Disclaimer : Information contained in this post is updated as of 25th December, 2013. Please check with embassy for latest updates.

Although Indians do require a Visa to enter Sri Lanka but process is so simple and quick that it doesn’t seem like a burden to acquire the Visa.  Sri Lanka issues an electronic Visa for tourist purpose that you can obtain beforehand.

Visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp and fill up the application form. Please make sure you have following items in place :

  • A confirmed return ticket within 30 days from the date of entry
  • Hotel booking for at least one day. You need to enter place of stay in application form.
  • A credit card for making payments.

The Visa fees is 15 $ for Indians. Once you complete the form and submit the application you get an acknowledgement email. The official time to receive the Visa is 24 hours but I got mine within next 10 minutes.

It is better to take a print out of the granted ETA received though it was not checked at the immigration as they had the entries in their system based on passport number. Once you land at Colombo airport, head straight towards immigration counter with print out of ETA and passport.

There is a second option of getting an On Arrival Visa. Visa fees is 20 $ and the counter is located near to immigration counters. A credit card should work as proof of funds. I didn’t avail this option so do not have first hand information on this one but I believe requirements would be similar to getting an ETA.

Since getting an ETA is extremely simple process, it’s best to get the visa beforehand.  There was not much crowd at immigration and it hardly took 10 minutes to clear the immigration. As a surprise I was gifted with a SIM card loaded with 50 LKR with data plan enabled. Sri Lanka is really working towards making their visitors feel welcome. Do you have plans to visit there ?

About the Author

I am a Travel Blogger from India. This blog is a collection of my travel experiences and learnings. I share my travel stories to introduce the wonderful places that I have visited and thus have virtual tours with readers:). If you liked reading my travel blog, please comment to share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.

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118 Comments
 
  1. Chetan Giridhar • 8 January, 2014 at 4:39 PM •Reply

    Waiting for places you visited in Lanka.. 🙂

    • Makrand • 9 January, 2014 at 12:59 AM •Reply

      :). Not many but yes few posts due on places visited 🙂

  2. Vinod Gopani • 4 February, 2014 at 10:31 AM •Reply

    Lovely info…. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 , Keep on the good work !

    • Makrand • 4 February, 2014 at 1:55 PM •Reply

      Thanks Vinod :). Keep Visiting.

  3. sam • 19 April, 2014 at 10:08 AM •Reply

    Good info… thanks

    • Makrand • 20 April, 2014 at 10:52 AM •Reply

      Thanks for visiting Sam 🙂

  4. Arpit • 21 May, 2014 at 10:07 AM •Reply

    Thanks for the Info.. You doing really good.

    • Makrand • 22 May, 2014 at 1:02 AM •Reply

      Thanks a lot Arpit :). Visitors like you motivate me to write more :).

  5. Tushar Vyas • 3 July, 2014 at 9:09 PM •Reply

    Thank you. So we have abruptly made a programme to visit Sri Lanka from 5th to 21st June 2014. Let us see how it goes. Its my wife, daughter 15, son 6 and myself. Any suggestions on some real adult entertainment? Thanks, in advance. Tushar Vyas, Muscat, Oman.

    • Makrand • 6 July, 2014 at 11:29 AM •Reply

      Looks like your trip already started. Hope you must be having good time there.

  6. hamdan javaid • 7 February, 2015 at 4:32 PM •Reply

    is it has to be a credit card or any debit card will do?

    • Makrand • 7 February, 2015 at 9:27 PM •Reply

      Hi Hamdan ,

      It asked for a payment through credit card. You may check the link to see if things have changed now.

  7. Ritesh Menon • 17 February, 2015 at 6:32 PM •Reply

    Hello.I am holding an Indian passport and my wife Singapore passport.Can I go and apply On-Arrival as I am holding Indian Passport.

    • Makrand • 21 February, 2015 at 2:11 AM •Reply

      Hi Ritesh,

      Yes, Indians can On Arrival visa in Srilanka.

  8. asishdas • 1 March, 2015 at 2:03 PM •Reply

    I have a confusion. It relates to “Electronic Travel Authorization(ETA)” vis-a-vis “Visa on Arrival”. Are these two terms mean the same thing? Or, Indians do not need any Visa and instead they can enter Srilanka for tourism purpose by procuring ETA beforehand? Can you please clarify this aspect a bit more? Thanks.

