Sri Lanka Visa Requirements For Indians

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for those interested in a combination of natural beauty with a fascinating culture. If you live in India, Sri Lanka also isn’t too far away, which is what makes it a popular vacation spot.

My first stint in Sri Lanka was a 28 day long road trip around the country driving a tuktuk in Sri Lanka. It has been one of the most fun and adventurous things I’ve done so far!

Sri Lanka visa for Indians is easy. But before heading to Sri Lanka, you’ll want to take care of some visa requirements. Preparing your documents for international travel can feel like an overwhelming process, especially for first-time visitors. To ensure a smooth journey for yourself and those travelling with you, we’ll cover what you need to do before your trip to Sri Lanka.

Continue reading for a guide on Sri Lanka visa requirements for Indians.

Preparing to File your Visa Application: Top Tips

There are four main Sri Lankan visa types, each catering to specific purposes and requiring specific papers. Considering just how much paperwork is required between visa types, it’s wise to organise the necessary documents for your visa type prior to commencing the application process. 

When compiling documents, it helps to use a tool that allows you to combine PDF files to organise your application. That way, you can ensure that any scanned pages are uploaded to your application in the correct order and with consistent formatting. This extra attention to detail will undoubtedly be appreciated by immigration officials!

Similarly, when uploading your e-Aadhaar Card or other related Indian government documentation, remember to make sure that you’ve removed the password protection on PDF files – otherwise Sri Lankan immigration officials won’t be able to access these documents. Thankfully, learning how to open digital Aadhaar PDFs is easy enough to figure out with a few good online resources.

Visa Classifications

Here are the four different Sri Lankan visa types and how to apply for each of them: 

Tourist Visa

This is the most common visa type if you’re looking to visit Sri Lanka on vacation. A Tourist Visa allows for short-term stays of 30 or 60 days for leisure and sightseeing activities. This visa type can be extended in certain cases. 

To qualify for a Tourist Visa, Indian citizens need to possess a valid passport and have no intention of securing employment or conducting commercial activities during their stay in Sri Lanka. Mandatory documentation includes:

1. A completed Visa application form – this is available at Sri Lankan consulates or online through the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration’s official website. 
2. A Passport-sized photograph – this must be a recent picture meeting the outlined requirements in the application instructions section.
3. Proof of travel reservations/accommodations – copies of your round-trip air tickets and itinerary, along with hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your Sri Lankan host.
4. Proof of financial means – this is proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, including a bank statement copy or letter of recommendation.

The Tourist Visa application fee for Indian nationals varies depending on the duration of your stay and the type of entry (single or multiple). If you’re applying in person, you can pay at the consulate or online with a credit card during the application process.

Business Visa

For those coming to Sri Lanka for business purposes, a Business Visa grants entry for purposes such as visiting trade shows, attending conferences, meetings with industry partners, etc. This visa often requires some extra documentation. 

Once again, eligibility requirements include a valid Indian passport. Travellers must also demonstrate intent to conduct business activities and not seek employment or engage in any paid activities.

The required documents are the same as for a Tourist Visa, with two additional requirements: 

1. Evidence of business activities – these are forms or records outlining the nature of your business activities, such as conference details or company correspondence.
2. Invitation From local partners – this is an official invitation from the local companies or entities you’ll be engaging with.

Transit Visa 

If you’re using Sri Lanka as a point of transit, you’ll be required to secure a Transit Visa. A Transit Visa is valid for either 2 or 4 days. The 4-day Transit Visa allows you to visit tourist destinations like Adam’s Peak and the Galle Dutch Fort.  

To apply for a Transit Visa, you’ll need to present your airline or ship ticket. 

Student Visa 

Foreigners can only apply for a Sri Lankan Student Visa from within the country. To be allowed entry, you’ll first need to secure an Entry Visa. Then, you’ll need to visit the Department of Immigration to secure your Student Visa. 

To get a Student Visa, you’ll need the following additional documents:

1. Proof of enrollment – this can be an admission/enrollment letter that demonstrates that you’ve been accepted into a local educational institution. 

Entry visas – as you can only apply for a Student Visa from within Sri Lanka, you’ll need an Entry Visa to enter the country initially.

Visa Application Process

You can apply for a Sri Lankan visa either in person or online. In this section, we’ll outline the procedure for both:

Web-Based Application

To apply for a visa online, you’ll need to visit the official Sri Lanka eVisa site and complete the following steps:

1. Select your application type (Tourist, Business, etc.)  from the options. 
2. Complete the application form with your personal details, travel plans and other required information. 
3. Upload your supporting documents, including passport, photograph and proof of travel. 
4. Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card. Remember that the cost varies depending on the visa type and trip duration.
5. After reviewing the form for accuracy, click submit and wait for an email confirmation with a personal reference number that you can use to track the status of your application. 

In-Person Application

If you’re looking to apply for a Sri Lankan visa in person, this is the process you need to follow:

1. Gather all your documents, including your passport, completed application form, photos and supporting paperwork.
2. Visit the nearest Sri Lankan consulate or embassy in your area.
3. Submit your paperwork to the embassy representative. You may be required to submit additional information and/or attend a short interview.
4. Pay the fees. 
5. Secure your receipt and application reference number.

How Long Does Visa Processing Take?

To make sure you don’t miss your trip, you should familiarise yourself with the processing times for various visas.

Tourist and Business Visas typically take 1 to 2 days when applying online, but this can vary depending on current application volume.

Transit Visas can take a few days, but are sometimes processed much quicker. 

When it comes to Student Visas, you want to apply as soon as possible when you arrive in Sri Lanka so that your Entry Visa doesn’t expire before you secure a Student Visa. 

You also want to dedicate some time to filling out all your forms and collecting the necessary documents. The earlier you start, the higher your chances of success. 

Whether you’re a tourist eager to ride a tuk-tuk for the first time or a student looking to study in Sri Lanka, you’ll need to secure a visa. You can make the process of doing so much less stressful by preparing early and following the instructions we’ve laid out in this article. Figure out which visa type you need, get your documents in order and start the application process today!

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