Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, attracts travellers with its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, Indian passport holders need to obtain a Sri Lanka visa to enter the country.

visa-assistance visa-assistance
Get Started

Types of Sri Lanka Visa

One needs to apply for a Sri Lanka visa to explore the wonders of this beautiful country. The type of visa you require will depend on the purpose of your visit, such as:

Sri Lanka tourist visa

If you’re planning a leisure trip, visiting family and friends, or exploring the beautiful landscapes of Sri Lanka, you will need to apply for a Sri Lanka tourist visa. This visa allows for short-term stays.

Sri Lanka business visa

For those travelling to Sri Lanka for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs, a Sri Lanka business visa must be applied for, before your journey.

Both the Sri Lanka tourist visa and Sri Lanka business visa typically permit a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended if necessary.

Visa type

Documents required

Sri Lanka business Visa

  • Passport bio page
  • The passport should have been issued less than 10 years ago with minimum 2 blank pages.
  • Passport size 35 x 45 mm, coloured photos in JPEG up to 1 MB
  • Invitation letter from host company in Sri Lanka
  • Hotel voucher and itinerary
  • Flight tickets

Sri Lanka tourist visa

  • Passport bio page
  • The passport should have been issued less than 10 years ago with minimum 2 blank pages.
  • Passport size 35 x 45 mm, coloured photos in JPEG up to 1 MB.

Note: Currently e-visa applications are not accepted due to website being under maintenance. Travellers may opt for visa-on-arrival subject to availability.
Visa policies are subject to change, so before departing, it's advisable to confirm the most recent details on the official Sri Lankan government or embassy website.

Please note:

Embassy/consulate may ask to submit additional documents. Applications are liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear or as per the given specification.

Sri Lanka visa-on-arrival

While some nationalities are eligible for a visa-on-arrival (VoA) in Sri Lanka, Indian passport holders must apply for a Sri Lanka visa in advance. The visa-on-arrival facility is not available for Indian citizens, making it essential to complete the visa process before departure.

It is recommended to check with One Vasco team and the official Sri Lankan immigration website or get in touch with the closest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for up-to-date information and any changes to the visa rules.

Sri Lanka visa online

Applying for a Sri Lanka visa online is a convenient option for Indian travellers. The application process can be completed through the official website of the Sri Lankan government or via authorised service providers. This method saves time and ensures that you have your visa ready before your trip.

Currently, e-visa applications are not accepted due to website being under maintenance.

It is recommended to check with the One Vasco team and the official Sri Lankan immigration website or get in touch with the closest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for up-to-date information and any changes to the visa rules.

How to apply for a Sri Lanka visa online through Air India?

Please follow the below steps to apply for a Sri Lanka Visa:

  1. Click here to visit the AirIndia OneVasco website.
  2. Add and review the applicants’ details before proceeding to checkout.
  3. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your visa application. The OneVasco visa concierge team will get in touch to assist you further and ensure a smooth process.
  4. Once the required documents are submitted and verified by our visa experts’ team, your Sri Lanka Visa application will be submitted for approval.
  5. Once approved, the Visas will be shared with you on your registered email address.

Sri Lanka visa processing time

The processing time for a Sri Lanka visa for Indians is generally 3-5 working days after the submission of all required documents. However, this timeframe may vary based on the volume of applications and the specific circumstances of each case.

If you apply for a visa at a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in person, the processing time can vary depending on the embassy's workload and the specific requirements of your application. It may take several days to a few weeks to process the visa. During peak travel seasons or holidays, the processing time for visas may be longer due to the higher volume of applications. In some cases, additional checks or verifications may be required, which can extend the processing time.

How to track Sri Lanka visa application?

You can contact your OneVasco travel consultant for real-time updates on your visa application.

What are the Sri Lanka visa fees and charges?

The visa fees for Sri Lanka can vary depending on the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and sometimes the processing method.

Below are the details for Sri Lanka visa fees:

  • Sri Lanka business visa fees - USD 75
  • Sri Lanka tourist visa fees - USD 75

In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional consular fees charged by the embassy or consulate for processing the application.

