Sri Lanka visa and arrival guide

Visa and ETA

Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa to enter Sri Lanka as a tourist. Apply online before you travel, and only through the official government website. There are many look-alike agent sites that charge extra.

TODO: verify current ETA rules, fees, length of stay and any visa-free nationalities on the official Department of Immigration and Emigration site before publishing. The policy has changed several times since 2024.

You will typically need a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket and your first night’s address. TODO: verify.

Arriving at the airport

Sri Lanka’s main international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, about 30 to 45 minutes north of Colombo and 15 to 20 minutes from Negombo.

1. Immigration: have your ETA approval and accommodation address ready.
2. Duty free: the arrivals duty free area sells mostly appliances and drinks.
3. Money: exchange counters and ATMs are in the arrivals hall.
4. SIM card: network counters in arrivals.
5. Transport: pre-arranged driver, official taxi counter, or a ride-hailing app.

If you land late at night, stay your first night in Negombo rather than driving straight to Kandy or the south.

Money

The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Bring a debit or credit card that works abroad and some cash in a major currency as a backup.

• ATMs are common in towns. Some charge a fee. TODO: verify typical ATM fees and limits.
• Cards work in most hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants.
• Cash is needed for tuk tuks, small guesthouses, temples and markets.
• Tipping: a service charge is often added in restaurants. Tips for drivers and guides are appreciated. TODO: verify suggested amounts.

SIM cards and internet

Tourist SIM packs with plenty of data are cheap and available at the airport and in phone shops. The main networks are Dialog, SLT-Mobitel and Hutch. TODO: verify current tourist packages and prices.

Coverage is good in towns and along main roads, patchier in national parks and deep in the hills. Download offline maps before long drives.

First-day tips

• Do not book a long drive on your arrival day. Rest in Negombo.
• Change a small amount at the airport and use ATMs after that.
• Save your hotel’s address and phone number offline.
• Drink bottled or filtered water.

Questions about your arrival? Ask a local planner when you plan your trip.