Indian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, but it's free of charge and valid for 30 days with double-entry, according to Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration & Emigration. India is one of 40 nationalities the official ETA portal lists as eligible for this free arrangement — apply online before you travel rather than expecting a visa-on-arrival counter.
What the official ETA portal confirms
- ETA required: yes, for all foreign nationals including India, obtained prior to arrival.
- Cost: free of charge for Indian nationals, as one of the 40 listed eligible countries.
- Permitted stay: 30 days, with double-entry permitted from your first arrival date.
- Extensions: available if you want to stay longer, on payment of the applicable visa fee.
Source: Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Department of Immigration & Emigration — last checked for this guide on 26 June 2026. Apply through the official portal only; third-party sites charging a fee for a free ETA are not official.
What to have ready
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
- Return or onward flight confirmation.
- Basic trip details (accommodation, purpose of visit) for the online ETA form.
Planning your trip
Once your ETA is approved, see our upcoming Sri Lanka itinerary from India for a 7-day Colombo to Kandy and Ella route.