Sri Lanka Visa for Indians: How to Apply for the ETA Online

Last Updated : 27 Apr 2024

Last Updated : 27 Apr 2024 at

30-Second Summary

Indian nationals planning to visit Sri Lanka for tourism must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their trip.

A Sri Lanka visa is an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) allowing Indians to apply entirely online.
It does not require you to submit your passport and visit any Embassy for interviews.

Apply on Atlys and get a full refund if your Electronic Travel Authorization is rejected.

Important Information

Sri Lanka

— Visa type

Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

— Sri Lanka online visa cost

The Sri Lanka visa fee for a single entry is ₹ 250 on Atlys. Atlys does not charge a service fee unless your visa is approved.

— Sri Lanka visa processing time

The processing time is up to 5 business days through the government website. With Atlys, you can get it within 12 hours.

— Sri Lanka visa validity

The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 120 days.

— Length of stay

You can stay up to 30 days.

Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?

No. Indian nationals can enjoy visa-free travel to Sri Lanka until 31 March 2024 without applying for a Sri Lanka visa.

However, Indian nationals need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), an official authorisation that is issued online for a short visit to Sri Lanka. ETA holders receive a 30-day short visit visa upon arrival at the Sri Lankan port of entry.

Indians can apply for a Sri Lanka visa online through Atlys or the official government website.

Can Indians get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival?

No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. To enter Sri Lanka, apply for an ETA before travelling. Indian nationals can apply for a Sri Lankan ETA through Atlys or the government website.

Sri Lanka ETA requirements for Indians

You must complete an online application form when applying for your Sri Lanka ETA. The Sri Lanka visa requirements are as follows:

Valid passport: A passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
Visa photo: A digital passport-size photograph where the Sri Lanka visa photo size must be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm. The photo must have been taken recently against a white background, looking straight at the camera.

With Atlys, you can easily upload your required documents using the camera on your smartphone or laptop.

Sri Lanka ETA price

The Sri Lanka ETA costs ₹ 250 on Atlys. Atlys will not charge a service fee unless the visa is approved on time.

*Please note that visa fees can be updated at any stage without prior notice. Take the time to double-check important information, such as visa fees. Indians can easily double-check visa fees with Atlys.

Sri Lanka ETA application process for Indians

We aim to provide clear guidance so that you can easily understand your options for obtaining an ETA to Sri Lanka as an Indian traveller. You can apply through Atlys or handle the application on your own.

How to apply through Atlys

Here's a quick overview of what to expect when applying online through Atlys to get the ETA on time.

1
Start application: Start your Sri Lanka ETA application on Atlys.
2
Upload or take your photo: You can upload an existing photo or take a new one directly on the website using your smartphone or laptop.
3
Provide your details: Fill in the required personal and travel information accurately.
4
Finalise and pay: Review your application, checkout, and pay the applicable ETA fees.

Why choose Atlys

Sri Lanka visa approval times are uncertain and can be up to 5 working days. With Atlys, you can get a visa within 12 hours, guaranteed.
Atlys has tie-ups and public relations officers at Sri Lanka Immigration to ensure that visas come on time.
You can also apply for your entire family on Atlys in one go.

How to apply through the government website?

Indian citizens can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA online by following the steps below:

1
Start the application: Visit the official ETA website and read all the terms and conditions.
2
Identify your visa type: After agreeing to the terms and conditions, click on the visa type that works for you under the tourist ETA section.
3
Complete the Sri Lanka visa form: Fill out the application form with accurate details, including your passport information and travel plans.
4
Submit the ETA application: You will receive an email confirming that your application was received. This email will contain your application reference number and the date when you can expect a response.
5
Pay the Sri Lanka visa fees: Make the online payment for the ETA processing fee.
6
Wait for your Sri Lanka ETA: Once complete, you'll get an email confirming your ETA.

Tips to apply

Submit your Sri Lanka ETA application at least 7 days before your planned travel to ensure timely processing.
A separate card should be filled out for each child travelling on their parent's passport.
Before starting the application, familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions on the official ETA website.
Double-check application details. Ensure all information in the application form, including passport details and travel plans, is accurate to avoid delays or complications.

Receive your approved Sri Lanka ETA for Indians

After submitting your ETA application, you must wait for processing. Remember to apply for your Sri Lankan ETA from India early to ensure enough time for processing.

Through Atlys:

Upon approval, Atlys will notify you that your ETA is approved. Next, you can easily download the ETA and print a copy before travelling to Sri Lanka.

Through government:

Once the ETA is processed, you'll receive your ETA in PDF format. You must print and carry this document when travelling to Sri Lanka.

How the approved Sri Lanka ETA looks:

Sri Lanka ETA information for Indians

How to check Sri Lanka ETA status?