    • Makrand • 2 March, 2015 at 10:03 PM •Reply

      Hi AshishDas Sir ,

      These two terms have slightly different meaning. ETA is pre-approved visa which can be obtained online in advance delivered to your mail box. Once you have received it, you need to take a print out and then once you have landed at airport, you can directly proceed towards immigration.

      On arrival visa can be obtained after reaching Srilanka. You first need to get the visa done from VOA counter by paying fees and then after getting VOA you can proceed towards immigration.

      Hope it clarifies.

  9. shinu asmy • 19 March, 2015 at 9:59 PM •Reply

    Thank u makrand. right time i found your dairy and its of great use to me …good work …keep going

    • Makrand • 20 March, 2015 at 7:12 PM •Reply

      Glad to know you found something useful at my page. Keep visiting 🙂

  10. jay • 28 March, 2015 at 2:11 AM •Reply

    Hi, I am planning to go to Colombo. please let me know how many days do I need to visit …I like temples, sites of Ramayana and other…. Can you suggest any good travel agent to take me safe and cover the places. Of course I do not want to travel to any complicated places.thanks

    • Makrand • 28 March, 2015 at 6:38 PM •Reply

      Hi Jay,

      When I visited Srilanka, I didn’t spend time in Colombo, so don’t have much information about Colombo. I spent 5 days at Kandy and Gale. Sri Lanka is safe to travel except the North Srilanka where also things are changing.

  11. jay • 29 March, 2015 at 1:21 PM •Reply

    thanks very much. Please let me know what to see in Kandy and Galle. much appreciated for any information.

  12. Nataraja Reddy • 21 April, 2015 at 10:39 PM •Reply

    Can I get visa in 24 hours

    • Makrand • 26 April, 2015 at 11:47 AM •Reply

      Hi Nataraja,

      You would normally get e-visa within 24 hours but to avoid any risk you always have an option of getting visa on arrival as mentioned in my post.

  13. Rajesh Rao • 17 May, 2015 at 8:14 AM •Reply

    Hi makrand,

    A good post. However, what connected me was your travel style is similar to what I have envisaged for my travel site. I have the domain in place. But I am looking for someone to work with alternating between travelling and writing. If you are in Mumbai, let’s touch base.

    • Makrand • 17 May, 2015 at 10:32 PM •Reply

      Hi Rajesh,

      I am not located in Mumbai but you can always drop me an email via contact form. We can discuss about the work you have planned to do.

  14. Mouzinho Gracias • 21 May, 2015 at 1:36 PM •Reply

    I am planning on a visit to Sri Lanka with my family.My daughter is 11 yrs old and her residence visa is expiring on 15/08/15 and our travel dates are from 27/06/2015-02/07/2015.So pls advice if we require to renew her visa before applying for Sri Lanka visa.Pls reply asap.

    • K rishna • 25 June, 2015 at 12:44 AM •Reply

      Dear Mouzinho Gracias, Atleast 6 months passport validity should be there for visiting sri lanka or any other country

  15. Makrand • 21 May, 2015 at 9:27 PM •Reply

    Hi,

    Sorry I would not be able to give correct information for your query. Please contact a travel agent or embassy directly.

  16. Deepali • 10 June, 2015 at 12:12 PM •Reply

    Hello,
    To prove that we have enough funds to travel do we really need to show the credit card. Is there any other option?? Can we show our bank account statement originals ??

    • Makrand • 10 June, 2015 at 9:31 PM •Reply

      Hi Deepali,

      If you have time then you can get e-visa in advance. That would be the most convenient option. As I didn’t avail VOA so don’t know all rules in detail. In most of the cases a credit card or cash acts as a proof of funds. I am not sure whether bank statement would be acceptable. Although most probably they will not ask for proof of funds if you have hotel bookings and return flight tickets. Please try to find more information on other forums or contact embassy directly.

  17. Diya Vyas • 24 June, 2015 at 8:54 PM •Reply

    i Makrand, nice blogs my idea of travel and urs are nearly same am also planning for srilanka please help me out for below few queries
    1. How many days will be sufficient to cover srilanka?
    2. Which places are nice to visit? What adventure/activities we can do?
    3. Which month is best suitable to visit sri lanka?
    4. My baby is 6 months old do we need to apply for his ETA/visa?

