Table of Contents
🏳️ Country Overview
Country Name - Sri Lanka
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here’s a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide on Sri Lanka Visa for Indians to help Indian citizens navigate the visa process smoothly. ✈️🌴
As of October 1, 2024, Sri Lanka has introduced a free 30-day tourist visa for Indian citizens under a pilot program aimed at boosting tourism. This initiative eliminates the usual visa fee, making Sri Lanka Visa for Indians more accessible and budget-friendly.
📝 Visa Types & Basic Requirements
Types of Visas Available
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Tourist Visa: Ideal for leisure travelers.
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Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, and commercial activities.
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Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Sri Lanka on their way to another destination.
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Student Visa: For those pursuing education in Sri Lanka.
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Resident Visa: For employment, medical treatment, or investment purposes.
Age Requirement
There are no specific age restrictions for Indian travelers applying for a Sri Lanka visa. However, children under 12 years of age are eligible for a free visa.
Passport Validity
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Minimum Validity: At least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
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Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has a minimum of 2 blank pages.
Visa Validity
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Tourist Visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
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Business Visa: Valid for 30 days per visit; can be extended.
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Transit Visa: Valid for 2–7 days, depending on layover duration.
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Student Visa: Valid for the duration of the course.
Stay Duration Allowed
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Tourist Visa: Maximum 30 days per visit.
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Business Visa: Maximum 30 days per visit.
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Transit Visa: Maximum 7 days, if extended.
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Student Visa: Duration of the course.
Number of Entries
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Tourist Visa: Single entry.
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Business Visa: Multiple entries.
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Transit Visa: Single entry.
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Student Visa: Multiple entries.
💸 Fees & Processing for Sri Lanka Visa
Visa Fee
| Visa Type | Fee (INR) | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Free | Free | 30 days | Single |
| Business Visa | 3,499 | 30 | 30 days | Multiple |
| Transit Visa | Free | Free | 2 days | Single |
| Student Visa | 200 | 200 | Course Duration | Multiple |
| Resident Visa | 100 | 100 | Varies | Varies |
Note: Fees are subject to change; verify on the official website before applying.
Processing Time
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Tourist Visa: Approximately 24–48 hours.
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Business Visa: Approximately 2–3 days.
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Transit Visa: Approximately 2–4 days.
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Student Visa: Varies; typically processed in Colombo.
When to Apply
It’s recommended to apply for the Sri Lanka visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date. This allows ample time for processing and any unforeseen delays.
📄 Documents & Proof
Documents Required
For all visa types:
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Scanned copy of the first and last pages of your passport.
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Confirmed return air ticket.
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Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host.
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Bank statement or other proof of funds.
Additional documents for specific visa types:
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Business Visa: Invitation letter from the Sri Lankan company.
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Student Visa: Admission letter from the educational institution.
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Resident Visa: Employment contract or medical treatment documents.
Financial Proof
While applying for a Sri Lanka visa, you may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay. This can include:
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Bank statements for the last 3 months.
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Income Tax Returns (ITR).
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Pay slips or employment letters.
Translations Needed?
All documents submitted for the visa application should be in English. If your documents are in another language, official translations may be required.
Visa Photo Specifications
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📏 Size: 45mm x 35mm
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🟦 Background: Plain white or light grey
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🙂 Face visibility: Full face, no shadows, neutral expression
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👁️ Eyes: Open, no red-eye or reflections
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👓 Glasses: Allowed only if they don’t obstruct the eyes (no glare)
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🧕 Head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons, but full face must be visible
💡 Tip: Use recent photos taken within the last 6 months.
👩⚖️ Interviews, Biometrics & E-Visa
Interview Required
No interview is required for Indian citizens applying for a Sri Lanka visa.
Biometric Requirement
No biometric data is required for Indian travelers applying for a Sri Lanka visa.
E-Visa Available?
Yes, Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Indian citizens. Apply online at the official Sri Lanka ETA website.
📌 Application & Tracking
Application Process
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Visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website.
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Select the appropriate visa type.
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Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
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Upload required documents.
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Make the necessary payment (if applicable).
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Submit the application and await approval.
👨👩👧👦 Dependents & Work
Dependents Info
Dependents (spouse and children) can accompany the main applicant. They must apply for the appropriate visa type and provide necessary supporting documents.
Working Rights
Indian travelers on a Tourist Visa are not permitted to work in Sri Lanka. For employment, a Resident Visa is required.
Visa Extension Info
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Tourist Visa: Can be extended online for up to 270 days.
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Business Visa: Extension possible; apply through the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
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Student Visa: Extension based on course duration; apply through the educational institution.
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Resident Visa: Extension based on employment or medical treatment duration; apply through relevant authorities.
🌍 Embassy & Support
VFS/Global Partner Centers
Currently, Sri Lanka does not require Indian travelers to submit visa applications through VFS Global or any partner centers. Applications can be made directly online.
Embassy Locations
Sri Lanka High Commission
Address: 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
Phone: +91 11 2688 9000
Email: srilankahc@bol.net.in
Website: www.srilankahighcommission.in
🦠 Health & Rejections
Covid-19 Guidelines
As of June 2025, Sri Lanka has no specific COVID-19 entry requirements for Indian travelers. However, it’s advisable to check the latest updates on the official Sri Lanka Immigration website before traveling.
Common Rejection Reasons
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Incomplete or inaccurate application.
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Insufficient passport validity.
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Lack of supporting documents.
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Inadequate financial proof.
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Previous visa violations.
💡 Final Notes
Important Tips
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🛂 Apply online – it’s quick and saves time at immigration
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📧 Double-check your email address – all updates come via email
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⛔ Avoid overstaying – fines and bans may apply
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✈️ Always keep a printed or digital copy of your ETA approval with your passport
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📆 Plan early – especially if traveling during festivals or holidays
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💳 Use a valid international card (Visa/Mastercard) for fee payments
FAQs
Short Q&A on common concerns