Yes, Indian citizens can now get tourist visas automatically upon arrival in Sri Lanka at no cost. This represents a significant policy shift that has made travel between the two neighboring countries much more accessible. Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, Indian citizens have the option to apply for a visa on arrival. This visa can be obtained directly at the country’s entry points. Visa on arrival is available for Indian citizens at no fee.
The current visa-on-arrival system eliminates the need for advance applications, lengthy processing times, and visa fees that previously created barriers for Indian tourists. This policy change reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to boosting tourism and strengthening cultural ties with India, making the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” more accessible than ever before.
Current Visa-on-Arrival Policy for Indians
As of January 2025, the e-Visa for Indian nationals is free for tourist and business visas if you apply on the official website. However, the most convenient option remains the visa-on-arrival facility, which allows Indian travelers to obtain their tourist visa directly at Sri Lankan entry points without any advance paperwork.
The visa-on-arrival system provides 30-day tourist visas that can be extended within Sri Lanka if needed. Indian nationals can stay in Sri Lanka for 30 days from the arrival date with double entries. This means travelers can exit and re-enter Sri Lanka during their visa validity period, making it ideal for those planning multi-destination trips in the region.
Key benefits of the current system:
- No advance application required
- No visa fees for Indian citizens
- Immediate processing at arrival
- 30-day validity with extension options
- Double entry facility
How the Visa-on-Arrival Process Works
The visa-on-arrival process for Indian citizens is straightforward and designed for efficiency. Upon landing at Bandaranaike International Airport or other designated entry points, Indian passport holders can proceed directly to the immigration counters where visas are issued on the spot.
Required documents for visa-on-arrival:
- Valid Indian passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their arrival in Sri Lanka and at least 1 blank page for stamping.
- Confirmed return or onward travel tickets
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
- Completed arrival/departure card (can be filled online in advance)
The immigration officer will verify these documents and stamp the visa directly into the passport. Once the e-Visa is issued, it will be sent to the email address of the applicants in PDF format. Indian travelers just need to download and print it out to present it at the border upon arrival. However, for visa-on-arrival, no prior digital application is necessary.
Evolution of Sri Lanka’s Visa Policy for Indians
Sri Lanka’s visa policy for Indian citizens has undergone significant changes in recent years. On 2 September 2024, Sri Lanka decided to implement visa-free access for citizens of 38 countries, including India, China, Thailand, the UK, the USA, and Indonesia. Although it was initially planned to be implemented on 1 October 2024, the decision was advanced due to the inconvenience caused to tourists at the visa-on-arrival counters, where overcrowding was a significant issue.
Initially, there was a temporary visa-free period from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, which allowed Indians to enter Sri Lanka without any visa requirements. As of October 1st, 2024, Sri Lanka announced visa-free travel for Indians, effective until March 2025. This initiative aims to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties with neighboring countries.
After the visa-free period ended in March 2025, Sri Lanka transitioned to the current visa-on-arrival system, which maintains the convenience and cost benefits while providing better immigration control and processing capabilities.
Documentation Requirements and Entry Procedures
While the visa-on-arrival process is simplified, Indian travelers must ensure they meet all entry requirements to avoid complications at immigration.
Essential documentation checklist:
- Passport with minimum 6 months validity from arrival date
- At least one blank page for visa stamping
- Return/onward journey tickets
- Hotel reservations or accommodation proof
- Bank statements or cash equivalent (approximately $25-50 per day)
- Health insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
Special considerations:
- Ensure that your Indian passport has at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Provide accurate and complete documentation, including proof of accommodation bookings, return or onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required only if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries)
- Children under 18 require parental consent if traveling with one parent
Visa Extension and Duration Options
The standard visa-on-arrival provides a 30-day stay, but Indian visitors planning longer trips have extension options available within Sri Lanka. Indian visitors who wish to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka may apply for a visa extension. The short-term visit visa may be extended a maximum of up to 270 days from the date of arrival in three consecutive instances as granted 30 days on entry, 60 days at first extension, and 90 days for second and third instances.
Extension process:
- Apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo
- Submit application before current visa expires
- Pay applicable extension fees
- Provide justification for extended stay
- Show proof of sufficient funds for extended period
Extension costs and durations:
- First extension: 60 additional days
- Second extension: 90 additional days
- Third extension: 90 additional days
- Maximum total stay: 270 days from initial arrival
Alternative Visa Options for Special Circumstances
While visa-on-arrival serves most Indian tourists, certain travelers may benefit from alternative visa types depending on their travel purpose and duration.
Business visa options: Business eVisa: This type of visa permits a maximum stay of up to 30 days. Business travelers who prefer advance planning can still opt for online e-visa applications, which remain free for Indian citizens.
Transit visa facilities: Transit eVisa: Indians are allowed to stay at the airport for up to 02 days from the date of entry. For travelers with longer layovers who wish to explore Colombo, transit visas provide short-term entry permissions.
Multiple entry considerations: The visa-on-arrival provides double entry facility, allowing travelers to exit and re-enter Sri Lanka during the 30-day validity period. This is particularly useful for travelers combining Sri Lanka with other regional destinations.
Practical Travel Tips and Recommendations
To ensure smooth entry and an enjoyable stay, Indian travelers should consider several practical aspects of visiting Sri Lanka under the current visa regime.
Financial preparations:
- Carry small denominations in USD (widely accepted)
- Current exchange rate: ₹1 ≈ 4 Sri Lankan Rupees
- Major credit/debit cards accepted in cities
- ATMs available in major towns (check international card compatibility)
Health and safety considerations:
- Travel insurance highly recommended
- No mandatory vaccinations (except yellow fever if applicable)
- Sri Lanka maintains good healthcare standards
- Emergency services accessible in major cities
Cultural and legal compliance:
- Respect local customs and religious sites
- Dress modestly when visiting temples
- Alcohol restrictions in certain areas
- Photography restrictions at military installations
Cost Comparison and Value Proposition
The free visa-on-arrival system provides exceptional value for Indian travelers compared to many other international destinations. Previously, Sri Lankan visas cost $50 for Indian citizens, making the current free system a significant cost saving.
Budget planning advantages:
- Zero visa costs allows budget allocation to accommodation and activities
- Reduced travel planning time and complexity
- No risk of visa rejection affecting travel plans
- Savings on visa agent fees and processing charges
Important Limitations and Restrictions
While the visa-on-arrival system is generous, travelers should understand its limitations to avoid complications.
Permitted activities:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Medical treatment (short-term)
- Cultural and sports events participation
Prohibited activities:
- Employment (paid or unpaid)
- Business activities beyond meetings
- Journalism or media work
- Educational enrollment
Avoid submitting false or forged documents, as this may lead to criminal proceedings. Be transparent about your travel intentions and comply with health and safety regulations.
Conclusion
Indian citizens can indeed get tourist visas automatically upon arrival in Sri Lanka at no cost, making travel between these neighboring countries more accessible than ever. The current system eliminates advance applications, processing fees, and lengthy wait times while maintaining proper immigration controls. With 30-day validity, double entry privileges, and extension options up to 270 days, the visa-on-arrival facility caters to diverse travel needs from short holidays to extended cultural exchanges.
Key takeaways for Indian travelers:
- Free visa-on-arrival available at all Sri Lankan entry points
- 30-day validity with double entry facility
- Extension possible up to 270 days total stay
- Valid passport and supporting documents required
- No advance application necessary
This policy represents Sri Lanka’s commitment to tourism development and regional cooperation, making the island nation an increasingly attractive destination for Indian travelers seeking cultural experiences, natural beauty, and warm hospitality without visa-related barriers.