    After Sri Lanka trip i will plan for Turkey or Hungary.

    can i get your direct email so that it will be easy for me to stay in touch with you.

    Thanks Diya

    • Makrand • 25 June, 2015 at 8:22 PM •Reply

      Hi Diya,

      1. You can not cover Srilanka in a matter of days as there are lot of places to see in Sri lanka. Time required would depend on places you want to visit. For visiting popular places like Colombo, Kandy and Galle 7-8 days would be good duration. If you want to explore more of Srilanka then you will need more days.

      2. Srilanka has lot of national parks and Yala is most famous amongst them. There are cities, there are beaches n there are hill stations. Think what will interest you more and can then decide on that.

      3. To visit west coast of srilanka where more known places like colmobo and galle are , nov-feb would be a good time when rainy seasons has ended. I haven’t been to east coast of sri lanka but that can be visited during Indian rainy season as it doesn’t rain there during july-oct.

      4. Does your baby has a separate passport or his/her information is present on your passport ? From the ETA form it looks like children below age of 12 are waived from ETA however please consult the embassy or a travel agent as I don’t have information about this.

      You can reach me at lowalekar.makrand@gmail.com.

      Sorry I am making changes to the page at the moment so contact details haven’t put at appropriate places yet.

  18. Sibin • 29 July, 2015 at 8:23 AM •Reply

    Hi,
    Gr8 informations…..
    Pls could you suggest us a itinerary for a 6 days visit to Sri Lanka?
    Need to have a good day of night life too!
    Like whr to stay, transport etc…..dates 29th Aug to 5th Sept, 2015…. VERY NEAR!

    • Makrand • 29 July, 2015 at 8:30 PM •Reply

      Hi Sibin,

      I just spent 5 days in Srilanka where I visited Kandy which is a hilly area and Galle which is a beach town. Depending on your interest you can choose any of these or follow the same circuit Colombo -> Kandy -> Galle -> Colombo. Please note that its rainy season in western srilanka so be prepared for rains. To avoid rains eastern srilanka can be an option but I haven’t been there so don’t have information on that.

      I don’t have hotel details with me. I traveled by local buses as I was on budget. They are not comfortable specially with luggage. Taxis can be rented just like India but they are slightly expensive there.

  19. ricky singh • 4 August, 2015 at 5:24 PM •Reply

    hello sir i want to go srilanka but i have one problm pls let me know my passport have still visa so can i aplly eta for srilanka pls its urgents thanks u so much

    • Makrand • 4 August, 2015 at 9:54 PM •Reply

      Hi Ricky,
      I didn’t understand your question. Do you mean to say that you have a valid Sri Lankan visa stamped on your passport ? In that case you don’t need to get e-visa if your visa has validity expiring after your return trip.

  20. ricky singh • 4 August, 2015 at 10:57 PM •Reply

    sir i went to dubai last year so stil my passport have dubai visa now next month i will plan to go to srilanka as a trousit so i want to know can i aplly srilanka visa like a eta.. thanks u dear sir

    • Makrand • 6 August, 2015 at 2:12 PM •Reply

      You can certainly do that. Dubai visa will not be any problem.

      • ricky singh • 9 August, 2015 at 8:01 PM •Reply

        sir let me know how much usd show to colombo airport for fund? 500$ is enough for 10days? thanks u sir

  21. ricky singh • 6 August, 2015 at 10:18 PM •Reply

    ok sir thanks u so much…

  22. JInesh Nair • 19 August, 2015 at 9:27 AM •Reply

    Dear Makrand,
    there is a small confusion, about 4 years ago when I went to Sri Lanka with my family, I remember I paid only 10USD for ETA, Now when I applied through online it shows 90USD,

    is that correct, or I am on a wrong site?

    Kindly help

    • Makrand • 1 September, 2015 at 7:54 PM •Reply

      Hi,

      You can use the link in the post for booking which I had used and is a valid one. Visa fees may have been revised in 4 years.

  23. Akbar Musani • 1 September, 2015 at 1:04 PM •Reply

    Are there 4-6 days travel packages to Colombo all inclusive, air,hotel etc. Recommend any 3-4 star hotels you guys may have visited.

