Travelers coming to Sri Lanka in 2025 have to acquire an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before landing in the country. Although visa-free travel is expected to be offered to the Indian passport owners from October 1, 2024, the ETA will still be required as a pre-entry permit that allows staying 30 days long, which is renewable. Indian travelers are unable to obtain a visa or ETA (on arrival) and have to apply online prior to traveling.
Documents normally needed to apply ETA Sri Lanka
Valid Indian passport of a minimum of six months validity on the date of entry. Recent passport photograph.
Onward or Return flight tickets confirmed.
Evidence of accommodation (booking in a hotel or invitation letter).
Evidence of a certain amount of money to spend in the stay.
E-TA application form filled online.
The candidates of Business ETA are bound to have an invitation letter of the organization in Sri Lanka.
Travel insurance is not compulsory.
Visa Types and Fees
Tourist ETA: Allows a 30 days stay with a double right of entry. Indian citizens do not have to pay any fee to the government but can pay a small fee collected by the third-party platforms.
Business ETA: Can have a maximum of 30 days and single or numerous entries. The cost can also be USD 50 and some other service fees.
Transit ETA: Transit travelers: Briefer validity, low-cost charges.
Other study, work or permanent stay visas are to be submitted separately with documents and fees.
Application Process and Important Conditions
The Indian citizens are required to be in possession of the ETA before traveling to Sri Lanka by applying to the Sri Lanka ETA portal or official websites.
The ETA process normally requires 24-72 hours to be approved.
Written evidence of ETA approval (or digital version) has to be shown at the immigration in order to board airplanes and arrive.
Validity of the ETA is effective from the date of entry and gives a stay of 30 days.
In Sri Lanka, extensions can be made upon application but are subject to immigration grant.
The outcomes of overstaying may be fines or restriction of further travels.
Indian travelers should be in possession of all the necessary documents like evidence of their next destination and stay.
The visa-free support of the Indian passport holders introduced in 2024 simplifies the traveling process but does not exclude the ETA condition.
No visa (on arrival) of Indian nationals.
FAQ about Indian Travellers to Sri Lanka.
Summary
Since October 2024, Indian nationals enjoy a simplified travel to Sri Lanka, with the status of visa-free travel, but they need to receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online prior to arrival. This is an ETA that allows a stay of 30 days with two-voyages and no government costs to Indians, but third-party fees might be levied. Travelers are advised to apply beforehand, bring all the pertinent travel documents and evidence of accommodation, and abide by the terms of the visa such as the period of stay and entry/ exit.
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