Sri Lanka entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that usually takes 1–2 business days. As of 2026, the ETA is valid for tourism and short business visits.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to get this online approval before you fly; it's not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Citizens of the United Arab Emirates must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. Apply through the official ETA website at https://eta.gov.lk/ at least a few days before departure. The ETA is valid for tourism purposes and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip, or you may be denied boarding. At least 6 months from arrival | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It's wise to have more than one if you plan to visit neighboring countries. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a destination outside Sri Lanka, with a date within the validity of your ETA (typically 30 days from arrival). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a credit card or some cash to show you can support yourself. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The amount is not fixed, but having access to at least USD 50 per day is a good guideline. | Recommended |
| Vaccination requirementsOnly needed if you've recently been in a yellow-fever-affected country. Yellow fever if applicable | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is not required for direct travel from the UAE. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms before landing. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for UAE passport holders. The ETA and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
Apply early – don't risk it
While the ETA usually processes in 1–2 business days, there have been delays during holidays and system maintenance. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid last-minute panic.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day stay cannot be extended. If you need more time, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight information, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online (around $35–$50 USD depending on the type). Processing usually takes 1–2 business days, but apply at least a week before to be safe.
2
Check your email for approval
Once approved, you'll receive an ETA approval notice by email. Print it or save it on your phone – you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing in Colombo, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'E-Visa' counters. Present your passport and ETA approval. The officer will stamp your passport – you're usually through in 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, grab your luggage and head to customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can walk through the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Allows business activities, not employment.
Residence Visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$100–$200
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration.
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – ExtendedFor tourism, valid for 180 days from arrival, double entry. | $40 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For 30-day extension, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $25 |
| Late fee for overstayPer month or part thereof, payable at airport or immigration office. | $50 |
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 transiting through Sri Lanka (staying airside) do not need a visa. If leaving the airport, an ETA is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If transiting for more than 24 hours, an ETA is required even if staying airside.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB) · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
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 = 335.84 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
Yes, you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which is essentially an e-visa. You apply online before you travel – it's not a visa on arrival, so don't skip this step.
The ETA allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
The fee varies depending on the type of ETA (tourist, business, transit). For a standard tourist ETA, it's around $35–$50 USD. Check the official website for the exact current fee.
Usually 1–2 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
There is an on-arrival ETA facility at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it's more expensive and can involve long queues. It's much better to apply online in advance – it's cheaper and faster.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
The standard tourist ETA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave Sri Lanka and come back, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.