    • Makrand • 1 September, 2015 at 8:06 PM •Reply

      There should be plenty of travel packages available though I haven’t used any. I stayed in budget hotels so will not be able to provide you required information

  24. hackernewbie • 4 September, 2015 at 9:23 AM •Reply

    I Markand, I’m planning a very short backpacking trip to Sri Lanka this Nov and your articles seem to be very informative and should be a great help in my planning. Thanks for the writeups.

    Cheers,
    Rajiv

    • Makrand • 4 September, 2015 at 11:49 AM •Reply

      Happy to hear that Rajiv. Have a great trip.

  25. battousai • 4 September, 2015 at 1:56 PM •Reply

    ETA / VISA = Potato / Potato? are they same? one of my cousin who is 17 and an Indian by Naturalization holding an Indian passport wants to travel to Srilanka to visit his uncle, aunt etc… It is clear he can apply for an ETA online and travel, but how about the proof of finance support? any known advice is really helpful thanks.

    • Makrand • 5 September, 2015 at 8:55 AM •Reply

      Yes its Potato/Potato :). ETA is electronic visa. You do not need to show any proof of funds if getting visa online. Just fill up the form , make the payment and take the printout of visa received by email.

  26. Arungopan • 5 October, 2015 at 12:18 PM •Reply

    Did you ever traveled to thailand . I like to go to thailand for 30 days . If you know anything about thailand visa details please tell me .

  27. Makrand • 5 October, 2015 at 9:00 PM •Reply

    Hi Arungopan,

    I was in Thiland only for a day and I took on arrival visa.You can find details in this post. However please note that on arrival visa is valid only for 15 days so in your case you will have to get visa in India itself from Thai Embassy.

    http://makrandtraveldiary.com/thailand-visa-process-for-indian-passport-holders/

  28. raji • 18 October, 2015 at 3:09 PM •Reply

    Hello Markrand …

    we booked ticket madurai to colombo 25 th return 29 th. also done hotel booking, how to take on arrival visa. any documentation required.

    • Makrand • 18 October, 2015 at 6:41 PM •Reply

      Hi Raji,

      You can either take e-visa either before hand or get a visa on arrival. You can follow the link to get e-visa and its very easy. If you plan to get on arrival visa after reaching Srilanka then you will need your return flight tickets, hotel booking and some proof of funds for your stay in Srilanka as required documentation. I didn’t take it myself as I had taken e-visa before hand but I believe the required documents must be same.

  29. capt. s k jain • 16 November, 2015 at 6:32 PM •Reply

    Hi,
    I am planning to visit Srilanka Bentota for 2 days with my family wife and 2 adult children. Can you guide what to cover ? Thanks,
    Regards,
    Capt. S K Jain
    Delhi, India

    • Makrand • 18 November, 2015 at 6:38 PM •Reply

      Hi,

      In Galle you can cover the fort in addition to the beach. I believe 2 days would be short to go around any other place, so stick to galle and enjoy the beach n fort 🙂

  30. Sam • 24 December, 2015 at 5:20 PM •Reply

    Hi Makranad,
    I am planning to visit sri lanka in feb-mar 2016 for 10 days… I would like to know few things.

    1) do we need a confirmed hotel booking for all 10 days in advance in order to get ETA or only one day is enough.
    2) In hand cash is required to show to immigration even we have pre approved VISA

    • Makrand • 2 January, 2016 at 10:24 PM •Reply

      Hi Sam,
      As far as I remember you need to specify an address in Sri Lanka in ETA form so booking for one day should be enough.
      You do not need to show any money if you have an ETA

  31. mohamed siraj • 31 January, 2016 at 8:00 PM •Reply

    Hi I am now leaving in Saudi Arabia my pass port is Indian I want visit Sri Lanka how I can get viza please tell me

    • Makrand • 1 February, 2016 at 7:57 PM •Reply

      Hi Siraj,

      As you have Indian passport, you can get the visa as per rules in this post

  32. Anay • 4 February, 2016 at 11:36 PM •Reply

    Hi, My Passport is expiring by 29th June 2016 but need to visit for couple of days in Feb. Will I be eligible to get Visa for my visit.

