Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indian

Previously, before 2012, Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka could avail of a free visa-on-arrival. However, this provision was cancelled on 1 January 2012, and now there is no Sri Lanka visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens.

However, Sri Lanka does offer eVisa visas on arrival to Indian nationals, which they can apply for as soon as they reach Sri Lanka by visiting the Border Control Department. However, the Sri Lanka visa fees for Indians for eVisa visas on arrival will attract an additional charge.

The eTA visa services previously available for Indian nationals have now transitioned to eVisa services. Under the eVisa exemption scheme, Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism can travel free of cost until 30 April 2024.

For any Indian national travelling to Sri Lanka, they must choose and apply for the right visa category based on their trip duration and purpose of visit.

At present, Sri Lanka offers the following visa categories for Indian nationals, and all visas require an eVisa confirmation letter:

Visitor Visa:

Tourist visa: This tourist visa can be obtained before the trip or while entering Sri Lanka. It permits you to stay in Sri Lanka for 30 days with an extension available.

Business visa: This visa category is obtained via eVisa. However, the cost differs as this category is called an eVisa business visit visa. It allows you to carry out professional operations in Sri Lanka (unpaid work like conferences, lectures, etc.).

Transit visa: This visa allows Indians travelling to Sri Lanka as a layover of no more than 2 days to avail of free one-time permission to enter and stay in the country.

Residence visa:

Employment visa: This residence visa is applicable for any Indian hired by a Sri Lankan employer to carry out job operations in the country.

Student visa: This visa is necessary for all Indians wanting to study in Sri Lanka for higher education.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

When it comes to the documents required for a Sri Lanka tourist visa from India, it is important to note that a tourist visa comes under the visitor visa category. To obtain this visa, you need to apply for an eVisa Sri Lanka visa application online with the following documents.

eVisa Letter: A printed eVisa approval letter by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration. This is applicable to all visa categories, including visit visas and residence visas.

Passport: A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka

Flight Tickets: Travel tickets to and from Sri Lanka, or even tickets for onward travel.

Photographs: 2 to 3 clear passport-size photographs of yourself

Proof of Accommodation: Depending on the duration of your business visa stay, you must submit valid proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings and residence addresses.

Sri Lanka Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Business visas can be obtained for 60 to 180 days, based on the visa type you choose. In addition to the documents required for a Sri Lanka tourist visa from India, for a business visa, also called a work visa, some other documents are necessary. These include:**

Invitation Letter: One of the most important documents for a business visa, regardless of the trip duration, is a valid invitation or sponsorship letter from a Sri Lankan employer clearly stating your purpose and duration of stay.

Recommendation Letter: To qualify, Indian applicants with confirmed employment letters must also submit a recommendation letter from the Line Ministry with their application.

Sri Lanka Student Visa Requirements from Indian Citizens

In addition to the documents required for a Sri Lanka tourist visa from India, for a student visa, some common documents include:

Acceptance Letter: One of the primary documents required for a student residence visa is an acceptance letter from a Sri Lanka college, university or institute. This document acts as an invitation letter, as it confirms your admission.

Proof of Funds: To prove your ability to cover the day-to-day expenses of living in Sri Lanka, you must submit proof of funds via bank statements with your application.

Educational Certificates: Depending on the course or degree you are accepted for, you might be required to submit attested copies of high school transcripts, certificates, etc., to prove your qualifications.

Medical Report: Some schools, colleges, and universities might request a medical certificate from an authorised medical centre.

Visa Type	Validity	Fees (in US$)
Transit Visa	2 days	Free
Visitor Visa (single-entry)	30 days	Free (only till 30 April 2024)
Visitor Visa (double-entry)	6 months with a 60-day stay limit	35
Visitor Visa (multiple-entry)	1 year with a 90-day stay limit	200
Visitor Visa (multiple-entry)	2 years with a 180-day stay limit	300
Visitor Visa (multiple-entry)	5 years with a 180-day stay limit	500
Visitor Visa (multiple-entry)	10 years with a 180-day stay limit	1000

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Sri Lanka is a must-visit tourist destination for Indian nationals. Thus, to travel to Sri Lanka and explore its stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, it is necessary to stay up-to-date with the types of Sri Lanka visas for Indians and their requirements.

With this information, you can easily choose and apply for the correct visa and plan your trip in advance by collecting all the necessary documents prior to the application process. Moreover, by safeguarding your trip with international travel insurance, you can travel around Sri Lanka without the fear of unexpected situations.

What documents are required to extend a visitor visa?

To extend any visitor visa, all you need to do is submit your bio data page of the current passport and pay the applicable extension fee to stay in Sri Lanka as per requirement after visa expiration.

How to apply for a Sri Lanka eVisa?

To apply for an eVisa, follow the steps mentioned below.

Visit the online eVisa portal.

Enter all the requested information about yourself and your trip itinerary accurately in the space provided.

Submit the application and pay the applicable visa fee.

Save and download the application submission receipt.

Wait for the final approval.

Upon approval, you will receive the eVisa within 1-3 days.

What to do if I want to apply for eVisa after reaching Sri Lanka?

After reaching Sri Lanka, find the eVisa issuing counter and request an eVisa application form. Then, submit the form and pay the application fee via credit or debit cards, and foreign currency.

If approved, your eVisa will be issued for 30 days. After receiving the eVisa, make your way to the Immigration Counter to continue entry requirements for Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer: The visa fees are subject to change. Before applying, always check the latest visa fees with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.