Check your visa status through Atlys:

To check the status of your Sri Lanka ETA on Atlys, follow these simple steps:

1
Download the Atlys App.
2
Select "My Profile" and proceed to "My Documents".
3
Inside “My Documents,” find your Sri Lankan ETA.
4
Click on your visa to view its current status.

Check the visa status yourself:

Indians can view the status of the ETA on the government website. Follow these simple steps:

1
Visit the official website where you applied.
2
Click “Check status” at the top row.
3
Provide your confirmation code, passport number and nationality.
4
Click on “Check status” to view the current status.

Sri Lanka ETA processing time

The Sri Lanka ETA processing time through the government website can take up to 5 days. However, by using Atlys, you can receive your approved ETA within 12 hours.

Sri Lanka ETA validity & length of stay

The Sri Lanka ETA is valid for 120 days. With the ETA, you can enter Sri Lanka once for a stay of up to 30 days.

Our commitment to visa accuracy

All the information in this blog is sourced from official government websites, ensuring reliability and accuracy. You can trust the content to be accurate, but remember to stay informed, as changes may happen without notice.

Government fees and processes can change over time. Atlys recommends double-checking the government website for the most current and up-to-date information before applying.

We’re here to answer all your questions

What happens if my Sri Lanka visa gets rejected?

At Atlys, you will receive a 100% refund of your visa fees, excluding the service fees.

If your Sri Lanka visa gets rejected, you will be notified of the reason of rejection. By fixing these rejection reasons, you can reapply for your visa. You will lose the funds when applying through the government or visa sites.

Can Indians go to Sri Lanka without a passport?

No, Indian citizens cannot travel to Sri Lanka without a valid passport. A passport is a mandatory travel document that proves identity and nationality.

What are the Sri Lanka entry requirements?

Indian citizens must present the following at the port of entry:

A valid passport.
A round-trip ticket to prove you are returning home.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Sri Lanka.
ETA approval notice.

Can I extend my Sri Lanka ETA?

Yes, Indian can extend the ETA. To extend your ETA, visit the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration or the nearest Sri Lankan immigration office. Complete an application form for an ETA extension and submit it along with any required supporting documents. Alternatively, you can use the government's online visa extension website to request an extension for your visit visa, which will allow you to stay an additional six months.

What happens when I reach Sri Lanka immigration?

Arrival: Upon arrival with your ETA visa in Sri Lanka, proceed through immigration. Present your passport, ensuring it has a minimum of six months validity, along with your Srilanka ETA visa approval notice.
Immigration verification: The immigration officer will verify your details. They might inquire about the purpose of your visit and your travel itinerary.
Proof of onward travel: Be prepared to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket.
Immigration clearance: Once your information is verified and immigration clearance is granted, you can enter Sri Lanka and begin your journey.

Which port of entry can I use to enter Sri Lanka with an ETA?

You can use any of the following ports of entry to enter Sri Lanka with an ETA:

Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport)
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
Ratmalana Airport
Jaffna International Airport
Colombo Harbour
Trincomalee Harbour
Galle Harbour
Kankesanthurai Harbour
Point Pedro Harbour
Palaly Airport

What are the photo requirements for a Sri Lanka ETA?

The photo requirements for a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) are as follows:

Format: The photo should be in digital format, preferably JPEG format.
Size: The photo should be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm.
Background: The background should be plain white or light-coloured.
Head position: The head should be centred within the frame and facing directly towards the camera.
Facial expression: The facial expression should be neutral, with the mouth closed and eyes open.

What are some Sri Lankan rules for Indian travellers?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after returning to India.
Submit your application at least 7 days before travelling.
Children under 12 years old receive a free tourist visa when travelling to Sri Lanka.
Extensions beyond the initial 30 days are possible, with the first extension granting 60 days and the second and third extensions each granting 90 days.
Any extension for a visa should be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla.
The Sri Lanka ETA processing fee is non-refundable.
Only complete applications will be accepted.
Please note that obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Upon arrival, immigration officers will assess your request and reserve the right to deny entry to Sri Lanka without providing a specific reason.

What are some of Sri Lanka's ETA problems I can face when applying online?

To enter Sri Lanka, you can apply for a visa online through the official government website or Atlys. However, applicants can face several problems when applying through the government website. .

The ETA website is not user-friendly; you might be unable to upload your required documents successfully.
The website doesn't provide a clear application process, making you struggle when applying.
Applicants may face technical difficulties or glitches while submitting their ETA online visa application to Sri Lanka. It can include website errors, slow processing times, or payment issues.

Can I work with an ETA for Sri Lanka?

You cannot work with an ETA for Sri Lanka. The ETA is for short-term visits to Sri Lanka for tourism, business meetings, transit, or medical purposes. It does not permit employment or any form of work in Sri Lanka.