Sri Lanka entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in Sri Lanka — no pre-application needed. Just land at Colombo (CMB) or another international airport, fill out the arrival card, and receive the visa stamp. This policy is valid through 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. The visa costs $50 USD for a 30-day stay — pay in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or by card. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka immigration checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at CMB routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter or at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Carry at least $100 USD in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration rarely asks, but the visa-on-arrival counter may request proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free and automatic
No need to pay or pre-register. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Not extendable — plan your exit
The 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you think you might need more time, apply for a tourist visa before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Colombo (CMB) or other international airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There are dedicated counters for visa-on-arrival passengers.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive an arrival card on the plane or at the immigration hall. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at the visa-on-arrival counter
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa — no fee.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the stamp, collect your luggage and walk through customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Available online or on arrival for UAE passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid 6 months
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
UAE passport holders can apply for a multiple-entry visa online at no cost.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (USD 0)
For business purposes; requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (minimum $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)For UAE passport holders, visa on arrival is free for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)UAE passport holders can also obtain a free tourist visa online before travel. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are charged at immigration upon departure. | USD 5 per day (max USD 200) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) for up to 48 hours, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa required for airside transit up to 48 hours.
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas, especially after flooding.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in northern and eastern provinces.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 22, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and visa issues for visitors in the central region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 327.38 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. UAE passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at any Sri Lankan international airport. No pre-approval or ETA is needed.
The visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable — if you need longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
No, it's completely free for UAE passport holders. No payment is required at the airport.
Visa on arrival is only available at airports. If you enter by land or sea, you must obtain a visa in advance from a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Sri Lanka and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before your trip.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and a hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Typically 15–30 minutes at Colombo airport, depending on the queue. It's straightforward — just follow the signs to the visa-on-arrival counters.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.