Visa policy of Sri Lanka

Visitors to Sri Lanka must obtain a visa, either on arrival to Sri Lanka or in advance, unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. Most visitors entering for tourism purposes are required to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) or a visa on arrival, unless they are exempt from obtaining one. However, citizens of some countries must obtain a visa in advance instead of an e-Visa before being allowed to enter Sri Lanka. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

On 17 April 2024, Sri Lanka replaced its previous Electronic Travel Authorisation system with a new e-Visa system, operated by VFS Global. However, the new e-Visa system's increased fees were criticised by Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who claimed that Russian airline Red Wings Airlines had ceased operating flights to Sri Lanka due in part to the increased visa fees, and warned that the tourism industry could be brought to a "standstill".

Ordinary passports
On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, for stays up to the duration listed below:

Alternatively, nationals of visa-exempt countries who instead choose to apply for a "Standard tourist visa" online are exempt from paying visa fees.

Non-ordinary passports
Holders of diplomatic, official, service or special passports of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, for stays up to the duration listed below:

D - Diplomatic passports O - Official passports S - Service passports Sp - Special passports PA - Passports endorsed for "public affairs". 1 - 90 days 2 - 30 days 3 - 60 days, 90 days within any 1 year-period. 4 - 90 days within any 180-day period. 5 - 30 days within any 60-day period.

Visa on arrival
Citizens of all other countries except the visa-exempt countries and countries whose citizens require a visa in advance may obtain a visa on arrival which is good for double entry for tourist or good for multiple entries for business, valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. Visas obtained on arrival are generally discouraged as such visas are not automatically approved for entry into Sri Lanka.

Citizens of the following countries and territories are ineligible to obtain an e-Visa, but may obtain a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. When obtaining a visa on arrival, they must provide a passport photo and fill in additional paperwork, such as a "Declaration of Identity for Visa Purpose", in order to be granted the visa.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
Citizens of all other countries except the countries whose citizens either require a visa obtained on arrival or in advance may also obtain an e-Visa online.

Prospective visitors can apply for the following types of tourism/business e-Visas (unless otherwise noted):


 * - Duration of stay demonstrates how many days visitor may stay in each entry.

Moreover, a US$18.50 service fee as well as a US$5 "convenience fee" is charged by VFS Global for each visa application, regardless of the type of e-Visa.

Gratis e-Visa
From 24 October 2023 until further notice, citizens of the following 7 countries are eligible for a gratis e-Visa (single entry) for tourism purposes only, valid for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Visa required in advance
Citizens of the following countries are ineligible to apply for both an e-Visa and a visa on arrival independently, and thus must obtain a visa in advance from one of the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions around the world:

When obtaining a visa at a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission, they must present the following documents:
 * Police clearance report
 * If the applicant is coming from another country after staying for more than 6 months, are required to provide Police clearance from that country and copy of the Visa
 * Certificate from a Sri Lankan guarantor & a photocopy of the guarantors NIC
 * Affidavit from a Sri Lankan JP (justice of peace) or a Lawyer
 * Accommodation information (place of stay)

Mandatory yellow fever vaccination
Citizens of the following countries must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in order to enter Sri Lanka: