Sri Lanka Visa for Indians 2026: Free ETA & Online Guide
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka from India? Here is some good news. As of 2026, Indian passport holders can visit Sri Lanka without paying any visa or ETA fees. Whether you are heading to watch the T20 World Cup, explore Sigiriya, or relax on the beaches of Mirissa, entering Sri Lanka has never been easier for Indian travellers.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Sri Lanka visa for Indians in 2026, including the free ETA process, documents required, duration of stay, extension options, and practical tips.
TL;DR: Indian citizens can enter Sri Lanka in 2026 without paying any visa or ETA fees. You get a 30-day stay on arrival. Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Extensions up to 270 days are possible from inside Sri Lanka.
What Is the Current Sri Lanka Visa Policy for Indians in 2026?
Sri Lanka has waived all visa and ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fees for Indian nationals. This policy, confirmed by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India in February 2026, means Indian travellers can enter Sri Lanka for short-term tourism without paying any application or processing charges.
India is among 40 countries that now enjoy visa-free entry into Sri Lanka. The move is part of Sri Lanka’s push to boost tourism, especially ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 being co-hosted by Sri Lanka.
Here is a quick summary of the current policy:
| Detail | Status (2026) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee for Indians | Free (waived) |
| ETA fee | Free (waived) |
| Duration of stay | 30 days |
| Extension possible | Yes, up to 270 days total |
| Passport validity required | 6 months from date of arrival |
| Purpose covered | Tourism, short business visits, transit |
This is a significant improvement from earlier years when Indian travellers had to pay approximately USD 35 to USD 50 for an ETA.
Documents Required for Sri Lanka Travel from India
Even though the visa is free, you still need to carry proper documentation when travelling to Sri Lanka. Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) will check these at the counter.
Mandatory documents:
- Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival
- Return or onward flight ticket confirming your departure from Sri Lanka
- Proof of accommodation such as hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from a host in Sri Lanka
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (bank statements or credit card statements showing approximately USD 30 per day)
Good to carry (not always asked, but helpful):
- Travel insurance policy document (strongly recommended; see our guide to travel insurance for international trips)
- Printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary
- Two passport-sized colour photographs (recent, white background)
- COVID vaccination certificate (not mandatory in 2026, but some travellers carry it as a precaution)
Pro tip: Keep both digital and printed copies of all documents. Sri Lanka’s immigration process is smooth, but having papers ready speeds things up.
How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA Online (Step-by-Step)
While the visa-free policy means you may not need to pre-apply for an ETA in 2026, applying online before travel is still recommended. It ensures a smoother entry at immigration and avoids any last-minute confusion.
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for a free Sri Lanka ETA:
Step 1: Visit the Official ETA Portal
Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website: https://www.eta.gov.lk. This is the only legitimate government portal. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees.
Step 2: Select Your Visa Type
Choose “Tourist ETA” from the options. Other options include Business ETA and Transit ETA, but most Indian travellers will need the tourist category.
Step 3: Fill in Your Details
Enter your personal information as it appears on your passport:
- Full name (as on passport)
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality (Indian)
- Intended arrival date
- Address in Sri Lanka (hotel name and address)
- Contact details and email address
Step 4: Review and Submit
Double-check all information carefully. Any mismatch between your ETA details and passport can cause delays at immigration. Click submit once you are satisfied.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation
You will receive an acknowledgement email with a reference number. The ETA approval typically arrives within 24 to 72 hours. Some applications are processed within a few hours. Save or print the approval notice.
| ETA Application Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official portal | eta.gov.lk |
| Application time | 10-15 minutes |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours (often faster) |
| Fee for Indians (2026) | Free |
| Validity once approved | 6 months from approval date |
| Entries allowed | Double entry within validity |
Important: Even though ETA fees are waived, the application form may still show a fee field. For Indian passport holders, the final amount should reflect zero or show a waiver. If any website asks you to pay, cross-check that you are on the official government portal.
