India entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to visit India in 2026. The eVisa covers tourism, business, or medical visits and must be approved before travel. Apply online at least 4 days before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Sri Lankan passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Immigration at major airports like Delhi and Mumbai checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from India | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — airlines at Colombo also check this before letting you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in India. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have at least $200–$300 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration officers rarely check this for short tourist visits, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in India. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Apply at least 4 days in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in India, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $25–$100 depending on duration). Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email.
2
Print your eVisa
Print a copy of the eVisa approval email. Keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and to immigration on arrival.
3
Arrive at Indian airport
At immigration counters in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, or Goa, present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport with entry permission.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Requires application at Indian embassy; not extendable.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Good for frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostINR 6,000 (~$72 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostINR 7,000 (~$84 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Indian institutions.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) + processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by an Indian company. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
INR 7,000 (~$84 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Long-term)
1 year, renewable
INR 6,000 (~$72 USD) per year
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Apply research visa
Research Visa
Up to 3 years
INR 8,000 (~$96 USD)
For researchers affiliated with Indian institutions. Requires project approval and institutional sponsorship.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist, 30 days)Standard fee for Sri Lankan passport holders applying online. | INR 2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 1 year)Multiple entry, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 5 years)Multiple entry, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplies to visa-free or eVisa overstays; must be paid at FRRO. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
| Stay extension (FRRO)Available for eVisa holders in emergencies; apply online. | INR 3,000 (~$36 USD) for up to 14 days |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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 India
No transit visa needed
Sri Lankan passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a regular visa is required.
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases (check with airline).
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and consider antibiotics.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is prevalent in most parts of India, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travellers to affected regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles eVisa extensions and overstay regularization; online appointment required.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II Building, 1st Floor, CIDCO Bhavan, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Common for travellers arriving via Mumbai airport; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
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
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. India does not offer visa on arrival for Sri Lankan citizens. You must apply for an eVisa online before travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least 4 days before your flight. Processing can take longer during peak seasons.
Costs vary by duration: 30-day eVisa is about $25, 1-year eVisa about $40, 5-year eVisa about $80. Fees are non-refundable.
No. eVisas are not extendable. You must leave India before the visa expires. For longer stays, apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or denied entry by Indian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a flight out of India to any destination. A bus or train ticket to Nepal is also accepted.
No. eVisa is valid only at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports. Major airports include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, and Goa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.