a sponsor or consulate route.
As of 25 May 2026, the 30-day tourist ETA is free for Indian citizens under Sri Lanka's 40-country free-visa scheme. The visa is free but not automatic: you must still apply for and receive an approved ETA before arrival. Extensions beyond 30 days require payment of the applicable fee.
A tourist ETA allows Indian citizens a stay of 30 days from the date of arrival, with double entry. It can be extended through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Online ETA applications are often approved within one to three working days, and sometimes sooner. Applying a few days before travel is recommended.
Indian applicants need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent photograph, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Additional documents may be requested for business or long stays.
A limited on-arrival facility exists, but Indian citizens are advised to apply for the ETA online before travel to avoid queues and possible refusal at the counter.
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