How Indian passport holders get a visa for Sri Lanka: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: eVisa (ETA) — apply online before travel
- Government fee: Currently free for Indian nationals (the standard US$20 ETA fee is waived under Sri Lanka's active free-ETA scheme — reconfirm it is still in force).
- Processing time: Usually 24–48 hours by email
- Maximum stay: 30 days from arrival, double entry; extendable in-country
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 88/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid at least 6 months from arrival
- Confirmed onward / return ticket
- Proof of accommodation / address in Sri Lanka
- Proof of sufficient funds
How & where to apply
Apply online for a Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) on the official Sri Lanka ETA portal before you fly. Sri Lanka ETA portal (official)
Transit & connections
No transit visa needed for an airside connection through Sri Lanka.
How Sri Lanka compares in the subcontinent
With an ease score of 88/100 this is one of the smoother applications for Indians. Sri Lanka uses an online e-visa for Indian passport holders — no embassy visit is needed at application time.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | eVisa (ETA) — apply online before travel | Currently free for Indian nationals (the standard US$20 ETA fee is waived under Sri Lanka's active free-ETA scheme — reconfirm it is still in force). | Usually 24–48 hours by email |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | Visa-free — unlimited stay (Indo-Nepal Treaty) | No visa fee — entry is free under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship | No advance application — walk through the immigration counter on arrival |
| 🇧🇹 Bhutan | No visa — Entry Permit + SDF ₹1,200/night | Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indians: ₹1,200 per adult per night, ₹600/night for children aged 6–12, free for children 5 and under (locked through August 2027). No separate visa fee. | Apply online at immi.gov.bt 5+ working days before travel to skip the airport queue, or get the Entry Permit on arrival at Paro or Phuentsholing. |
| 🇲🇻 Maldives | Free Visa on Arrival — 30 days | No visa fee. Green Tax: USD 12 per night at resorts/hotels/safari vessels, USD 6/night at guesthouses (children under 2 exempt). Hotels also bill TGST at 17%. | Granted on arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE) for all nationalities |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | Sticker visa — apply at Bangladesh High Commission (free) | Government visa fee is waived for Indian nationals. BDVAC service charge of around ₹825 (₹699.50 + taxes) is payable separately. | Typically 5–14 working days; longer at peak times or during diplomatic slowdowns. Submission is in person at a Bangladesh Visa Application Centre (BDVAC). |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
The free-ETA scheme for Indian nationals is periodically renewed. Always confirm the current fee on eta.gov.lk before applying — only use the official .gov.lk portal. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://eta.gov.lk/
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
eVisa (ETA) — apply online before travel. The free-ETA scheme for Indian nationals is periodically renewed. Always confirm the current fee on eta.gov.lk before applying — only use the official .gov.lk portal.
What documents do Indians need for a Sri Lanka visa?
Passport valid at least 6 months from arrival; Confirmed onward / return ticket; Proof of accommodation / address in Sri Lanka; Proof of sufficient funds
How long does a Sri Lanka visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Usually 24–48 hours by email. Government fee: Currently free for Indian nationals (the standard US$20 ETA fee is waived under Sri Lanka's active free-ETA scheme — reconfirm it is still in force).. Maximum stay: 30 days from arrival, double entry; extendable in-country.
How do Indians apply for a Sri Lanka visa?
Apply online for a Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) on the official Sri Lanka ETA portal before you fly. Official source: https://eta.gov.lk/
Is a Sri Lanka visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 88/100 this is one of the smoother applications for Indians. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a Sri Lanka visa online or on arrival?
Sri Lanka uses an online e-visa for Indian passport holders — no embassy visit is needed at application time.
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