Updated 2026-08-22
🇮🇳 Sri Lanka Visa from India
India is on the 40-country free list, so Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day double-entry ETA — on the shortest international route to the island.
The tourist ETA is free for Indian citizens
India is on the 40-country free list effective 25 May 2026 — a 30-day double-entry tourist ETA at no cost. The application itself remains mandatory.
Free
Tourist ETA
No government fee for this nationality.
30
Days of stay
From arrival, double entry, extendable in country.
72
Hours to approve
Most approvals arrive by email within 24–72 hours.
What Indian citizens should know
- Indian citizens receive the free 30-day double-entry tourist ETA introduced on 25 May 2026.
- As a SAARC nation, India previously paid the reduced USD 20 online rate; the tourist fee is now waived entirely.
- The business ETA is not covered by the waiver — SAARC business applicants still pay USD 30.
- Double entry suits the common Colombo–Male–Colombo itinerary without a second application.
Getting there
- Chennai to Colombo is the shortest hop at about 1 hour 20 minutes, with multiple daily flights.
- Direct services also run from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trichy, Hyderabad and Madurai.
- Colombo is 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.
How to apply
- Open the official portal
Apply at eta.gov.lk — not an agent site.
- Select Individual and Tourist
Or Group/Family if you are travelling together.
- Enter passport details exactly
Every field must match your passport character for character.
- Skip the payment step
Indian citizens are not charged for the tourist ETA.
- Wait for the approval email
Usually 24–72 hours. Apply about a week before departure.
Sources & verification. Fees per the official ETA fee schedule. Last reviewed 2026-08-22. See the full visa guide and FAQ.