Frequently asked Questions

Yes, Indian citizens require a Sri Lanka visa to enter the country. A business visa or tourist visa is an authorisation to enter Sri Lanka that denotes the government's approval of a foreign national's entry into the nation.

  1. Click here to visit the AirIndia OneVasco website.
  2. Add and review the applicants’ details before proceeding to checkout.
  3. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your visa application. The OneVasco visa concierge team will get in touch to assist you further and ensure a smooth process.
  4. Once the required documents are submitted and verified by our visa experts’ team, your Sri Lanka Visa application will be submitted for approval.
  5. Once approved, the Visas will be shared with you on your registered email address.

No, you must apply for a Sri Lanka visa in advance. Indian citizens need to apply for a visa prior to travelling. A visit visa is an authorisation to enter Sri Lanka that denotes the government's approval of a foreign national's entry into the nation. Details about the duration and conditions of the stay are included in the visa.

The stay duration for a Sri Lanka Visa depends on the type of visa issued:

  • Short stay: Up to 60 days for business and tourism purposes.
  • Business visa: Issued for short to medium-term stays, ranging from 30 days to one year or more.
  • Tourist visa: Issued for short-term stays, ranging from 30 days to 180 days, depending on the visa type.
  • E-Visa: Allows stay of up to 60 days for both business and tourist purposes.

The validity period of your Sri Lanka visa depends on the type of visa:

  • Business visa: Validity ranges from 30 days to one year or more, depending on the duration of the stay.
  • Tourist visa: Validity ranges from 30 days to 180 days, depending on the visa type.
  • e-Visa: Allows for a stay of up to 60 days for both business and tourist purposes.

It's advisable to check the specific validity period of the visa type you are applying for, as visa regulations and policies may change over time. Additionally, some visas may allow for single or multiple entries during their validity period, so be sure to review all the details provided by the Sri Lanka consulate or embassy when applying.

Yes, travellers who hold a Schengen visa need to apply for a Sri Lanka visa to enter the country. A visit visa is an authorisation to enter Sri Lanka that denotes the government's approval of a foreign national's entry into the nation. Details about the duration and conditions of the stay are included in the visa.

Yes, you can apply for a Sri Lanka visa even if you haven't booked your flight tickets. When applying for a Sri Lanka visa online, you need to provide information about your intended travel dates and plans, including your entry and exit dates.

When applying for a Sri Lanka visa, there are specific criteria for the type of photo you must upload. As per the guidelines, photos must be in passport size with dimensions 35 x 45 mm.

Yes, documents can be uploaded in either PDF or JPG format. Ensure that your documents are saved in one of these formats when submitting them for your Sri Lanka visa application.

The processing time for a Sri Lanka business e-visa as well as a Sri Lanka tourist e-visa is typically 1-3 working days. However, it can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, the method of application, and the number of visa requests.

The processing time for a Sri Lanka business e-visa as well as a Sri Lanka tourist e-visa is typically 1-3 working days. However, it can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, the method of application, and the number of visa requests.

Yes, Indian citizens require a valid Sri Lanka visa to enter the country. A visit visa is an authorisation to enter Sri Lanka that denotes the government's approval of a foreign national's entry into the nation. Details about the duration and conditions of the stay are included in the visa.

No. Once a Sri Lanka Visa application has been submitted, it cannot be cancelled. However, if you no longer wish to travel to Sri Lanka or if your circumstances have changed, you can simply choose not to use the visa after it has been issued.

No. Sri Lanka Visa fees are non-refundable, so even if you choose not to use the visa, you may not be eligible for a refund.

Refunds are not available for visa rejections. Sri Lanka visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. When applying for a Sri Lanka visa, it is necessary to ensure all guidelines are followed to minimise the risk of rejection.

There is no specific timeframe that you must wait to reapply if your Sri Lanka visa application is denied. However, it's important to understand the reason for rejection and address the issues before submitting a fresh application.