Do Indian passport holders need a transit visa for Colombo (CMB)?

No transit visa needed

No ETA or visa needed if you do not leave the airport.

For an airside connection at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka: one ticket, bags checked through, onward flight to another country, no immigration.

Leaving the airport during the layover

Everyone else needs an ETA before arrival; a transit ETA of up to 48 hours is free. Since 25 May 2026 Indian, Pakistani and Nepali passport holders also get a free 30-day tourist ETA, while Bangladeshis pay the tourist ETA fee.

Watch out

Separate tickets, or a stay over 48 hours, need an ETA in advance.

Checked on 25 October 2026 against these sources. Transit rules change often, and the airline and the immigration authority have the final say, so confirm with your airline before you travel.

Check another layover

Other passports at Colombo

Other layovers for Indian passport holders

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