Duration of Stay and Visa Extension Process
Initial Stay: 30 Days
Your Sri Lanka tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of arrival. This is sufficient for most holiday trips covering popular destinations like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Ella, Sigiriya, and the southern beaches.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
If you want to stay longer, Sri Lanka allows extensions up to a total of 270 days (approximately 9 months) from your date of arrival. Here is how the extension process works:
Where to apply:
- Online: Through the Department of Immigration e-services portal at https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk
- In person: At the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Battaramulla, Colombo
Extension fees:
| Extension | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| First extension | Up to 90 days (from day 31) | USD 30 |
| Second extension | Up to 90 more days | USD 50 |
| Third extension | Up to 90 more days (total 270 days) | USD 100 |
| Express processing (optional) | Faster turnaround | Additional USD 40 |
Documents needed for extension:
- Valid passport with sufficient blank pages
- Completed visa extension application form
- Proof of sufficient funds (approximately USD 30 per day for the extended period)
- Confirmed hotel reservation or host letter for the extended period
- Valid return or onward flight ticket
- Passport-sized photographs
Key rule: Apply for your extension before your current stay period expires. Overstaying your visa in Sri Lanka results in heavy fines and can lead to a temporary entry ban.
Flights from India to Sri Lanka: Practical Tips
Sri Lanka is one of the closest international destinations from India, with direct flights taking just 1.5 to 4 hours depending on your departure city.
Major routes with direct flights:
| Route | Approximate Flight Time |
|---|---|
| Chennai to Colombo | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Delhi to Colombo | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Mumbai to Colombo | 2 hours |
| Bengaluru to Colombo | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Kochi to Colombo | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Hyderabad to Colombo | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Several airlines operate direct flights between Indian cities and Colombo, including SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo, and Air India. You can compare fares and book directly on HappyFares to find the best deals.
Booking tips:
- Book at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance for the best fares
- Midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) are usually cheaper
- If you are travelling for the T20 World Cup 2026, book well in advance as prices spike closer to match dates
- Check our cabin baggage rules guide before you pack
Things to Know Before You Travel to Sri Lanka
Here are a few practical tips that Indian travellers should keep in mind:
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). As of early 2026, 1 INR is approximately 3.5 to 4 LKR. Carry some USD or use ATMs in Colombo for local currency. Most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas accept cards.
Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and transport services. Indian travellers who speak Tamil will find it especially easy in northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
SIM card: You can get a tourist SIM card at Bandaranaike International Airport from Dialog or Mobitel. It costs around LKR 1,300 to 1,500 for a plan with data, calls, and validity for 30 days. Carry your passport for verification.
Power plugs: Sri Lanka uses Type D and Type G plugs (230V). Most Indian chargers (Type D) work without an adapter, but carrying a universal adapter is a good idea.
Travel insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical costs can add up quickly in case of emergencies. Check our best travel insurance guide for affordable options.
Safety: Sri Lanka is generally safe for Indian tourists. Stick to well-known tourist areas, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like PickMe, and keep copies of your important documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa to visit Sri Lanka in 2026?
No. As of 2026, Indian passport holders can visit Sri Lanka without paying any visa or ETA fees. The visa-free policy allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. It is still advisable to apply for a free ETA online before travel for a smoother immigration experience.
Is the Sri Lanka ETA really free for Indians?
Yes. Sri Lanka has completely waived ETA and visa fees for Indian nationals. The fee waiver was confirmed in February 2026 and applies to tourist, business, and transit categories. Always use the official portal at eta.gov.lk to avoid third-party charges.
How long can Indians stay in Sri Lanka without a visa?
Indian citizens can stay for up to 30 days on their initial entry. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for extensions at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. The maximum total stay with extensions is 270 days.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Sri Lanka?
Overstaying is a serious offence in Sri Lanka. You may face fines, detention, deportation, and a temporary ban on future entry. Always apply for an extension before your permitted stay period ends.
Can I travel to Sri Lanka with just my Aadhaar card?
No. You must carry a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date. Aadhaar card is not accepted as a travel document for international travel. If you do not have a passport, apply for one well in advance through the Passport Seva portal.
Sri Lanka remains one of the most accessible and affordable international destinations for Indian travellers. With free visa entry in 2026, there has never been a better time to plan your trip. Whether it is the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya, or the whale watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka has something for every kind of traveller.
Looking for the best flight deals to Colombo? Compare prices and book your tickets on HappyFares today.
For more travel guides, check out our list of visa-free countries for Indian passport holders.