    • Makrand • 5 February, 2016 at 8:05 PM •Reply

      Hi Anay,

      I am not sure about rules for Sri Lanka. Normally the passport should be valid for 6 months for most of the countries.

  33. Prakash shah • 8 March, 2016 at 2:57 AM •Reply

    Sir I wants to visit Sri lanka from 23/03/2016
    to 03/04/2016. But I also wants to visit colombo to maldives in between from sri Lanka to maldives multi entry visa need to issue?
    Or 2 times needed visa for indian passport holder.
    Pls replay me Prakash _shah2005@yahoo.com

    • Makrand • 9 March, 2016 at 8:47 PM •Reply

      I think you do not get multiple entry visa when you get on arrival. So either you need to get multiple entry visa by applying in India itself or get visa on arrival multiple times

  34. Anil kumar singh • 10 March, 2016 at 6:08 AM •Reply

    Makrand sir ,good morning. I with my younger have to attend wedding ceremony at Colombo. I have not any credit card but SBI Master card means debit card.Host will receive at the airport. I can take only cash as Indian rupees. What will do at airport to show sufficient fund?How much cash is sufficient in Indian rupees ? We will stay at host resident. Please suggest me. Its my first trip outside of India.

  35. Pingback: Sri Lanka Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders | srilankavisaonline

  36. Chitra Ramkumar • 22 March, 2016 at 4:54 PM •Reply

    Dear Makrand Sir, We plan to visit Srilanka for 4 days in 1st week of April. My son’s passport expires on 17th July 2016. Is he eligible to get a visit visa.
    Thanks

  37. vssanal • 24 April, 2016 at 11:33 AM •Reply

    hi do we need credit or debit card for gettin own arrival visa in srilanka if need which one because i don hav credit card or can i pay by cash

    • Makrand • 26 April, 2016 at 9:22 PM •Reply

      Hi,

      I haven’t taken on arrival visa in Srilanka so don’t have full information. However in most of the countries, visa fees is only accepted in cash for On arrival applications so same might be applicable.

  38. Yuvaraj Venkatesan • 17 May, 2016 at 3:36 PM •Reply

    Hi,

    When i check the website of ETA, it mentioned 2 fess like “ETA Processing Fee(US$)” and “ETA processing fee and Short Visit Visa fee charged by the Sri Lanka Overseas Missions”

    Do i need to pay twice for this ??

    Thanks,

    • Makrand • 17 May, 2016 at 8:32 PM •Reply

      Hi Yuvaraj,

      You have to pay only once. I think the second fees is for applying on srilankan embassy located in other countries (Overseas Missions). You need to refer to first table only.

  39. johnkendy06 • 30 May, 2016 at 6:40 PM •Reply

    Thanks for sharing useful information. I am going to share this with my friends. For more details about Singapore Visa you can visit : Sri Lanka Visa Online

  40. Iti Singh • 1 June, 2016 at 5:33 PM •Reply

    Hi….The information is really useful, thankyou 🙂
    How long does it take to get the Visa….When should I apply for it if Iam planning to go in August ?

    • Makrand • 6 June, 2016 at 7:30 PM •Reply

      You can get e-visa within 1-2 days.

  41. cecilia • 27 June, 2016 at 2:01 PM •Reply

    which is the best place tovisit in the month of August

  42. cecilia • 28 June, 2016 at 2:09 PM •Reply

    hi ..pls anyone can let me know which places I should visit in Sri Lanka in the month of mid august..to avoid the rains…

  43. INFO SEEKER • 30 June, 2016 at 4:00 AM •Reply

    Hi Makrand,
    Have read through the entire thread of comments and really found you doing a great thing.
    I too would love to jump in with some queries and hopefully you could manage to direct them rightly.
    I intend to travel to SL for my friend engagement (indian guy marrying SL girl). I hold an Indian passport but am based IN dubai with a valid employment visa.
    What do I have to do? ETA OR ON ARRIVAL VISA?
    Same would be applicable to my friend too?
    Thanks
    INFO SEEKER

    • Makrand • 1 July, 2016 at 8:53 PM •Reply

      Hi INFO SEEKER,

      As you are an Indian passport holder you can get both ETA and On Arrival Visa. It’s better to get ETA as you don’t need to worry about getting visa after landing there.

