Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Indians

An Indian traveller who wants to visit Sri Lanka for a shorter time for the following reasons must obtain an ETA before visiting the country.

1. Indian tourists who are visiting Sri Lanka for -
   1. Sightseeing and holidaying
   2. To visit their relatives and friends
   3. To participate in any kind of a sporting events, cultural programmes or competitions
   4. For medical treatments such as Ayurveda and Yoga
2. Indian business personnel visiting Sri Lanka -
   1. To involve in business meetings or negotiations
   2. To participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops
   3. To participate in short-term training programs
   4. To participate in dance, music, or art events
   5. To take part in religious events or symposium
3. Indian travellers on transit -
   1. Indian travellers who stop over in Sri Lanka for a transit while traveling to any other country.

Types of eVisas or ETAs Provided by Sri Lanka

For the above-mentioned categories which include Indian tourists, business personnel and travellers on transit, the DI&E provides three different visas or ETAs.

• For tourists - ETA for tourist purpose with double entry for 30 days
• For business personnel - ETA for business purpose with double entry for 30 days
• For travellers - ETA for transit up to 02 days

Though ETAs are granted with double entry facility for tourists and business people, initially the applicants will be granted 30 days from the date of arrival and the balance 30 days will be granted for the second visit to Sri Lanka.

Business purpose visa should be obtained only from Sri Lanka Overseas Missions or head office of the Immigration department of Sri Lanka. The applicants can obtain single, double or multiple entry business ETAs by producing relevant documents that define their scope of business purpose visit to Sri Lanka.

How to Apply for an ETA to Sri Lanka?

If you're planning to visit Sri Lanka for a short trip for the above listed reasons, you must apply and receive the ETA before arrival in the country.

There are multiple ways through which Indians can apply for Sri Lankan Visa.

1. Submit online application
2. Apply through third parties
3. Through a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission
4. Submit application at DI&E
5. Submit application upon arriving at Sri Lanka (Limited facility)

Let's look at each method in detail.

Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA Online

You can submit an online application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka by following the instructions mentioned below.

Steps to apply online:

1. Visit DI&E's electronic travel authorization official website at www.eta.gov.lk/
2. Select 'English'
3. From the main menu bar, click on 'Apply'
4. Read the terms and select 'I Agree'
5. From the left-side menu, select one of three options, 'Tourist ETA, Business ETA, or Transit ETA' by clicking on the associated options including 'Apply for an Individual/Group/Third party'
6. You will then be redirected to the online application page, where you need to fill the form with the required details as per your passport
7. Once you fill the form, click on 'Next' to review the application form
8. In the next step, you need to pay the ETA processing fee using either your credit card or debit card or other payment options
9. 'Submit' the application once the fees is paid

Upon successful submission of the application, you will receive an acknowledgment with a reference number. You will receive a response within 24 hours of submitting the application.

Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA Through an Authorized Third Party

You can also apply for ETA through third parties such as travel agents, airlines, friends, or family etc., who could submit an application on your behalf.

1. Contact the third party service provider to submit your ETA application.
2. The concerned person would pay the ETA processing fee and submit the application. Upon successful submission of application, an acknowledgement will be sent.
3. You will receive reply for your application, ETA approval notice or referral notice, within 24 hours of submission.

You might receive a referral notice if the records indicate that you're already in Sri Lanka, when you overstayed in the country, or when you already have a valid Multiple Entry Visa to Sri Lanka.

In case you receive a referral notice you need to contact the Immigration department for further assistance.

Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA through Overseas Missions

You can also apply for ETA through Sri Lanka Overseas Missions if you have a visa endorsed on your passport. Sri Lanka Overseas Missions can issue ETA for up to 30 days and Short Visit visas for tourists and business people for up to 03 months. The visa charges might vary accordingly.

Follow the steps to apply for an ETA at your nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission.

1. Visit your nearest Sri Lanka Overseas Mission.
2. Fill the ETA application form and submit it to the visa officer along with the relevant fee.
3. Once the application is submitted, an acknowledgement with a reference number will be sent to you.
4. Within 24 hours you will receive ETA approval notice.
5. Upon successful processing, the ETA or the short stay visa will be issued within 3 business days.
6. You can then collect the passport with the endorsed visa.

Make sure to have a copy of ETA approval which should be produced at the point of entry in Sri Lanka. You must also carry a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival, a confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds to meet your expenses.

Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA through the Department of Immigration

If you're inviting a foreign national to Sri Lanka, either for a holiday or business trip, you must submit an ETA application directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration Head office in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

1. At the DI&E office, you need to submit the ETA application for your guest along with the processing fee.
2. Upon receiving the application, the department will send an approval or referral notice to the applicant as well as to you (who submitted the application)
3. In case, you receive a referral notice, you need to contact the DI&E for further assistance.

Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA on Arrival

When you don't have prior ETA approval, a limited facility is available to get an ETA after arriving at the port of Sri Lanka. However, the facility is available only at Sri Lanka's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Follow the steps to apply for an ETA after arriving at the port.

1. At the Bandaranaike Airport, go to the ETA issuing counter.
2. Fill the ETA application form and pay the required fee (only in US dollars).
3. If your application is approved, you will receive the visa for up to 30 days.
4. You can then proceed to the immigration counter and submit your passport.

In case you're served with a referral notice, your entry will be refused, and you need to return to your original destination.

Sri Lanka ETA Processing Fee for Indians

The Sri Lanka Visa or ETA processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, irrespective of your application status.

Also, the fee differs based on the method of submission, type of visa, country of origin and other factors.

The ETA processing fees mentioned below are in US Dollars.

Sri Lanka ETA Processing Fee and Short Visit Visa Fee

The ETA Processing Fee and Short Visit Visa fee charged by the Sri Lanka Overseas Missions is listed below.

You can also pay the fee in your respective currencies equivalent to the value of US Dollars.

Check the Status of a Sri Lanka ETA Online

You can check the status of your ETA application on the official website of Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization.

1. Visit the official page at eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jsp

1. Enter 'Confirmation Code'
2. Enter 'Passport Number'
3. Select 'Nationality'
4. Click on 'Check Status'

The status of your ETA application will be displayed instantly.

Make sure to have a copy of ETA approval which should be produced at the point of entry in Sri Lanka. You must also carry a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival, a confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds to meet your expenses.

Extend Short Visit ETA in Sri Lanka

If you wish to stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days, you can apply for an extension. Your current Short Visit visa can be initially extended up to 90 days from the date of arrival and for another 90 days at the second instance.

You need to submit an extension application at the Immigration Department in Colombo directly or through an authorized agent.

Indians Visiting Sri Lanka on Diplomatic or Official Duty

India is one of the countries exempted from Sri Lanka ETA processing fee and the ETA procedures for Diplomatic and Official/Service passport holders visiting the country for official and private visits.

1. Indian Diplomatic and Official passport holders will get a Visit Visa upon arrival to Sri Lanka.
2. The ETA will be issued free of cost and is called Gratis ETA.
3. For Indian ordinary passport holders visiting Sri Lanka on government duty, the Gratis ETA is provided based on the arrangements made between Indian and Sri Lankan governments.
4. If Indian Diplomatic and Official passport holders are visiting Sri Lanka on personal purpose, they must obtain ETA through normal application procedure only.