Sri Lanka ETA for Indians
By Ganesh ·
Indians need an ETA for Sri Lanka even when the visa is free. How to apply on the official site, what to carry, trip costs and a 7-day route.
The short answer: Indians visiting Sri Lanka as tourists need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. Apply on Sri Lanka's official ETA site (eta.gov.lk), run by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. A tourist ETA is usually for a 30-day stay with double entry. Sri Lanka has run a free tourist visa scheme for Indians and a few other nationalities, so the fee may be zero, but you still have to apply for the ETA.
Sri Lanka has changed its visa system and fees several times in recent years, including a short-lived switch to a different online system in 2024. Check eta.gov.lk or the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi for the current procedure and fee before you travel. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Step by step
- Go to eta.gov.lk and choose a tourist ETA.
- Fill in the form: passport details, arrival date, address in Sri Lanka (your first hotel), and return ticket details.
- Pay the fee, if any: under the free visa scheme the tourist ETA fee for Indians may be waived.
- Receive the approval by email, usually quickly. Print it or save it on your phone.
- Show it at check-in and on arrival with your passport and return ticket.
What you need
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Hotel booking or an address in Sri Lanka.
- Enough money for your stay.
What a Sri Lanka trip costs from India (approximate)
| Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Tourist ETA | Free under the scheme, when it applies, otherwise a fee in US dollars; check eta.gov.lk |
| Return flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi or Mumbai to Colombo | ₹12,000–₹30,000 |
| Car with driver | ₹6,000–₹9,000 a day including fuel |
| Hotels, mid-range | ₹3,000–₹8,000 a night |
| Sigiriya Rock entry (foreigners) | A significant fee in US dollars; check the current price |
Indian rupees are not widely accepted. Carry a card and some US dollars or exchange to Sri Lankan rupees in Colombo.
A 7-day route
- Day 1: Colombo → Negombo or straight to Sigiriya/Dambulla.
- Day 2: Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla cave temples.
- Day 3: Kandy, Temple of the Tooth.
- Day 4: Train or drive through the tea country to Nuwara Eliya or Ella.
- Day 5: Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak.
- Days 6–7: South coast. Galle Fort and Mirissa, then back to Colombo.
The Kandy–Ella train is popular and sells out; check booking options early. Build the route in Sancharees to see the driving times between stops.
When to go
The south and west coasts are best from December to April; the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) from May to September. The hill country is pleasant most of the year.
FAQ
Is Sri Lanka visa-free for Indians?
Under the free visa scheme the fee may be waived, but you still need an approved ETA before you travel.
How long can I stay on a Sri Lanka tourist ETA?
Usually 30 days, with double entry. Extensions are possible through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Where should I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?
Only on the official site, eta.gov.lk. Many other sites charge extra for the same thing.
Can I get the ETA on arrival?
Apply before you fly. Airlines check for an ETA at check-in.
Photo: Sigiriya Rock Fortress View from Pidurangala Rock by Gayomiw, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Read in: भारतीयों के लिए श्रीलंका ETA: आवेदन कैसे करें (और मुफ़्त वीज़ा योजना)