The Sri Lanka Tourist Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Confirm that Indian citizens require a Sri Lanka tourist visa and must obtain an ETA prior to travel; no visa-free entry is available for Indian passport holders as of 2025.

   • Clarify available options: ETA (online) and limited visa on arrival (only with ETA pre-approval), valid for up to 30 days with double entry for tourism purposes.

   • Passport criteria: must be original, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 6 months from arrival in Sri Lanka, with at least two blank visa pages.

   • Permitted purposes: tourism, leisure, visiting friends and family, attending cultural/sporting events or short-term non-remunerative activities; paid work, business, study, settlement, or migration are not allowed.

   • Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (employment, property, family), clear intent to return, and have no history of serious criminal or immigration violations.

2. Document Checklist & Required Evidence

   • Completed ETA application form (online via the official government portal), with accurately filled details.

   • Valid Indian passport meeting the above criteria, plus photocopies of biodata pages and any prior visas (if available).

   • Two recent biometric passport-size color photographs (35×45 mm, white background, taken within the last 3–6 months).

   • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket.

   • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay (hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host with their ID).

   • Bank statements (past 3 months) or credit card statements as proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay.

   • Detailed cover letter outlining visit purpose, travel dates, day-by-day itinerary, funding source, and assurance of return.

   • For minors: notarized parental consent and supporting documents (birth certificate, parent passports/ID).

   • Any additional documents as requested by Sri Lankan authorities for special circumstances.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: tourism, leisure, visiting friends/family, attending cultural/sport events, and unpaid short-term activities (up to 30 days).

   • Prohibited: paid work, business, long-term/award-bearing study, religious residence, migration, settlement, or overstaying the authorized duration.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • ETA required for all Indian travelers for short visits; regular sticker visa only in exceptional situations.

   • Limited visa on arrival available for ETA-approved travelers; advance ETA application is strongly advised.

   • Digital disembarkation card must be completed online within 3 days before travel via the official immigration portal.

   • Airport checks include review of ETA approval, onward/return ticket, funds, and accommodation proof.

   • Only documents listed in the official checklist accepted; missing or extraneous paperwork can cause delays or refusal.

   • Early completion of ETA, flight, accommodation booking, and document preparation is recommended for smooth entry.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Submit ETA application and supporting documents via official Sri Lanka ETA portal prior to travel.

   • Retain email/printout of ETA approval for presentation at immigration in Sri Lanka.

   • Carry original passport, ETA printout, return/onward ticket, accommodation/funds proof, and all documents to show on request.

   • Digital arrival card to be submitted online 72 hours before travel.

   • Upon arrival, present ETA, passport, and required documents for entry stamp.

   • For stays beyond 30 days, apply for extension with local immigration authorities.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen eligibility, choose optimal visa route, and provide updated checklist as per official 2025 Sri Lankan requirements.

   • Review, format, and upload all documents to minimize error, delay, or omission.

   • Manage ETA application, communication, digital arrival card submission, and support with documentation or queries.

   • Proactively handle additional requests, clarification, or policy changes; manage extension cases if required.

   • Streamline the process, reduce risk and client stress while clarifying that final permit approval/entry rests solely with Sri Lankan authorities and cannot be guaranteed or expedited by any service.