Sri Lanka entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders get a visa on arrival when they land in Sri Lanka — no need to plan ahead. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and covers tourism, business, and transit. As of 2025, this is the simplest way to enter for short trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free — but you can get an ETA online too
Indian passport holders get free visa on arrival at Colombo and Mattala airports. However, you can also apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online beforehand at eta.gov.lk — still free for Indians. The ETA lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue and also allows double entry. Recommended if you plan a side trip to the Maldives or Singapore.
No visa on arrival at land borders or seaports
If you're entering Sri Lanka by train from India (Buddhist pilgrimage route) or by ferry (currently no regular service), you must have an ETA before you arrive. Visa on arrival is only at the two international airports. Plan accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport (CMB or HRI)
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters located before immigration. There's usually a separate queue for paper forms.
2
Fill out the arrival card
Grab a landing card from the counter or the flight attendant. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and stay address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Submit at the visa on arrival counter
Hand over your passport, the arrival card, and your return ticket (if asked). The officer will process and stamp the visa — takes under 10 minutes.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa stamp, move to the immigration queue. Present your passport with the fresh visa and arrival card. They'll scan and wave you through.
5
Collect baggage and exit
Head to baggage claim, then customs. No further forms needed. You're in — enjoy Sri Lanka!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR)
Standard visa-on-arrival or ETA. Extend once at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Available via ETA or embassy. Allows multiple visits within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires local bank deposit of $50,000 or monthly income of $1,500.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income ($2,000+/month). No local tax on foreign income. Apply through Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For investors putting $100,000+ in local business or real estate. Includes family. Apply via Board of Investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires job offer from Sri Lankan employer and approval from Department of Immigration. Employer sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD or LKR at the airport. Valid for tourism only. | $20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time. Apply online before travel. | $20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa extension (single entry, up to 60 days total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Requires passport, photos, and fee. | $25 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of $200 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $5 USD per day (approx. 1,500 LKR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
No transit visa needed
Indian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a free ETA is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Schengen, or Australia visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk exists in some rural areas (e.g., Anuradhapura). Use mosquito repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:15
Main office for visa extensions. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee in cash.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:15
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 322.3 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, the visa on arrival for Indian citizens is free for up to 30 days. No fee at the counter. This came from a bilateral agreement and has been extended repeatedly. Check the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration website for any last-minute changes.
Yes. You can apply for a 30-day extension at the Department of Immigration in Colombo (or any regional office). The cost is around 25,000 LKR (about $70 USD) as of 2025. You'll need two passport photos, passport copy, and a completed form. Plan a few hours — it's a government office.
Visa on arrival is only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo and the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). If you enter by sea or land, you must get an ETA beforehand. No visa on arrival at border crossings like Mannar or Talaimannar.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry only. If you leave Sri Lanka (even to nearby India), you'll need a new visa to come back. An ETA online allows double entry if you select that option.
Up to 30 days. The officer decides the exact number of days based on your travel plans. You must leave before the stamp's expiry, or apply for an extension. Overstaying leads to fines (about $50 USD per day).
No, but you can. Sri Lanka also offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. If you want to skip the queue, apply at eta.gov.lk about 3-5 days before travel. The ETA costs $20 (free for Indian nationals as of 2025). Visa on arrival is only available at airports.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. The rule is strict — 6 months from the date of arrival. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first. No exceptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.