Sri Lanka entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. Just show up at the airport with the right documents, and you'll be processed before immigration. No need to apply online in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Required before departure | Apply online at eta.gov.lk at least 48 hours before your flight. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on your nationality and is valid for 30 days from arrival. Print the approval email — some airlines check it at check-in.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Austrian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Sri Lanka. Airlines at Vienna and connecting hubs enforce this strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of Sri Lanka within 30 days of arrival satisfies this requirement. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Sri Lanka speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $100 USD per day in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Sri Lanka. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go. No exceptions.
Consider an e-visa to skip queues
The visa on arrival process at Colombo airport can take 30–60 minutes during peak hours. Applying for an ETA online before travel ($35, processed in 24 hours) lets you go straight to immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are separate queues for different nationalities — look for the one that includes Austria.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR accepted) or by card. The fee is around $35–50 depending on duration.
3
Receive visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Then go to the immigration counter for entry clearance. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD) for Austrians
Standard visa on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostLKR 20,000 (~$60 USD)
For frequent visitors; apply at Sri Lankan embassy before travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostLKR 15,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires local bank deposit of $50,000 or monthly income of $1,500.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income of $2,000/month. No local tax on foreign income. Apply online or at embassy.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For investors putting $100,000+ into local business or real estate. Includes residency for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Austrian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival. | Free (0 USD) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)No ETA required for Austrian passport holders; visa on arrival is free. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration; requires form and photos. | LKR 10,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of LKR 50,000 (~$150 USD). | LKR 5,000 (~$15 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanusRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food to reduce risk.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in dry zone.
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 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; bring passport, photos, and extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visitors in central Sri Lanka; same process as Colombo.
Practical information for AT 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 = 324.61 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for a fee of around $50.
Yes, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10). The extension costs about $50 and processing takes a few hours.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Sri Lankan immigration.
No, there is no arrival declaration form required for Sri Lanka. Just the visa on arrival process.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel. It costs about $35 and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue. The official site is eta.gov.lk.
Cash (USD or EUR) is most reliable. Cards are accepted at some counters but may have technical issues. Bring small bills to avoid change problems.
No, it's not mandatory. But if you're asked about it, having it shows you're prepared. More importantly, medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high — insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.