Sri Lanka and India share deep historical, cultural, and religious ties that date back thousands of years, and today the island nation remains one of the most popular and accessible international destinations for Indian travelers. As a SAARC member nation, Indian passport holders benefit from a reduced ETA fee of just $20 USD — significantly less than the $50 charged to most other nationalities. This discounted rate reflects the close bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The ETA for Indian citizens grants a 30-day double-entry stay for tourism purposes and can be extended up to 90 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Business ETAs cost $30 USD with multiple-entry privileges. The application process is straightforward - apply online at eta.gov.lk with your passport details, and approval typically arrives within 24 to 72 hours. Travel from India is exceptionally convenient, with direct flights from multiple Indian cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Tiruchchirapalli. Flight times are remarkably short, with Chennai to Colombo taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Indian visitors will find many cultural parallels in Sri Lanka, from Buddhist and Hindu temples to familiar culinary traditions and warm hospitality. The shared love of cricket adds another connection between the two nations. Sri Lanka offers Indian travelers a chance to experience a different yet familiar culture, with stunning beaches, ancient ruins, lush hill country, and incredible wildlife. The Indian rupee is not directly accepted, but currency exchange is easy, and the cost of travel in Sri Lanka is comparable to or slightly higher than mid-range travel in India.