🇱🇰Sri Lanka Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?
It depends on your passport. Out of 198 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 198 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
E-visa
198
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for Sri Lanka
A transit visa exists for travellers changing planes or passing through without entering the country.
- Stay:
- 2 days
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (eta.gov.lk), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online. Check your passport's entry rules first.
- Online filing for nationalities eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The visa verdict above does not depend on this partner.
Sri Lanka visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Sri Lanka applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
Sri Lanka visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Sri Lanka publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business eTA | Business | 90 days | 30-55 USD | 24 hours | Multiple | Portal |
| Work / Residence visa | Work | 1 year | 200 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | Duration of programme | 200 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Family Reunification | Family | 1 year (renewable) | 0-200 USD | 15 business days | Portal | |
| My Dream Home retirement programme | Retirement | Renewable | 200 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Transit visa | Transit | 2 days | 0 USD | 24 hours | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Colombo
Population
23,300,000
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR Rs)
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil, English
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+94
Timezone
Asia/Colombo
Area
65,610 km²
Government
Presidential Republic
National day
February 4 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.lk
About
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean located south of India. The country is experiencing gradual economic recovery with 5% growth in 2024 and a per-capita GDP of USD 4,516. Sri Lanka is pursuing ambitious digital transformation, including the planned launch of a national digital identity in 2026.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Crime(Not assessed)
- Consult official travel advisories before departure
- Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth
Terrorism(Not assessed)
- Check current government security advisories
Transport
- Use official public transportation and licensed taxis
Natural risks(Sri Lanka is located in a region prone to monsoons and tropical cyclones)
- Prepare for the monsoon season (May-September and December-February)
- Check local weather alerts
Health(Developing healthcare system; private services available)
- Check recommended vaccinations before travel
- Obtain comprehensive travel insurance
- Use filtered or bottled water
Practical tips
- Store important documents online
- Keep your country's embassy contact details
- Stay informed about local developments
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Colombo · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Left
Unsafe (filtered water recommended)
10% in restaurants, optional but appreciated
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Shaani Sewwandi
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Harsha Samaranayake
Sri Lanka
Jacob Riesel
Sri Lanka
Andreas Schnabl
Sri Lanka
Marina Zvada
Sri Lanka
Stephanie Perera
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Alfred Franz
Sri Lanka
Stephanie Perera
Sri Lanka
Stephanie Perera
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Sri Lanka
Nandika Thejan
Sri Lanka
Atlantic Ambience
Sri Lanka
Alfred Franz
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
Sri Lanka ETA 2026: free visa for Europeans, how to apply and extend
Since 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for 40 countries including the UK, France and Germany: 30 days, two entries. It is still…
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
Staying airside and crossing immigration are not governed by the same rules. When a transit visa becomes mandatory, the Schengen case, the…
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Sri Lanka across 198 nationalities: 198 with an e-visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Sri Lanka visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 30 USD (Business eTA). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for Sri Lanka?▾
Sri Lanka issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 2 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to Sri Lanka?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Insufficient data in provided sources for a comprehensive assessment of current safety in 2026.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?▾
The official currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR Rs). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?▾
The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. The main spoken languages are: Sinhala, Tamil, English.
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