Sri Lanka Visa for Indian Passport Holders in Dubai

Indian nationals — whether living in Dubai on a work visa, a long-term resident visa, or visiting the UAE — are ETA-eligible for Sri Lanka. The ETA is the correct and only online route for Indians; there is no separate Indian-specific visa category or form. The process is identical to that of other ETA-eligible nationalities: apply online, pay USD 50, receive approval by email.

The key change for Indian travellers to be aware of in 2026 is the fee. Prior to 2024, India's SAARC membership entitled Indian nationals to a significantly reduced ETA fee — in some periods the fee was waived entirely for short stays. Sri Lanka has since moved to a uniform USD 50 fee across all ETA-eligible nationalities to support tourism revenue recovery. The process remains fast and online.

The document requirements for the Sri Lanka ETA are minimal for Indian nationals — this is one of the most straightforward international visa applications available from Dubai. Here is what you need.

• Valid Indian passport: at least 6 months validity from your planned Sri Lanka entry date, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Check the expiry date carefully — if it falls within 6 months of your trip, renew your passport before applying.
• Passport scan (biographical page): a clear, legible photograph or scan of your Indian passport photo page. The full page must be visible — JPG or PDF format, under 1MB file size.
• Travel dates: your planned arrival date in Sri Lanka and intended duration of stay.
• Port of entry: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo — the only airport served by direct Dubai flights.
• Accommodation in Sri Lanka: hotel name and address or host's contact details. Confirmed booking not required at the application stage.
• Working email address: your ETA approval is sent here.
• Credit or debit card: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express to pay USD 50. The card can be issued in India (international cards) or your UAE bank account.

One frequent question from Indian passport holders is whether they need to show their UAE residence visa details during the ETA application. The answer is no — the ETA portal does not ask for your UAE visa information. You simply need your Indian passport details and the travel information listed above.

The Sri Lanka ETA application process for Indian passport holders is the same as the general process. Here is a condensed step-by-step specifically for Indian nationals in Dubai.

1. 1Open a browser and go to eta.gov.lk. Select "Tourist Visa" if you are visiting for a holiday.
2. 2Click "Apply for ETA" and begin the form. Select your nationality as "India" from the dropdown.
3. 3Enter your Indian passport details exactly as printed: passport number, full name (as on passport), date of birth, and expiry date.
4. 4Enter your travel information: planned entry date, duration of stay (up to 30 days), and Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) as port of entry.
5. 5Enter your Sri Lanka accommodation: hotel name and address or your host's address.
6. 6Upload a clear scan or photo of your Indian passport biographical page (photo page) — JPG or PDF, under 1MB.
7. 7Proceed to payment: pay USD 50 using your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card. UAE-issued cards work fine.
8. 8Submit and save your application reference number from the confirmation email.
9. 9Wait for your approval email — typically within 24 hours. Check spam if not received.
10. 10Print or save the approval email. You are ready to travel.

UAE Residence Visa and Your Trip

Your UAE residence visa does not affect your Sri Lanka ETA eligibility in any way. You can hold any category of UAE visa — employment, investor, long-term, family, or even a visit visa — and still apply for the Sri Lanka ETA on your Indian passport. The ETA is issued based on your Indian passport nationality, not your UAE residency status.

Travelling on a Recently Renewed Passport

If you have recently renewed your Indian passport, apply for the Sri Lanka ETA using your new passport details. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport number — you cannot use an ETA issued for an old passport when travelling on a new one. If you applied for an ETA with an old passport and then renewed your passport before travel, you must apply afresh with the new passport.

Families and Children

Every member of your family, including children, needs their own individual ETA. There is no family ETA or group ETA system. Children under 12 with their own Indian passports need their own application (parent completes it on their behalf). Apply and pay for each passport holder separately on the eta.gov.lk portal.

Dual Indian-UAE Nationality

India does not permit dual citizenship — Indian nationals must give up Indian citizenship if they become citizens of another country, including the UAE. If you are a UAE citizen (Emirati) of Indian origin, you travel on your UAE passport and apply for the ETA as a UAE national. If you are an Indian national with UAE residency, travel on your Indian passport and apply as an Indian national.

Sri Lanka is a natural fit for Indian travellers from Dubai — culturally familiar, geographically close (the island sits just 80km south of India's tip), yet genuinely different and exotic. For the Indian community in Dubai, Sri Lanka offers a compelling combination: it is one of the most affordable overseas holiday options from the UAE, requires only the simple ETA, and delivers an experience that feels both comfortable and adventurous.

• Language and culture: Sri Lanka has significant Indian cultural influence, and Tamil is an official language alongside Sinhala — many South Indian travellers find this particularly comfortable
• Vegetarian food: Sri Lanka is one of the most vegetarian-friendly travel destinations in Asia, with rice, dhal, and vegetable curries at every meal
• Budget-friendliness: Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable destinations accessible from Dubai, with meals and transport costing a fraction of Gulf prices
• Diversity: ancient temples in Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, pristine beaches in Mirissa and Trincomalee, wildlife safaris in Yala, and tea estate drives in Nuwara Eliya — all in one island
• Short flight time: under 4 hours from Dubai, making it realistic for a long weekend or short holiday without burning two days in transit

The 30-day ETA can be extended in Sri Lanka for a total stay of up to 90 days. Many Indian travellers use this option to combine a beach holiday with a longer exploration of the tea country, wildlife parks, and cultural triangle. The extension process is handled at the Department of Immigration in Colombo and is not complicated, provided you apply before your initial 30 days expire.

• Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, Colombo before your ETA expires
• Bring your passport, a copy of your ETA approval email, and details of your continued accommodation in Sri Lanka
• Pay the extension fee at the office — approximately LKR 5,000 to 10,000 per month (verify at the office)
• The extension is typically processed the same day or the following working day
• A maximum of two 30-day extensions can be obtained, giving a total of 90 days from your original entry date