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Sri Lanka Visa Guide

What do you need help with?
What is your nationality?

Great news! You don't need a visa.

You can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days without a visa.

Requirements:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Return/onward ticket
  • Sufficient funds for your stay
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from infected areas)
Sri Lanka Immigration
What is the purpose of your visit?
What is the purpose of your visit?

You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

  • Tourist ETA: $25 USD (30 days, extendable)
  • Business ETA: $25 USD (30 days)
  • Processing time: Usually within 24 hours
  • Validity: 30 days from arrival

Required documents:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Return/onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Credit/debit card for payment
  • Recent passport-size photograph
Apply for ETA SriLankan Airlines Visa Info

Transit Visa or Embassy Application Required

  • Transit visa: $25 USD (for transit through Sri Lanka)
  • Other purposes: Contact Sri Lankan embassy/consulate
  • Processing time: 2-7 working days
Note: Some purposes require embassy application rather than online ETA.
ETA Website Find Embassy/Consulate
Are you a Sri Lankan citizen?

Requirements for Sri Lankan Citizens

  • Valid Sri Lankan passport
  • Valid visa for destination country (if required)
  • Departure tax may apply (usually included in ticket)
  • No exit visa required for tourism/business
Special cases requiring approval: Persons under judicial inquiry, certain government employees, or those with pending legal matters may need clearance.
Immigration Department Department of Foreign Affairs
Have you overstayed your visa/permitted period?

Normal Departure Process

You can leave Sri Lanka without any special procedures.

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Your entry stamp/visa
  • Boarding pass for onward journey
  • Complete departure card (if required)

Process:

  • Check-in for your flight
  • Complete security and immigration procedures
  • Pay any applicable departure tax (usually included in ticket)
  • Proceed to departure gate

⚠️ Overstay Situation

You will need to pay overstay fines and may face additional procedures.

Required steps:

  • Visit Department of Immigration & Emigration
  • Pay overstay fine (varies by duration)
  • Obtain clearance letter
  • May require immigration interview
  • Possible restrictions on future visits

Overstay fines (approximate):

  • 1-90 days: LKR 1,500 per day
  • 91+ days: Higher penalties apply
  • Additional processing fees may apply
Immigration Department Immigration Hotline