
Sri Lanka Visa on Arrival: Can Indians Get VOA In Sri Lanka?
Last Updated : 19-Sept-2023
Atlys in the news


30-second Summary
Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka must apply for a visa before entering the country. The traditional visa on arrival is not available.
However, an ETA on arrival at the limited facility provided at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
You must pay the ETA processing fee only by credit card/debit card or cash in US$.
Importantly, the airline may not allow you to board the flight without a copy of Sri Lanka ETA.
Hence, you must apply for a Sri Lanka ETA (Sri Lanka visa for Indians) before your flight to avoid rejection at the airport in India.
To make sure you avoid any delay or possible rejection, you can apply for your Sri Lanka visa before your trip. Around 1 - 10 people get rejected on arrival.
Important Information
— Is there a Sri Lanka Visa On Arrival?
— ETA On Arrival Fees
— Easiest and Fastest Way to Apply
— Visa Validity
Do you want to get a visa on arrival for Sri Lanka but don't know where to start?
Let's get started!
Do Indians Need A Sri Lanka Visa?
Yes. Indians need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, there is no visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, only an ETA, which is commonly known as an online tourist visa for Sri Lanka.
You can apply for the ETA on arrival at the limited facility provided at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). But, I suggest that you apply for the ETA before going to Sri Lanka to avoid standing in queues with the possibility of not getting the visa on arrival.
Get the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa beforehand without any hassle so that you can focus on enjoying your trip to Sri Lanka! You can even apply for your Sri Lanka visa online through Atlys!
What Are The Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka ETA For Indians?
Let's outline the necessary visa requirements for Indian citizens traveling to Sri Lanka using Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
When you arrive in Sri Lanka, the visa requirements for Indian citizens to Sri Lanka are as follows.
A valid passport is required for Sri Lanka travel. A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Sri Lanka.
Confirmed return ticket to show at the port of entry in Sri Lanka (only if you travel by air).
You can avoid the hassle of applying for a Sri Lanka visa on arrival for Indians by using Atlys to easily and quickly apply for your Sri Lanka ETA. Then, travel to Sri Lanka with ease.
Indian passport holders can apply for their ETA upon arrival; however, getting your visa before your travels is recommended.
There have been cases where Indian travellers were denied their visa on arrival (VOA)/ ETA on arrival at the airport. Consequently, they experienced substantial financial losses due to the need to cancel their plans and accommodation reservations. Furthermore, they were subsequently deported from the country.
Have a look at the Sri Lanka ETA blog to learn more about the requirements and application process.
Why travel with the risk of your ETA being rejected upon arrival? When you can save yourself the hassles, apply with Atlys and get it approved before your trip.
The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is better than the Sri Lanka ETA on Arrival (VOA) for several reasons:
Convenience: The Sri Lanka ETA can be applied online in advance, allowing travellers to obtain their visa authorisation before their trip. This eliminates the need to queue for visa processing upon arrival at the airport, saving time and providing a smoother entry process.
Faster Processing: The ETA application is typically processed faster than the VOA. Once approved, travellers receive their ETA confirmation via email, which they can print or carry digitally for presentation at the immigration checkpoint.
Guaranteed Entry: With the ETA, travellers receive pre-authorisation for entry into Sri Lanka. This means that as long as they meet the ETA requirements and present the approved ETA confirmation, they are assured entry into the country, reducing the risk of being denied entry at the port of arrival.
Peace of Mind: Having the ETA in hand before travelling gives travellers peace of mind, as they can proceed with their trip without uncertainties or last-minute visa complications. This helps ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
Overview For Sri Lanka ETA On Arrival From India
Here is everything you need to know about the Sri Lankan visa on arrival for Indian citizens.
The fee for this visa on arrival for Sri Lanka is USD 25, which is approximately ₹ 2,068 based on the current exchange rate. This visa allows for double entry and a maximum stay of 30 days.
You can use US Dollars at the Bandaranaike International Airport to pay for the visa on arrival.
The Sri Lanka visa on arrival allows a total stay of 30 days for tourism and business visits. The ETA is valid for 30 days starting from the date of application and grants you the privilege of double entry into the country.
The Sri Lanka visa on arrival for Indian citizens has a validity period of 6 months. This means that once the ETA on arrival is issued, it remains valid for 6 months, starting from the date of issuance. You can use the visa to enter Sri Lanka for business-related activities within this duration.
What Are The Important Notes For When You Are In Sri Lanka?
There are a few things to note when visiting a foreign country as a tourist. Here's what to remember when visiting Sri Lanka for a short visit visa.
You should not get involved in any form of Employment (paid or unpaid), trade, or business during your stay in Sri Lanka.
You must use your visa before the expiry date on the visa.
The validity of your visa is subject to entry into Sri Lanka during the indicated entry period.
Applications for extending visas should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
All Done!
Remember, you can use Atlys to ease the tiresome queueing process upon arrival at the airport.
As an Indian citizen, start your ETA application process so that you get the Sri Lanka Visa On Arrival for Indians. You can now go to Sri Lanka and enjoy your trip.
Government Sources
The information on the blog was written with AI for better understanding. However, all the information in this blog is obtained and verified information from trusted government sources, such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally required to provide proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host, when applying for a visa on arrival. This demonstrates that you have a place to stay during your visit to Sri Lanka.
Related Articles