  44. afsar • 14 July, 2016 at 7:43 PM •Reply

    Hi Makrand i got a job in dubai so before that i want to go to srilanka for visit purpose . im from india . so i can travel from srilanka to dubai through employement visa?

    • Makrand • 14 July, 2016 at 11:00 PM •Reply

      Hi Afsar,

      No you can’t do that. You need to get tourist visa for srilanka

  45. Muhamed Saifi Ameenulla • 19 July, 2016 at 6:38 PM •Reply

    Hi Makrand,On Sep 8 2016 I am flying with my family from Trivandrum to Duabi Via Colombo. Around 7 hours layover time is there. I am asking you 1.Can I get on arrival visa from there.
    2. If so, then within 4 hours what are the places we can visit.3
    3. We will get tourist agent from there and how much us the cost for the same.

    • Makrand • 21 July, 2016 at 8:52 PM •Reply

      Yes you can get on arrival visa there.

      I didn’t visit any place in Colombo and headed straight to Kandy, so can’t help in that. Please search for some places to visit in Colombo online. However note that 4 hours is very less time to go into city and comeback in time. So check the distance of places you plan to visit and how much time you would take to reach and come back. Take into account traffic situation n all.

  46. abuthalip • 27 July, 2016 at 5:36 AM •Reply

    I am indian passport holder …. now i am in saudi arabia …. i like to go srilanka for meet my friends … how get visa …. for 3 month then maybe i start bussiness in srilanka …. what can i do .

    • Makrand • 27 July, 2016 at 8:26 PM •Reply

      You can get tourist/visitor visa to meet your friends.

      If you want to start the business please read the rules carefully. Tourist visas are only for tourism visa and its illegal to work without proper visa.

  47. Vishal • 10 August, 2016 at 2:45 PM •Reply

    I am visiting Sri Lanka Tomorrow. I have booked flight tickets and hotel.

    Visa on Arrival facility is still working? Pls reply

    • Makrand Lowalekar • 10 August, 2016 at 2:55 PM •Reply

      Hi Vishal,

      I am not aware of latest rules about VOA. Please check the embassy website or contact them on phone to get latest update. Please don’t procceed without visa if you are not sure about latest VOA rules and try to get electronic visa in express way if available

  48. JOY • 25 December, 2016 at 1:30 PM •Reply

    Helo Makrand,

    now i am here in dubai, i need to change my visa. i think can i go sreelanka i have indan passport
    i want 3 month dubai visit visa again. is t possible.

    • Makrand • 25 December, 2016 at 1:48 PM •Reply

      Hi Joy,

      Did not understand exactly what you are trying to do. You can go Srilanka after getting e-visa or take a visa on arrival.

      Do you plan to apply for Dubai visa from India or somewhere else. Please explain in detail.

  49. rabi sharma • 27 December, 2016 at 8:09 PM •Reply

    Hi Makrand,

    Can You tell me Indian Passport holder visit Srilanka Without ETA or not

    • Makrand • 28 December, 2016 at 7:40 PM •Reply

      Indian passport holders can get ETA in advance or get on arrival visa in Srilanka. I would advise to get electronic visa (ETA) in India itself to have smooth immigration.

  50. Sushil • 4 January, 2017 at 6:49 AM •Reply

    Hii..Makrand…I will b transiting sri lanka. I will ve signning off from ship at galle and to onward depart to mumbai. May i get to extend my visa for few days more to stay there. Is that possible. Pls guide me.

  51. Mohamed • 15 January, 2017 at 9:23 AM •Reply

    Hi Markand
    Iam the India passport holder , residing in singapore. Travelling to srilanka in another 3 days, what s ur advise n which way i can apply visa for my short trip (2 days stay in SL)

    Many TkS in advance

  52. bsnellgroveBrian Snellgrove • 5 February, 2017 at 3:50 PM •Reply

    My British son is working in Sri Lanka for a charity and has been there 10 years. He has met an Indian lady. What are the visa rules for Indians wishing to work in SL? Are there visa rules at all?
    Brian

  53. kamalpreet singh • 21 February, 2017 at 5:18 PM •Reply

    hello sir my name is kamalpreet i am indian passport holder. sir i will go bahrain from delhi via srilankan airline. i have to stay in colombo 20hours.so sir i want to know can i get transit visa at colombo airport??thanks u sir

  54. HARUN KHAN • 6 March, 2017 at 8:17 PM •Reply

    Sir.i want to go shri Lanka. .i want to know that can we go there with out visa ..i have my passport

    • Makrand • 6 March, 2017 at 10:38 PM •Reply

      Hi Harun,

      You will have to take either e-visa or visa on arrival. You can not enter Srilanka without visa.

