Sri Lanka entry requirements, by passport
What you need to get into Sri Lanka depends on the passport in your hand. Find yours below: the visa or e-authorisation, how long you can stay, the official fee and the government page to apply on.
33 of 33 passports verified on official pages.
What each passport needs
| Passport | To get in | Stay | Document and fee | Apply | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Canada | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Mexico | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Brazil | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| United Kingdom | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Ireland | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Germany | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| France | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Italy | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Spain | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Netherlands | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Switzerland | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Russia | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Türkiye | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Israel | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| United Arab Emirates | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Saudi Arabia | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| India | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| China (mainland) | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Hong Kong SAR | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Taiwan | Visa needed before you fly | Per approval | Sponsor-based visa (ETA) approved at the Department of Immigration & Emigration head officeApply: Apply well in advance through a Sri Lankan sponsor | Official page | Verified |
| Japan | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| South Korea | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Singapore | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (reciprocal agreement)Apply: Before travel | Official page | Verified |
| Malaysia | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Thailand | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Vietnam | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Philippines | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Indonesia | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Australia | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| New Zealand | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: Free (since 25 May 2026)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
| Nigeria | Visa needed before you fly | Per approval | Sponsor-based visa (ETA) approved at the Department of Immigration & Emigration head officeApply: Apply well in advance through a Sri Lankan sponsor | Official page | Verified |
| South Africa | Travel authorisation before you fly | 30 days, double entry | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), touristOfficial fee: USD 50 online (USD 60 if obtained on arrival)Apply: Before travel; can be obtained even before booking a ticket | Official page | Verified |
Verified means NUM read it on a government page on 10–11 Oct 2026. Likely means a reputable source says it and one official page agreed. Not checked yet means NUM could not confirm it: use the official page. Fees are as published on that date and can change.
The rules everyone meets at the border
Passport
At least 6 months after arrival (FCDO); the US State Dept says 6 months beyond departure, so allow 6 months past your planned exit. Safe standard: 6 months beyond the day you leave.
Border systems for every visitor
All foreign nationals need an ETA for short tourist, business or transit visits, applied for at eta.gov.lk (official). Free for 40 nationalities since 25 May 2026; otherwise USD 50 (USD 20 SAARC). On-arrival ETA counters charge USD 60 (USD 25 SAARC). A 13 Oct 2025 announcement making a pre-travel ETA mandatory from 15 Oct 2025 was revoked on 30 Oct 2025, so procedures continue as before.
Onward ticket
Onward or return ticket required.
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds for the stay required.
Travel insurance
No insurance requirement found for tourist ETAs. Residence-visa applicants need a Health Protection Plan; Digital Nomad Visa applicants need international health insurance.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a yellow-fever risk country, including transit through an affected country (Smartraveller: within 9 days before entry; US State Dept: transits over 12 hours). Infants exempt (under 1 year per Smartraveller; under 9 months per State Dept). Sri Lanka also issues malaria advice for travellers coming from malaria-endemic countries.
Cash to declare at customs
Declare foreign currency above USD 15,000 on entry; up to USD 10,000 may be taken out on exit (US State Dept).
Taxes, levies and fees
Tourist ETA: free for 40 nationalities; otherwise USD 50 online / USD 60 on arrival (SAARC USD 20 / 25). Business ETA USD 55 (SAARC USD 30). Transit ETA (2 days) free.
Medicines, vapes and banned items
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited imports, as are gold (above allowances), weapons, narcotics and pornography. Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with the prescription. No drones over High Security Zones, military sites or the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Exporting antiquities needs Department of Archaeology permission.
Travelling with children
Children under 12 of any nationality get a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days. Carry each child's birth certificate or other proof of relationship.
Work, study, working holiday and nomad visas
Every official route NUM found for Sri Lanka. You apply directly with the government.
Work permits
Project professionals, BOI project expatriates, bank personnel and private-sector employees, plus dependants
Stay: 1 year (or period recommended), renewable
Line ministry / BOI / Central Bank recommendation; Health Protection Plan; security clearance; employment visas need an entry visa from a mission first
Official fee: See DIE visa fees page
Study
University students, students at approved institutions, volunteers and interns
Stay: 1 year or course period, renewable
Institution/line ministry recommendation; non-university students (and one guardian of a student under 16) must show USD 1,500 per year per person in bank receipts
Official fee: See DIE visa fees page
Working holiday
No working holiday scheme found for any of the 33 passports
Digital nomad
Remote workers, freelancers or owners of businesses not registered in Sri Lanka, serving clients abroad; age 18+; spouse and dependants allowed
Stay: 1 year, renewable annually (renewal needs Inland Revenue tax registration)
Remit USD 2,000/month (plus USD 500/month per dependant beyond two); international health insurance; police clearance (under 3 months old); medical report
Official fee: USD 500 per person per year
Long stay
Investors (USD 250,000) and professionals (USD 2,000/month); DIE lists it as extensions only for existing holders
Stay: 5 years
Investor: USD 250,000 in an RGFCA (USD 35,000 per dependant); police clearance
Official fee: USD 200 per person per year
Retirement
Senior foreign nationals; DIE lists it as extensions only for existing holders
Stay: 2 years, renewable
USD 15,000 fixed deposit in Sri Lanka plus USD 1,500/month remittance (USD 750 per dependant) and proof of pension/income
Official fee: USD 200 per person per year
Family
Foreign spouses (married 6+ months) and children of Sri Lankan citizens
Stay: First 1 year (free), then 2-year extensions up to 5 years, then 5 years at a time
Marriage certificate; interview with the Sri Lankan spouse
Official fee: Spouse: first issue free; employment-linked spouse categories USD 100/year
Investor
Foreign investors and their dependants
Stay: 5 years (USD 100,000+); USD 200,000+ gets 5 more years (10 total)
Invest in voting shares (10%+), 5-year+ debt securities, term deposits at licensed banks or property
Official fee: USD 200 per person per year
Business
Short business visits: meetings, negotiations, conferences
Stay: 30 days, multiple entry
Business purpose; State Dept advises getting it before arrival
Official fee: USD 55 (SAARC USD 30)
Transit
Passengers transiting Sri Lanka
Stay: 2 days, single entry
Onward ticket; not needed for air transit under 24 h airside (FCDO)
Official fee: Free
Tourist
All foreign nationals except sponsor-route nationalities
Stay: 30 days, double entry; extendable in Sri Lanka
Passport valid 6 months, return ticket, sufficient funds
Official fee: Free for 40 nationalities; USD 50 (SAARC USD 20); on arrival USD 60 (SAARC USD 25); under-12s free
What changed, and what is coming
- 2026-05-25 · In force Free 30-day tourist ETA (double entry) for nationals of 40 countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. An ETA is still required; fees paid before 25 May 2026 are not refunded. Source
- 2025-10-30 · In force Department of Immigration revoked its 13 Oct 2025 announcement that a pre-travel ETA would be mandatory for short-stay tourist and business visitors from 15 Oct 2025. ETA and on-arrival procedures continue as before. Source
Your checklist, with the dates it is due
NUM builds it for your passport and your travel dates: the authorisation and when to apply, the arrival card and the day it opens, what to carry at the border, your own country's exit rules, and a calendar file for every deadline.
Every document here is issued by a government, and the official link is the only place to get it. Most arrival cards and many authorisations are free. NUM is not a visa service and cannot apply for anything. Rules change without notice: the official page always has the final word.