Thailand Elite Visa Benefits And Application Process
If you frequently travel to Thailand, you have to consider applying for the Thailand Elite visa. Luckily, this post covers everything you need to know.

Types Of Dubai For Indians: Fees & How To Apply With Atlys
Learn about the different Dubai visa types and how to apply for them. This article will also help you understand the documents required and the visa fees.

Laos Visa For Indians: Visa Fees And Application Process
In this blog, I discuss the Laos visa for Indians, the requirements, visa fees, the application process, and how to check your status.

Singapore Work Visa & Permit For Indians:Types & Requirement
Discover how to apply for a Singapore Work Visa, explore visa types & requirements, and find the right work pass in this comprehensive guide.

Sri Lanka Visa for Indians - How to Apply in 2023
Discover the convenience of a Sri Lanka visa for Indians. Obtain a Sri Lanka ETA quickly and explore the beauty of Sri Lanka hassle-free.

Sri Lanka Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Visa
Learn how to extend your Sri Lanka visa for tourists, businesses, employment, students, spouses, and retirees. Step-by-step guide and required documents.

Sri Lanka Visa Processing Times And Application Guidelines
Discover Sri Lanka Visa Processing Times: Learn how long it takes to obtain your Sri Lankan visa for a hassle-free travel experience.

Sri Lanka Golden Visa for Indians: Visa Validity & Cost
Learn about the requirements and application process for the Sri Lanka Golden Visa for Indians. Invest in Sri Lanka and enjoy residency privileges for 10 years.

Sri Lanka Business Visa for Indians - Process and Validity
Learn about the requirements, process, and validity of Sri Lanka business visa for Indian citizens. Plan your business trip to Sri Lanka hassle-free.

Azerbaijan Residence Visa: Types & Residency Through Investment
Explore Azerbaijan's residence visa options for temporary and permanent stays. Learn eligibility criteria, document requirements, and the investor visa program.

Indonesia eVOA for Indians: Apply For eVOA In Advance
Get your Indonesia eVOA hassle-free. Learn how Indians can apply for the Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) quickly and efficiently.

Azerbaijan Transit Visa | A Complete Guide
Get a complete guide to Azerbaijan Transit Visa for Indians. Learn about requirements, fees, application steps, and visa validity.

Saudi Business Visa: Quick and Hassle-Free Application
Learn about Saudi business visa requirements for Indians. Expert guidance on application process, documents, and eligibility. Plan your venture with confidence

Kyrgyzstan Visa for Indians | How to Apply
Learn how to effortlessly secure a Kyrgyzstan visa for Indians with step-by-step guidance on the e-visa process, fees, and essential requirements.

Saudi Visa Processing Time for Indian Applicants
Learn about the processing times for Saudi visas for Indian citizens. Find out how long it takes to get a Saudi visa and plan your trip accordingly.