  55. martin • 12 March, 2017 at 10:28 PM •Reply

    Thanks ! Little helpful info ! I may have one day transit in COLOMBO. do you think area around airport is safer and worth to step out for sight seeing ? just for the day. i arrive their in morning 5 am and depart at night 23:00. any suggestions ?

    • Makrand • 14 March, 2017 at 8:45 PM •Reply

      Hi Martin,

      I haven’t seen around Colombo as I headed straight ahead to Kandy when I visited Sri Lanka. Please see the list of places to see in Colombo and see what you would like to see in a day. If you take regular precautions, you should be ok.

  56. Mindula • 23 March, 2017 at 10:05 AM •Reply

    Hi with eta visa can engage in Sri Lanka ?and can I apply visa for another country??

    • Makrand • 23 March, 2017 at 9:34 PM •Reply

      Hi,

      I believe there will be no restriction about getting engaged in Sri Lanka as long as you are aware of local and legal rules

  57. Akash • 8 April, 2017 at 12:48 PM •Reply

    HI, I am traveling to singapore with connecting flight and i have hold for 3 hours on colombo(Sri Lanka) air port, is it possible for me go outside the airport or hold any visa for such sort period ?

    • Makrand • 9 April, 2017 at 11:08 AM •Reply

      Hi Akash,

      With just 3 hours of layover time, it wouldn’t be advisable to step out of airport.

  58. Rijah • 11 May, 2017 at 2:23 PM •Reply

    HI, I am traveling to India with connecting flight and i have hold for 9 hours on colombo(Sri Lanka) air port, Is visa required to go outside the Airport?

    • Makrand • 25 May, 2017 at 8:18 PM •Reply

      Yes, you will need a visa.

  59. Sai Dattha Sharan • 24 May, 2017 at 8:55 AM •Reply

    do Indians need a passport to enter Sri Lanka?
    btw thanx for keeping good stuff.

    • Makrand • 25 May, 2017 at 8:18 PM •Reply

      Yes Indians do need both passport and a visa to enter Sri Lanka

  60. Sayeed Nawaz • 5 June, 2017 at 1:31 PM •Reply

    thanks, your blog is simple and helpful. The visa fee is 15$ and most of the agencies are charging 55$ for their services. This is too much. Is there a place where we can just pay the fee and get the visa for Srilanka
    (without paying additional service charges)

    • Makrand • 6 June, 2017 at 9:19 PM •Reply

      You can get e-visa by following the link in the given post. Its simple to get by following the instructions in the link.

  61. Tatkal Ticket • 26 June, 2017 at 7:16 PM •Reply

    Here is the link for online application : https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/apply.jsp

  62. Piyush • 3 July, 2017 at 10:20 PM •Reply

    What kind of fund proofs need to be present before visa officer there?and how much?

    • Sayeed Nawaz • 10 August, 2017 at 9:58 AM •Reply

      I want to obtain a visa for Sri Lanka online. website which you mentioned is closed and non functional. is there a change? is there a active site available.

  63. SANTHOSH • 18 September, 2017 at 11:11 PM •Reply

    Hi I am plan to visit sri lanka on November 8th to November 19th can I know for Indian how many month valid passport needed buz my passport was expected on 15th April 2018.

    • Makrand • 22 September, 2017 at 10:06 AM •Reply

      Hi Santosh,

      I don’t know the specific rules for Srilanka but most of the countries have rule that passport should be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates

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About Me

I love to visit different places and tell stories from there. This blog is collection of few such stories. My travel style is budget travel along with comfort. I try to travel slightly offbeat routes but equally enjoy popular tourist spots. You may not find me doing a 15 days trek in mountains but you can spot me walking for a day enjoying beauty of Himalayas and then relaxing in evening in a cozy place. I also love to explore cities on foot and public transport with a map in hand. For more details, please Read More ...
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