Foreign travel advice

Sri Lanka

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Sri Lanka set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Sri Lanka. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements 

Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa you could be fined or detained by the police. 

You must follow the guidelines for tourists issued by Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration department

Applying for a visa 

You can get and pay for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) online, a few days before you arrive. You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka. 

It is also possible to apply for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival if you land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. However, the Department for Immigration strongly advise visitors to apply for an ETA before entry to Sri Lanka, as the approval of an arrival visa cannot be guaranteed. An arrival visa costs 60 US dollars, which is 10 US dollars more than the ETA.

You can complete an online arrival form 3 days before arriving in Sri Lanka. The service is free and may save time when you arrive.

If you want to stay for more than 30 days, up to 180 days, you need to apply online as you cannot apply on arrival. 

If you want to extend your visa, contact the Immigration and Emigration department

You do not need a visa if you’re travelling through Sri Lanka by air, as long as the connecting flight is within 24 hours of your arrival. Check with your airline about transit times. 

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Sri Lanka’s guide

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sri Lanka. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Sri Lanka 

Most major banks allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are ATMs in major towns and cities, but not all accept international cards. 

You cannot transfer money without an exchange control permit issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

Some travellers have reported problems using cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their bank’s automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. Inform your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements.