You will have to apply for an e-visa if you wish to visit the country
Sri Lanka has deferred plans to roll out its free visa-on-arrival programme. The move comes days after the serial bombings on Easter Sunday which have claimed 253 lives so far.
Sri Lanka had announced that citizens from 39 countries, including India, visiting between May and October would get free visas on arrival. The move was expected to boost tourism to the island nation during the off-season. However, with security stepped up, and warnings of more attacks, the visa on arrival scheme is now on hold.
Indian tourists who plan to visit Sri Lanka will have to apply for an e-visa, also called the electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The Sri Lanka e-visa costs $65 (Rs4,500), takes about 24 hours to process and allows you to stay for up to 30 days. To apply, head here.
Sri Lanka is currently under a nationwide state of Emergency. However, its tourism board maintains that the country is open to business and tourism, and travellers will not be inconvenienced.
