Sri Lanka
General visa requirements for travelling to Sri Lanka. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Transit visa (Transit Visa - Short Stopover (up to 2 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Processing time
- On arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 2 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Free transit visa available for passengers transiting through Sri Lanka with documentary proof of onward travel. Valid for up to 2 days (48 hours). If staying only in the airport transit lounge without entering Sri Lanka, no visa is required at all. Not required if flying out on the same aircraft.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
For passengers making a short stopover while transiting to another destination.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Have confirmed onward flight ticket and valid passport ready for immigration.
-
Visa collection
Obtain free transit visa stamp on arrival at Colombo Airport by presenting onward travel documents.
Transit visa (Transit e-Visa (ETA) - Extended (2-7 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
- Fee
- $35 USD (if transit exceeds 48 hours)
- Validity
- 7 days
- Entry
- Single entry
For transit stays between 2-7 days. If transit exceeds 48 hours, the standard tourist ETA fee of $35 USD applies. Can be obtained via online ETA system or on arrival. Single entry only, cannot be extended.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
For passengers requiring a longer stopover (2-7 days) while transiting to final destination.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Transit ETA Application; Form url: https://eta.gov.lk
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply online for Transit ETA at least 24-48 hours before travel, or obtain on arrival at airport.
-
Fee payment
Pay transit ETA fee if stay exceeds 48 hours: $35 USD charged as tourist visa rate.
-
Processing wait
If applied online, receive ETA approval via email within 24-48 hours.